Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve Celebrates 5 Years with Exploration Day

Annual festival invites public to experience restored nature preserve in Englewood, Florida

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve in Englewood, Florida is celebrating the 5-year anniversary of its major habitat restoration project with an Exploration Day festival on Saturday, February 14, 2026. The free event hosted by Lemon Bay Conservancy will feature guided nature walks, hands-on kids' activities, and educational booths from local environmental groups.

Why it matters

The Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve was previously a golf course that has been restored to its natural state, providing a haven for local wildlife. The annual Exploration Day event helps connect the community with this important conservation effort and raises awareness about the work of the Lemon Bay Conservancy and its partners in protecting the region's natural resources.

The details

The Exploration Day festival will run from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the preserve located at 3120 Gasparilla Pines Boulevard in Englewood. Attendees can participate in guided nature walks, hands-on activities for kids, and learn from educational booths hosted by groups like Peace River Audubon, Ruth Ward Plant Sale, DEP Water Quality/Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserve, Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Coastal Wildlife Club, Greater Charlotte Harbor Sierra Club, and the Englewood Shell Club.

  • Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve completed its major habitat restoration project 5 years ago.
  • The Exploration Day festival will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Lemon Bay Conservancy

A non-profit organization with a mission to protect the wildlife and wild places around Lemon Bay, Gasparilla Sound, and their watersheds through land preservation, restoration projects, water quality work, education, and conservation advocacy.

Southwest Florida Water Management District

A government agency that partnered with Lemon Bay Conservancy and NOAA on the $1.2 million 'rewilding' project to restore the Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve.

NOAA

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that also collaborated with Lemon Bay Conservancy and the Southwest Florida Water Management District on the Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve restoration project.

Dr. Bill Dunson

A conservationist who will give a short talk about his work and what's next for the Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve.

Dr. Mary Davis

A conservationist who will give a short talk about her work and what's next for the Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve.

Jayne P Dean

A conservationist who will give a short talk about her work and what's next for the Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve.

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What they’re saying

“My hope is that people come out to learn about the preserve and see what our conservation partners are doing. We're protecting a place that's home to birds, mammals, reptiles, plants, and people. It's a fantastic chance to experience wild Florida. And honestly, volunteering here is just rewarding—beautiful, fun, and it brings people together.”

— Brad Kort, Event Coordinator (englewoodreview.com)

What’s next

The Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve Exploration Day festival will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The takeaway

The Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve's annual Exploration Day event showcases how community-driven conservation efforts can transform previously degraded land into a thriving natural habitat that benefits both wildlife and people. The festival provides an opportunity for the public to engage with local environmental organizations and experience the beauty of this restored preserve firsthand.