September 2021
Serving it Up with Parks and Recreation
Thank you all this Labor Day for your dedication
to our environment and our community.

From the Garden Program
Butterfly Counts Completed by Garden Program Volunteers 
By: Andee Naccarato, CCPR Volunteer & President of Naples Native Plants 
 
Volunteers in the Garden Program celebrated Pollinator Week (June 21st-27th) by counting 440 butterflies representing at least 25 species! The butterfly counts were conducted at three Collier County Parks, including Conner Park (121 butterflies, 9 species), Sugden Regional Park (189 butterflies, 18 species), and North Collier Regional Park (130 butterflies, 18 species).  
Participants counted butterflies present in the Parks’ butterfly gardens and walked predetermined routes through additional Park areas, including forested areas, pond edges, and open lawn spaces. Volunteers recorded if certain types of butterflies were observed in the butterfly gardens or in other natural park areas. Knowledge of butterfly species seen in the Parks (but not yet in the butterfly gardens) may guide future host plant selection within the gardens. 
Every Park delighted the butterfly counters with at least one surprise. In Conner Park, Statira Sulphurs were observed laying eggs on coinvine, their native host plant that grows around the Park perimeter. Making appearances at Sugden Regional Park were rarely-seen Checkered Whites and a Palamedes Swallowtail, whose native host plants (red bay & swamp bay) are sadly declining from disease throughout south Florida. The Park with the greatest number of unique species was North Collier Regional Park, with identifications of Brazilian Skipper, Common Buckeye, Great Southern White, Mallow-Scrub Hairstreak, Queen, and White Checkered-Skipper. 

These impressive counts were made possible by dedicated Garden Program Volunteers along with additional volunteers representing Collier County Master Gardeners, Cypress Cove Landkeepers, and the Naples Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society. Thank you to Debi Siciliano (Volunteer Coordinator) and the following volunteers for your positive energy and efforts in completing these counts: Steve Burdette, Dante Cirilli, Christy Duff, Cherie Glen, Daphne Jameson, Maureen McFarland, Jennifer Meader, Connie Nagele, Debbie Polen, Jane Smith, and Linda Weinland. 
Data gathered from this citizen science project is being shared with butterfly conservation organizations, such as eButterfly and the North American Butterfly Association. More butterfly counts are being planned for Fall 2021 and Spring 2022.

If you'd like to volunteer in a garden we have openings at North Collier Regional Park and Conner Park for more gardeners.

If you would like to volunteer, please contact Connie Nagele (Lead Volunteer) at CNageleart@gmail.com. 
SAVE THE DATE
November 6th - Butterfly Counts
  • Conner Park
  • Sugden Regional Park
  • North Collier Regional Park

November 13th & 14th - Naples Yard and Garden Show
  • University Extension Office, 14700 Immokalee Road, Naples, FL. 34105
  • Volunteer at our Parks and Recreation table

December 4th - Snow Fest 2021
  • Golden Gate Community Park
  • Volunteer with us for this annual community event
Volunteer Opportunities
Garden Volunteer Program
Positions are open for regular volunteers in our pollinator gardens at:

Conner Park - 492 Bluebill Drive
North Collier Regional Park - 15000 Livingston Road
Sugden Regional Park - 4284 Avalon Drive

Each garden has a set day each week, to volunteer for a couple hours. Days/times differ by garden.
Gate Keepers
Fall Sports - RecPlex, North Collier Regional Park
Fall indoor sports are starting soon! Basketball score keeper positions are open in the volunteer portal. Have fun, while serving with us.

For more information call: 239-252-4033
Upcoming Events
Kids Night Out
  • Saturday, September 4 - 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
  • Friday, October 15 - 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
  • Friday, November 12 - 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
  • Friday, December 17 - 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
  •  Cost: $10
  • Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park, 11565 Tamiami Trail E.
Kids get a great night out and parents get a night off! Leave the kids with us for a couple hours of games, activities, dinner and a movie!
This night will be a Pajama themed evening. We encourage children to wear pajamas for this evening of themed games and activities.
5th Grade Dance
  • Friday, September 17 - 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
  • Friday, November 19 - 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
  •  Cost: $10
  • Max A Hasse Jr. Community Park, 3390 Golden Gate Blvd. W.
Dance the night away at our Elementary School dance. Tickets on sale two weeks prior to dance. Includes pizza and a drink.
239-252-4200
Fall Carnival
  • Thursday, November 4 - 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
  •  Cost: FREE
  • Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park, 11565Tamiami Trail E.
Full scale Carnival for the whole family to attend!
Thursday - Friday - 6:00 p.m.. - 10:00 p.m.
Saturday - 3:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sunday - 2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
239-252-3527
Digity Dog Festival
  • Saturday, November 6 - 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
  •  Cost: FREE
  • Golden Gate Community Park, 3300 Santa Barbara Blvd.
This will be a 4 hour event with local dog vendors to showcase and educate people on their different products/services and also demo's that will be performed in the dog park area. We will have food trucks, DJ and raffles to keep everyone entertained. The event will take place Saturday November 6th, 2021 from 9:00am-1:00pm
239-252-6128
Have you checked out your volunteer portal yet? You may sign up for volunteer opportunities from the comfort and convenience of your smart phone, tablet or computer.

We are posting new volunteer opportunities regularly. Log in to the volunteer portal and look for the Help Wanted button to see the calendar of opportunities.

Your login credentials are the e-mail address you have on file with us, and you will use password "1008". You will be prompted to change the password when you log in for the first time. If you have any trouble accessing your account please call me at 239-252-4033.