Celebrate Earth Day—or plan an eco-friendly getaway any time of year—in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach. As an ecotourism destination, the area offers parks and preserves, scenic paths for walking or biking, wildlife-filled waterways, and a strong commitment to protecting its natural resources.
Earth Day Events
Here are some of the area’s signature Earth Day events:
The inaugural Earth Day at the Village at Fishermen's Village will feature interactive displays and participation from local environmentally-focused businesses and groups such as SUP Englewood, Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens, and the Peace River Wildlife Center and many more. Join them Wednesday, April 22, from 10 am–4 pm.
The Barrier Island Parks Society invites everyone to the annual Englewood Earth Day Festival, April 19, 11 am–4 pm at the Buchan Airport Community Park to celebrate sustainability with eco-friendly crafts, plant sales, live music, and more.
Prana Farms Butterfly Festival takes place April 17–19 (the weekend before Earth Day) and features their interactive butterfly exhibit, their nature experiences, animal encounters, kids games and bounce houses.
Eco-Friendly Things to Do Year-Round
Beyond Earth Day events, eco-friendly activities are available year-round:
- Guided seagrass wading trips at Cedar Point Environmental Park
- Fun and funny bus tours through four distinct ecosystems with Babcock Ranch Eco-Tours
- Fishing, hunting, biking, or exploring the Babcock/Webb Wildlife Management Area
- Explore the entirety of Punta Gorda on a free loaner bicycle, the ultimate carbon-neutral transportation option
Most tours, whether on land or water, are led by Florida Master Naturalists who share insights into the ecosystem as you explore.
The area’s many protected natural spaces support thriving biodiversity in picturesque settings. In fact, our area is one of the very few places where rare Florida Scrub-Jays thrive, alongside countless other species, which makes birding in the area especially rewarding.
With several state parks and many local parks and preserves in the area, tranquility and wonder are never far away. Explore all manner of wild nature, from lush inland landscapes to a 200-mile Blueway Trails system connecting to Charlotte Harbor, the second-largest estuary in Florida.
Protecting What Makes This Place Special
Environmental stewardship is a central part of life here, from our Florida Friendly Fishing Guides to several eco-conservancies and wildlife sanctuaries.
Visitors can support these efforts by choosing eco-tours, respecting wildlife habitats, and exploring by bike or on foot whenever possible.
Learn more in our guide to sustainable travel: Why Conservation is Important in Florida and How to Have a Sustainable Vacation.
Water Wonderland
Get a glimpse of the area’s waterways in this short video:
