The Friends of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park are hosting a lecture focusing on gardening and conservation. Liah Continentino, the environmental horticulture agent and master gardener volunteer coordinator for UF/IFAS Extension Monroe County, will be the speaker.

Pennekamp Lecture Series Continues

Continentino's talk is part of the 35th annual lecture series, titled “A Delicate Balance of Nature,” held at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The event is scheduled for Monday, July 27. The lecture will highlight five key pollinators and explore how gardening can serve as an effective conservation method. Attendees will also learn how to participate in the Great Florida Pollinator Census, a citizen science initiative taking place on August 21-22.

The lecture will highlight five key pollinators and discuss how gardening can be an effective conservation strategy.

Event Details

The lecture will take place at the Visitor Center and Aquarium building within John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, located at 102601 Overseas Highway, Oceanside. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for a pre-lecture reception, sponsored by the Friends of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The main lecture is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. Guests are advised to bring their own cushions for seating comfort, as auditorium temperatures can vary, and a sweater or light jacket may be advisable. To accommodate individuals with chemical sensitivities, attendees are asked to refrain from wearing fragrances and other scented products.

For those unable to attend in person, the lecture will be accessible via Zoom. Information on how to join the virtual session can be found on the Friends of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Facebook page or at PennekampParkFriends.org. The auditorium is wheelchair accessible. For further information or to request accommodations, individuals should contact Elena Muratori, Park Services Specialist at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, at 305-676-3786 in advance of the event. More details on Florida's State Parks are available at FloridaStateParks.org.