Wild Amelia Nature Festival 2012

Are you a nature lover? Do you love taking photos of nature? Well then, plan to attend the Wild Amelia Nature Festival happening in May 2012 (plus special FREE seminars being held monthly in Fernandina Beach leading up to the event).

The bobcat is the critter of the year at the 2012 Wild Amelia Nature Festival, being held May 18 – 20, 2012 on Amelia Island, Florida.  The annual festival in its sixth season is a celebration of the bioregion and features nature tours, photography, a green business expo, and Kid’s Niche with nature-based activities.  The exhibits and expo are held at Fernandina Beach’s Recreation Center at 2500 Atlantic Avenue.

NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST, WILD AMELIA

Are you a shutterbug? Whether you’re a beginner or pro, start shooting flowers, birds, wildlife and other aspects of the natural environment around Amelia Island.  The Wild Amelia nature photography contest will award two adults with $150 prize money each for first place (adult beginner and adult pro/advanced).  But those who love nature and photography know it’s not about the money. Just being outdoors enjoying beautiful scenery and chance opportunities to photograph wildlife is reward enough. (Kids can also enter the photography contest with chance to win $30.) Deadline for photo entries is April 6, 2012.

“WILD NITE” FREE SEMINARS LEADING UP TO THE FESTIVAL

Leading up to the May festival are several opportunities to learn more about our local barrier island environment and its wildlife during special “Wild Nite” seminars.  These free evening seminars are held at Fernandina’s Peck Center (516 South 10^th Street) and begin at 7 pm (co-sponsored by the Fernandina Beach Parks & Recreation Department).

Here’s the schedule of upcoming free seminars to learn about local Amelia Island nature:

Getting to know the birds – Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Love birds?  Spend some time Valentine’s night hearing about Amelia Island’s birds. Carole Adams of the Duval Audubon Society will share interesting stories about birding in the local area.

Invasive Plants – Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Maia Maguire of Sea Grant to discuss invasive plants.

Saving the Sea Turtles – Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Mary Duffy of Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch, Inc., (the local volunteer group who monitor Amelia Island’s beaches during sea turtle season from May through October), will speak about the endangered reptiles that frequent our beaches every year.

Bobcats – Tuesday, May 8, 2012

A Fort Clinch State Park ranger will present information about bobcats, the 2012 Wild Amelia Nature Festival’s “Critter of the Year.”

Find out complete information about nature tours and activities during the 2012 Wild Amelia Nature Festival  and nature photography contest by visiting their website.