Friends group announces first ‘Sip for the Slough’ event March 21
The Friends of Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is offering a new event for its members and the public: a wine and cheese evening from 7 to 8:30 p.m. March 21 on the back deck of the Slough’s Interpretive Center.
“We are beyond thrilled to announce our first ever after-hours event at the Slough,” the Friends wrote in an email to members. “Everyone is invited to join us for ‘Sip for the Slough,’ an intimate wine and cheese evening to support the Friends.
“This gives visitors a unique opportunity to gaze upon the Slough at a time of day when the gates are usually closed, while enjoying a variety of wines and cheeses.”
Tickets for the event are $75 each and are available through Eventbrite until March 6. Guests must be at least 21 years old. Information and a link to Eventbrite is available on the Friends website.
The Friends is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting and promoting Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve for future generations through education and community partnerships.
Although the Slough is managed by the Lee County Parks and Recreation Department, the Friends provide additional funding and services that support the Slough’s mission, staff and volunteers. Examples include signage and benches on the historic boardwalk, spotting scopes for viewing wildlife, and scholarships for summer campers. The Friends also run the nature store inside the visitor center, the annual photo contest for amateur photographers, the guest speaker series, conduct wet walks, and tend to the rock and stroll butterfly garden.
The Friends are offering individuals and businesses the opportunity to help sponsor “Sip for the Slough,” with sponsorship packages at the $1,000 level (Great Horned Owl Circle), $500 level (Barred Owl Circle), and $250 level (Screech Owl Circle). Call 239-533-7557 or email friendsofthesloughevents@gmail.com for details.
A silent auction will be held during the wine and cheese event. Items include a private wet walk for 10 people, a Carol Matthai photograph, and theater tickets, among other things.
Membership levels in the Friends organization start at $10 for students and $25 for individuals. More information is available on the Friends website.
More about Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is at 7751 Penzance Blvd., Fort Myers. The preserve has more than 3,500 acres of wetland ecosystem, with a boardwalk trail and Interpretive Center. Animals like otters, alligators, turtles, wading birds, and more live at the Slough year-round. Others, like migrating birds and butterflies, use the Slough as a feeding area or a winter home.