Aviary butterflies beauty in motion
By BETSY CLAYTON, bclayton@news-press.com
Published by news-press.com on August 21, 2003

A Julia butterfly prepares to unfurl it’s proboscis into a jatropha flower at the new Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium’s butterfly aviary. ANDREW WEST/news-press.com	A pair of zebra longwing butterflies flitter from flower to flower at the aviary Tuesday. The longwing is the state butterfly. ANDREW WEST/news-press.com

Aviary butterflies beauty in motion

By BETSY CLAYTON, bclayton@news-press.com
Published by news-press.com on August 21, 2003

A Julia butterfly prepares to unfurl it’s proboscis into a jatropha flower at the new Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium’s butterfly aviary.
ANDREW WEST/news-press.com
Some liken a walk through a butterfly aviary to being in a dream.

Or maybe it’s like being in a Disney movie when small animals flock around a princess.

Sometimes it’s as if the butterflies are confetti in a wildlife version of New Year’s Eve.

Hues of green, gold, red, crimson, burnt orange and even lavender are harbored in the month-old aviary at the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium in Fort Myers.

It’s only 42 feet long and 20 feet wide, but the aviary is surrounded by an outdoor butterfly garden that creates a feeling of a butterfly forest rather than a screened-in structure.

More than 100 butterflies are there. Eventually, 300 of the delicate insects will represent about 30 species, said center executive director Michael Simonik.

For now, though, enough butterflies exist to strike awe in visitors.
A pair of zebra longwing butterflies flitter from flower to flower at the aviary Tuesday. The longwing is the state butterfly.
ANDREW WEST/news-press.com
“ They’re pretty. Colorful and pretty,” said Joan Paver of Bonita Springs, who brought her husband and granddaughter Wednesday.

Simple words for nature’s simple beauty.

Watching the winged beauties is like looking at a Claude Monet painting in motion.

Dots of color everywhere.

Every day.

• Call 275-3435 or go to www.CalusaNature.com

Fly away to this garden

The Butterfly Sanctuary in Naples allows visitors to get an up-close look at these beauties. But you need an appointment.

By ANDREA STETSON, Special to the News-Press

Butterfly gardens are fluttering and flowering in back yards across Southwest Florida, but when a family turns a butterfly garden into a mecca for the colorful winged creatures it becomes more than something for private enjoyment.
Steven Vargas, 8, examines a butterfly at the Butterfly Sanctuary in Naples. ANDREA STETSON/Special to news-press.com
Mia Mazza’s butterfly garden is so extensive she’s opened it up for private tours. While it’s enjoyed by adults and seniors, she also caters to the area’s youngest visitors, with games and activities that lead up to the search for butterflies down the wooded paths and in the screened flight area.

More than 60 larval food plants and nectar plants bloom around several acres in a rural but fast-growing east Naples community. (The Mazzas don’t like to advertise their location, lest they get over-run. Instead, visitors must call for an appointment.)

Months of research led to Mazza’s knowledge about the butterflies, caterpillars and the plants they like. “We did it piece by piece and plant by plant,” she says.

Now she’s helping others learn too.

She especially wants children to understand the role plants play in the lives of creatures such as butterflies.

Some of the most commonly seen butterflies at the Sanctuary include zebra longwings, fritillaries, soldiers, queens, spice bush swallowtails, monarchs and great southern whites.Mazza said her personal favorite is the zebra longwing. The black butterfly with yellow stripes is the official Florida State butterfly. IF YOU GO
• WHAT: The Butterfly Sanctuary
• WHERE: East Naples (Get directions when you make an appointment for a tour.)
• WHEN: 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment only
• COST: Donation of $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and $2 for children ages 3-12 is requested.
• INFORMATION: (239) 354-1098

While the butterflies can be seen flitting from plant to plant along the trails, it’s in the screened flight house that youngsters can get close to the flying creatures and crawling caterpillars.

Inside the 12-foot-long room, caterpillars wiggle across long leaves as they munch favorite greenery; eggs cling to the bottoms of other leaves; butterflies circle heads as they fly from plant to plant for food.

“I like the black and orange ones because those are my favorite colors,” said Steven Vargas, 8, of Fort Myers.

When they arrive at their appointed time, young guests start out by coloring some butterfly pictures. There’s also a children’s book that Mazza wrote to teach little ones about the zebra longwing.

Then it’s off for the tour. Don’t forget to wear your bug spray.

And don’t wait too long for a visit.

The land is now for sale.

Then the Butterfly Sanctuary might become history.

SIGHTING
Eastern indigo snake
ID: Averaging 6-7 feet in the wild, the Eastern indigo is North America's largest nonpoisonous native snake. Some have been recorded at 8¤ feet. They are heavy-bodied snakes - about 2 to 3 inches thick. Despite their large size, they have very good temperaments and used to be common in carnival sideshows.

Indigos appear to be a glossy bluish-purple in the sunlight, but they are actually bluish-black in color. The blue color is especially strong after they shed. Some have reddish chins and throats.

WHERE: They're found in upland area and like dry and sandy soil. Don't count on seeing one though. They stay out of sight.

Indigos make their homes in gopher tortoise burrows - so much so that they are often called blue gopher snakes.

Indigos prey on rodents, frogs, birds, eggs and other snakes (they are immune to venom). They aren't constrictors, and they are not venomous.

NOTE: Indigos are a threatened species and are protected by law.

Q & A
Swamp buggy races in October
QUESTION: How can I find out when the next Swamp Buggy Races are?

- T.D., Fort Myers Beach

ANSWER: Mark your calendar for Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 25-26, at the Florida Sports Park in Naples. Check out the details online at www.swampbuggy.com

SITE TO SEE
J.N. 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge
WHAT TO EXPECT: This backyard treasure may be more fun to visit now that tourists and seasonal residents are gone. The birds are still plentiful. Just remember the bug juice.

The refuge is 5,000 acres of mangroves and estuary, home to 200 species of birds, including roseate spoonbills, anhingas, wood storks and ibis. You'll also see alligators, turtles and lizards. Plant lovers can see mangroves and air plants along the refuge's 5 miles of nature trails. The best time to see birds feeding is at low tide.

ACCESS: The visitor center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily except Friday. Wildlife Drive is open to pedestrian traffic sunrise to sunset Saturday through Thursday. Vehicles may enter 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The refuge is at 1 Wildlife Drive, off Sanibel-Captiva Road on Sanibel Island. Cost: $4 per vehicle, $1 for bicycles and pedestrians.

INFO: 472-1100.

OTHER ACCESS: A naturalist-guided tram tour is offered 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. from Tarpon Bay, which is next to the refuge. Cost: $10 adults, $7 children. Or see the refuge by canoe or kayak on the Commodore Canoe Trail, which starts at Tarpon Bay. Cost: $20 for two hours. Info: Pontoon boat with electric engines also are available for rent. Call 472-8900. Or go to www.tarponbayexplorers.com

BOATING TIP
If you're looking to buy, do your homework
Boat show season is just around the corner, and tips on buying are showing up in even non-boating publications such as Newsweek. Those in the market to buy can help themselves now by thinking about what they truly want. Some tips:

Know what you want to do on the water - fishing, sleeping aboard, etc. Figure out how many people you typically will have aboard.

Scan classified ads and trade publications to get a sense of the used market and its prices. Also read new boat ads to get a feel for the bells and whistles available.

Remember purchase price is just part of the equation. Consider slip fees or dry storage, insurance and safety gear and electronics.

WaterFrontFortMyers.com-Pet Friendly-located on the Carolina Ave. canal with boat dock available and solar heated pool (Time Square area of Estero Island) and only 150 yards to the beautiful white sands of Estero Island in the Gulf of Mexico. Be in the Gulf of Mexico within 1 minute from our boat docks. WaterfrontFortMyers.com provides free bikes available upon request, free fishing on our docks, free wireless internet access, and laundry facility. We are located on the Carolina Ave. canal street facing Hooters Restaurant, and 300 yards away from the Beached Whale restaurant in theTime Square area of Fort Myers Beach . Our location is quiet and peaceful.

Estero Island bird watching fun in the sun boating Twins Spring Season manatee tours Indian mounds golf courses Big M casino boat Red Sox Spring Season dolphin tours Caloosahatchee river tours charter boats Key West shuttle Stars and Strips for charter everglade tours Hurricane Charlie '04 snorkeling Salty Sams Marina beach cruises Edison & Ford Estates Fort Myers world famous Tanger outlet stores FMB Time Square prehistoric sharks restaurants Disney World fishing butterflies Lover's Key Shell Factory restaurant reviews History of Estero Island Panoramic view Time Square area attractions Must see Eco-Archaeo Trail

CHECK-IN: Check-in time is after 3:00 P.M EASTERN TIME. During peak season some units may not be ready by 3:00 P.M. Your patience will be appreciated. Arrivals will find the lockbox combination on their front door knob. Please check-in at the Rental Unit you are assigned. If you discover any deficiencies in the inventory or damage to the property upon your arrival, it is your responsibility to immediately inform WaterfrontFortMyers Inc. so you are not held responsible for the cost of repairing and/or replacing same.

OCCUPANCY: WaterfrontFortMyers Inc. is very serious about maintaining a family atmosphere for the quiet enjoyment of all our guests. We will rent to families and RESPONSIBLE ADULTS over the age of 25, proof of age is required. The total number of persons allowed in the unit at any time is restricted to the stated limit for each property. Absolutely no house/pool parties allowed. Any violators will be ejected according to F. S. 509.141 and will be billed for any damages. Augustine suite max 6 people, 8 people with additional $100 fee per person per week, Aquinas suite max 4 people, Reagan suite max 3 people, and Schaeffer suite max 2 people.

FALSIFIED RESERVATION: Any reservation obtained under false pretense will be subject to forfeiture of any rental prepayments. Guests will not be permitted to check-in.

ABSOLUTELY NO PETS are allowed unless you receive permission (those units that do allow pets, which must be specifically requested in advance). The number of pets must be declared and no unit is to exceed one dog or one cat- pet breed must be identified. Exceptions are made on an individual basis for two dogs but this must be requested in advance. Additional refundable pet fee have been waived on those units that do permit pets for one dog. A $100.00 non-refundable pet fee is required before occupancy for those people who have been given permission for two dogs, plus an 11% tax will be added to the cleaning and administrative fees. At all times, pet owners are required to clean up after their pets. If any evidence of a pet (s) is found in your unit or on the premises without prior permission, you will be asked to vacate immediately with no refund of any payments.

UNIT ASSIGNMENTS: We reserve the right to change unit assignments at our sole discretion without prior written notice and without any refund, this clause rarely happening. When you confirm a reservation, a unit will be assigned, however, no request or a specific unit is guaranteed. If a unit change becomes necessary, every attempt will be made to contact you by mail with a new confirmation and/or by a telephone call.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE: All on-line or phone bookings require an initial pre-payment of $300 - $500 via paypal or check. The final payment is due 60 days prior to arrival by paypal, cash, check, traveler's checks or bank money orders. All rates are subject to Florida state and local taxes. Should your personal check be returned for any reason, there will be a $35.00 returned check fee added to your balance.

HOUSEKEEPING: NO DAILY MAID SERVICE! Rates include housekeeping service only upon arrival/departure. Linens and bath towels are provided and are not to be taken from the unit. We suggest you bring beach towels. Housekeeping provides initial set-ups of paper towels, bathroom tissue, bath soap, trash can liners and may include single use dishwashing soap. The property is equipped with coin laundry located in the front of the complex facing Carolina Ave. If you wish to have additional service through your stay, we can accommodate this request for an additional charge.

CHECK-OUT PROCEDURE: CHECK-OUT time is prior to 10:00 A.M. DO NOT LEAVE KEYS IN THE PROPERTY!

All keys must be returned to the Lockbox that is located on your front door knob, there is a $50.00 fee for each unreturned key. We ask that you leave the property neat and orderly. All units are inspected before and after each occupancy.

CLEAN-UP AT CHECK-OUT: Place all debris, garbage and discards outside in proper containers located on the left side of the parking lot if you are facing the complex from Carolina Ave. Soiled dishes must be placed in dishwasher and cleaned. Up to three loads of laundry are o.k. Don't make your bed (.you are on vacation until you get home). Unit must be left in a neat and orderly condition (there is a minimum $50.00 charge if extra cleaning and rearranging of the furniture is required).

All windows/doors must be closed and locked.

PLEASE NOTE: IF EXPENSES ARE INCURRED TO REPAIR DAMAGE, REPLACE MISSING ITEMS, PAY FOR EXTRA CLEANING OR ANY OTHER VIOLATIONS OF THE RENTAL POLICY AS A RESULT OF YOUR STAY, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CHARGE YOUR CREDIT CARD TO OFFSET EXPENSES AND ADMINISTRATIVE FEES.

LOCKOUTS: If you lock yourself out of your property after office hours, you can call our emergency phone number 239-826-6460 . Our emergency service will either allow you back in for a cash fee of $50.00 or contact a local Locksmith to allow you back in the property. You will be responsible for paying any applicable fees directly to the emergency service or the locksmith at the time they come out.

CANCELLATIONS: Reservation prepayments will NOT be refunded unless the unit is re-rented for the same rental payment and time period reserved. If refunded WaterfrontFortMyers Inc. will retain $100.00 plus 11% taxes for a service fee. We strongly recommend that you purchase trip insurance for your protection.

CANCELLATIONS OR EARLY DEPARTURES FOR ANY REASON (EXCLUDING MANDATORY EVACUATION) DO NOT WARRANT ANY REFUND OF PREPAYMENTS OR RENT. Room changes are considered the same as a cancellation since the properties are individually owned.

DAMAGES: Damages must not be the result of willful, wanton or grossly negligent behavior, or damages by a pet. WaterfrontFortMyers Inc. has the final judgment in all instances. You must furnish a credit card to be used as a line of credit in case damages are deemed intentional. PLEASE NOTE: IF EXPENSES ARE INCURRED TO REPAIR DAMAGE, REPLACE MISSING ITEMS, PAY FOR EXTRA CLEANING OR ANY OTHER VIOLATION OF THE RENTAL POLICY AS A RESULT OF YOUR STAY, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CHARGE YOUR CREDIT CARD TO OFFSET EXPENSES AND ADMINISTRATIVE FEES.

INDEMNIFICATION OF DAMAGES: By taking occupancy of the property, you agree to WaterfrontFortMyers Inc. to have an equitable lien on your personal and real property, wherever located, to secure payment of costs relating to damages. Your further agree that WaterfrontFortMyers Inc.. may enforce its claim of lien against you by foreclosing on your real property and/0r obtaining a judgment against you. You acknowledge and agree that WaterfrontFortMyers Inc.. right to enforce such lien is not an unreasonable penalty or forfeiture.

UTILITIES: No compensation will be given for temporary outage of electricity, gas, water, cable or telephone service. Outages should be reported immediately and all efforts will be made to have them restored as soon as possible. The operation and maintenance of these utilities is out of the control of the owner/ WaterfrontFortMyers.

PHONE SERVICE: There is no charge for local calls. All units have a party line and long distance phone calls are blocked, No International calls allowed unless charged to your phone card. The phone number for all units is 239-463-2583 .

ITEMS LEFT IN UNIT: WaterfrontFortMyers Inc. is not responsible for personal items left in a unit. If items are found and you wish them returned, there will be a $ 35.00 service charge plus shipping costs.

FURNISHINGS: Our vacation rentals are individually owned and furnished.

· Please do not rearrange the furniture, take any items outside that are part of the interior décor, move any furnishings or kitchen items to another unit.

· You will be charged if we have to rearrange the furniture after your stay. The unit descriptions were correct at the time of printing, but subsequent owner renovations may have resulted in changes. Although every effort has been made for accuracy, WaterfrontFortMyers is not responsible for errors, for property changes made by the owners, or for any conditions beyond our control upon arrival.

· NOTE: Rental agent represents property to the best of his/her ability and assumes no liability for errors or omissions. Since the premises are privately owned, WaterfrontFortMyers Inc. shall be responsible for any additional furnishings not presently in the property.

· Renter expressly agrees to indemnify owner for any damages or costs to the premises, furnishings, equipment and household items therein, which occur during renter's occupancy excluding normal wear and tear.

· PLEASE NOTE: IF EXPENSES ARE INCURRED TO REPAIR DAMAGE, REPLACE MISSING ITEMS, PAY FOR EXTRA CLEANING OR ANY OTHER VIOLATION OF THE RENTAL POLICY AS A RESULT OF YOUR STAY, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CHARGE YOUR CREDIT CARD TO OFFSET EXPENSES AND ADMINISTRATIVE FEES.

PARKING: Please park in designated areas only. Parking regulations are as follows.

· Augustine unit has 2 parking spots allocated located on the furthest most left side on the parking lot (facing from Carolina Ave. towards the complex. These cars are to be parked back to back to each other.

· Reagan, Aquinas, and Schaeffer units all are allocated 1 parking spot

· No guest cars are ever allowed on our parking lot and will be towed at owner's expense

· $100 fine will be assessed against any guest who violated the parking agreement for guest cars parked in our parking lot.

· R.V.'s, Boats, motor homes, travel trailers, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, etc., are not permitted without prior approval and will be subject to towing. We do not have room in our parking lot for any of these items.

RULES AND REGULATIONS: All guests, as well as Owners, are required to conform to all rules and regulations. Violators are subject to ejection, according to Florida Statute 509.141.

REPAIRS: Our staff is here to make sure your vacation home is in the best condition that it can be. If you should discover otherwise, please report it to us immediately and we will correct it as quickly as possible; however no refunds will be given for appliance failure or other circumstances beyond our control. Please do not wait until you are checking-out to let us know about problems, as we no longer have the opportunity to rectify the situation. At times we must wait for parts or service. Please bear with us during these times.

NON-SMOKING UNITS: Smoking is strictly prohibited inside ALL rental units. You will incur any charges for carpet cleaning and deodorizing if any evidence of smoking is found in your non-smoking unit.

AGENCY DISCLOSURE: WaterfrontFortMyers Inc. is the agent of the property owner and is acting at all times, in and for the best interest of the owners. Agent will not be held responsible for acts of theft or vandalism or damages to the guest's personal property.

Please call for details or to reserve your dates. We are pet friendly, family friendly property. Free bikes provided upon request, two boat docks for fishing right at the property, pool, two boat docks

http://rentalo.com/108760/waterfrontpetfriendly.html

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