Daggerwing Nature Center

08/29/2026

In honor of International Bat Night, we decided to share the results from the Miami Bat Lab Wildlife Acoustics SM4 detector located at Daggerwing Nature Center. The detector found activity from 5-6 species of bats at the property. The most calls were collected from Brazilian free-tailed bats, big brown bats, and evening bats.

Miami Bat lab was established to protect the Florida bonneted bat in urban settings and implement methods for species recovery. An important part of this project involves acoustic monitoring to help understand the ecology of urban-based bats. Monitoring allows Miami Bat lab to identify areas that are essential for the Florida bonneted bat, allowing scientists to know what areas to place as priorities for conservation efforts.

08/25/2026

This week's animal talks and feedings:

08/25/2026

Erin, an Assistant Naturalist at Daggerwing Nature Center, is back to talk about the important ecological role Beautyberry plays in our butterfly garden.

If you want to learn more about gardening and butterflies, sign up for our Butterfly Gardening program on September 5.

Register here: https://pbcparksregistration.co.palm-beach.fl.us/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?module=AR&fmid=300407847&InterfaceParameter=WebTrac_1

08/25/2026

We are still looking for Animal Care Volunteers! Reach out to [email protected] if you are interested!

Care for our live animal collection by cleaning exhibits, preparing diets, feeding, watering and enrichment. Includes care of a small raptor (owl), reptiles (snakes, turtles, gopher tortoise & alligator), amphibians (frogs/toad) and a couple insects.

General requirements for volunteering:
1. Be at least 15 years old.
2. Complete the application process.
3. Commit for a minimum of six months.

If interested, please email us at: [email protected]

08/23/2026

The proboscis functions as a long, flexible tube for sucking nectar.

Upon emerging from their chrysalis, a butterfly’s proboscis is initially split in two; they must curl and uncurl it repeatedly until the sections fuse together to create a functional tube. Without a fully formed proboscis, a butterfly cannot feed and risks starvation.

This video shows a Monarch Butterfly, curling and uncurling it's proboscis.

Want to learn more?
Join us for our Butterfly Gardening program on Saturday, September 5, at 10:30am.
Adults and children ages 5+, $5/participant (reservations required)
https://pbcparksregistration.co.palm-beach.fl.us/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?module=AR&fmid=300407847&InterfaceParameter=WebTrac_1

08/22/2026

Join us for the upcoming International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) 2026 scheduled countywide on Saturday, September 19.

​🌎The International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) is the world's largest, volunteer effort to clean up the marine environment. Every year, volunteers from over 100 countries descend on local beaches, rivers, lakes and canals to show their commitment to cleaner waterways.

🌎Cleanup events are perfect for the young and young at heart. Volunteers are encouraged to bring family, friends, and coworkers for a fun and meaningful project. Community Service hours are available for students.

💙Sign up to volunteer: https://www.cervistech.com/acts/console.php?console_id=0164&console_type=event&ht=1

08/21/2026

Benedict, Florida Box Turtle, is as snug as a bug in a shell this morning!

We still have availability for our Animal Keeper Program on Saturday, August 29, at 10:00am.

Get the chance to work behind the scenes with animal care staff to feed, clean, and provide enrichments for the animals at the nature center, like Benedict.

Ages 8+, $10/participant (reservations required)
https://pbcparksregistration.co.palm-beach.fl.us/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?module=AR&fmid=278931865&InterfaceParameter=WebTrac_1

08/18/2026

This weeks animal talks and feedings: