LARC joins Tarpon Bay Explorers for an eco-adventure
For the past eight years, LARC Inc. has explored the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge with the help of Tarpon Bay Explorers.
Since 1954, LARC – Lee County Association of Remarkable Citizens – has dedicated the organization to meeting, promoting and providing developmentally disabled people of Lee County with opportunities and services to gain independence and responsibilities.
“The partnership between LARC and Tarpon Bay is becoming tradition now more than anything. We look forward to the event each year,” LARC leader Tom Hoover said.
As tradition goes, the folks of LARC explored the refuge by land and sea. The first portion of the trip consisted of a tram tour along Wildlife Drive, led by seasoned naturalists Donna and Steve Yetsko. The tide was low, conditions were right, and the birding was superb.
“We observed 15 species of birds. Not only the diversity was great, but the birds really showed up in numbers too,” Donna Yetsko said.
All of the highlight birds showed up including roseate spoonbills, white pelicans, reddish egrets, osprey, great blue herons, yellow crowned night herons and more.
After the tram tour, the group drove back to Tarpon Bay to prepare for their boat cruise. George & Wendy’s Seafood Grille provided hotdogs, watermelon, chips and ice cream. The Yetskos then led the gang into the Aquarium Touch Tanks to learn about critters that live at the bottom of Tarpon Bay. After, the group boarded Explorer IV to cruise the waters of Tarpon Bay looking every kind of wildlife.
“Our group always has a great time out here,” Hoover said. “We’re glad Tarpon Bay was again ready to accommodate us so we could provide another great trip for people.”