Eagle Eye Update
The Diary of Gordon B. Eagle
January 13, 2026
Big news has landed at the Conservancy, and my feathers are buzzing! Today, we shared exciting new plans for the John & Carol Walter Nature Experience, which will become our brand-new public-facing front door. It’s designed to immerse visitors in the science, solutions, and stories behind protecting water, land, and wildlife, and why it all matters to Southwest Florida.
There will be a nature-inspired stormwater lake, a welcoming new exhibit-filled welcome center, outdoor decks, trails, electric-boat rides, shaded picnic areas (hello, food truck!), and even solar panels soaking up the sunshine. We also revealed a brand-new logo to mark the start of this public journey.
While the Nature Center will close during construction from May 2026 to November 2026, we’re spreading our wings with free off-site programs across the community. The wildlife hospital stays open, memberships are extended, and the big groundbreaking happens April 18, 2026, during our Earth Day Festival. I’ll be there, front and center!
Stay tuned as I share more updates on the road to opening in early 2028.
October 6, 2025
I met with the John & Carol Walter Nature Experience construction team to make sure everything is soaring right along. Our Civil Engineer, Frank Feeney, showed me some of the plans and assured me that all of your suggestions are being taken into consideration!
Have you given your input on what you would like included in the new John & Carol Walter Nature Experience? If you've got a minute, I’m all ears (well…wings)! Scroll to the bottom of the page to fill it out.
August 30, 2025
As the Conservancy’s Resident Fun Officer & Jr. Conservationist, my job is to make learning about nature exciting (and maybe sneak in a few high-fives along the way). I’m extra proud to be helping with the big changes coming to the Nature Center with the John & Carol Walter Nature Experience, right alongside our President & CEO, Rob Moher. Big wings, big dreams!
But hey—that’s just a flap of my story. Want to know how a 6-year-old bald eagle became the first feathered staff member at the Conservancy? Read my bio below!
August 19, 2025
Big news is soaring into the Conservancy of Southwest Florida... the Nature Center is getting a huge transformation into the new John & Carol Walter Nature Experience! From my perch, I’ve overheard plans for interactive exhibits, new spaces for families, and tons of opportunities to learn about water, land, and wildlife. That means more friends to meet, more high-fives to give, and definitely more chances to show off my dance moves. I can't wait!
John & Carol Walter Nature Experience Suggestions
The John & Carol Walter Nature Experience is excited to incorporate ideas from our community. Tell us the types of exhibits and amenities you hope to see in the new Nature Experience.