Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center

More Info

Partners in Conservation and Education for a Better Quality of Life.

General Info

The Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC) began as a dream, conceived by citizens in Charlotte County to establish an environmental education facility for the public. Back in the 1980s recently-preserved upland areas circled the harbor; yet none were available for outdoor recreation, research and educational opportunities. After arduous planning and campaigning on the part of numerous concerned folks, the founding committee negotiated with the state to lease land on the Charlotte Harbor Preserve State. CHEC was established as a private, non-profit corporation to develop, operate, and maintain an environmental center for educational, scientific, and recreational activities in Charlotte County. Four corporate sponsors forged the union that remains today Charlotte County, the City of Punta Gorda, Charlotte County Public Schools and Peace River Audubon Society. CHEC also operates Cedar Point Environmental Park in Englewood, one of the last remaining tracts of undisturbed land on Lemon Bay. The Charlotte County Board of Commissioners purchased this parcel for public use in 1989 and contracted with CHEC to develop and manage it. The mission of the CHEC, since its inception, has been to provide environmental education, recreation, research and preservation management for the citizens and visitors of the Charlotte Harbor area. CHEC provides these public services for free.

Services/Products

CHEC is a non-profit corporation that operates two environmental nature preserves in Punta Gorda and Englewood. Education programs are conducted for the community and local school on-site and off-site.

Location

The Alligator Creek Env. Center is located at 10941 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda, FL. The Cedar Point Environmental Center is located at 2300 Placida Road, Englewood, FL The Alligator Creek Env. Center is open 7 days a week from dawn to dusk but t

Amenities

Nature stores are found at both Centers -- Punta Gorda and Englewood. Miles of nature trails are found at both locations too. Visitor centers, interpretative kiosks, nature trails are also found at each site.

Accreditation

North American Association of Environmental Education

League of Environmental Educators in Florida Inc.

National Association of Interpretation

Other Link

http://www.checflorida.org

Categories

Educational Materials, Educational Services, Environmental, Conservation & Ecological Organizations, Nature Centers, Parks

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Details

Phone: (941) 575-5435

Address: 10941 Burnt Store Rd, Punta Gorda, FL 33955

Website: http://www.checflorida.org