The Gopher Gathering: A Shell-a-Bration powered by Duke Energy

Celebrate one of Florida’s most beloved native creatures at the Gopher Gathering Shell-A-Bration! This fun, one-day festival shines a spotlight on the remarkable Gopher Tortoise, a treasured resident of the Gardens and an essential part of Florida’s natural ecosystem. Come shell-ebrate with us! Scroll down for the complete schedule of events Event Date & Time Saturday, April 11, 2026 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Location Visitor Center, Hammock Hollow and The Pine Ridge Preserve Price Free to members/ $20 for non-member adults, and $10 for non-member children ages 6 – 17, free for Children 5 and under (Includes Admission) No Registration required Not a Member? Purchase Garden Admission Here Gopher Tortoise Lecture and Q/A 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. (lectures repeat) – Visitor Center Theater Discover the fascinating world of gopher tortoises during this engaging lecture and question-and-answer session presented by Sensing Nature. Native to Florida and the southeastern United States, the Gopher Tortoise is a keystone species, meaning its presence supports an entire ecosystem. Their deep burrows can provide shelter for more than 350 other species, including frogs, owls, snakes, and small mammals, making them essential to the health of Florida’s natural habitats. Pine Ridge Preserve Burrow Guided Hike 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 1:30 p.m. – Departs from the Florida Wild Garden Take a walk on the wild side with a guided hike through the beautiful Pine Ridge Preserve and explore the natural habitat of the remarkable Gopher Tortoise. Along the trail, you’ll discover the sandy upland environment these fascinating reptiles call home and see their impressive burrows that provide shelter for hundreds of other wildlife species. During this informative program, you’ll learn about the unique behavior and habitat of these remarkable reptiles, why they are listed as a threatened species in Florida, and how conservation efforts are helping protect them for future…