Meet the new Nature Park greeter - TWIGGY! Recently donated and installed, Twiggy (seen in photo) will be the focus of a brief dedication ceremony in the park on Friday, October 30 at 10 AM.
(Read more about Twiggy's backstory in Tales From the Park.)
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The PGI Green Thumbs plant and maintain the Punta Gorda Nature Park to create a
greener, healthier, and more connected community. We invite you to consider volunteering or donating to help sustain our mission. There are several ways for YOU to make a difference! Our home page explains how.
Meet Twiggy!
The park’s newest personality is a whimsical six-foot-tall purple pipe sculpture, ready to welcome visitors and add a playful splash of color to the west side of the park. Generously donated to the City of Punta Gorda by a thoughtful neighbor, Twiggy now stands proudly among the bromeliads, with hands raised to hold a future welcome sign that will reflect the friendly spirit of this special place.
Twiggy’s creative design celebrates the community’s love of public art, gardens, and the small details that make the park unique. Nearby, the distinctive bicycle rack has also been repaired and restored, preserving another charming feature while giving cyclists a safe and attractive place to park before exploring on foot.
A dedication event for Twiggy is scheduled for Friday, October 30 at 10 AM to show appreciation for the donor’s generosity.
A Volunteer Story by Green Thumb Dolly Tomalinas…
I was asked many years ago to be a consultant for the herb garden bed being created in Nature Park – one of many themed planting beds. I was asked because of my reputation as an herb expert. Gardening had been a lifelong interest of mine, with herbs being just one of the specialties developed in my experience. I use this knowledge in my role as a longtime Florida Mater Gardener, in horticultural therapy work with the Tidewell Hospice program and in multiple community projects.The opportunity to apply my herb knowledge and design expertise in this project felt very rewarding. I enjoy being a part of this group of dedicated volunteers. Ever since the early days of my involvement, I continue to advise the Green Thumbs. This has included advising not only on herbs but also on rose bushes, another favorite subject of mine. I also had the opportunity to present one of the group’s Talking Plants classes.My appreciation is about more than the plants we grow. It’s about what this park and the volunteers who maintain it represent in our community. I was working on herb garden care in the park one day and encountered a very nice gentleman playing an accordion. He said to me “I come here all the time because it’s very peaceful”.
(Almost) Perfect for Mahjong
Our group has been playing Mahjong in Nature Park for four years. It is an ideal setting - picnic tables with seats for four and all that lovely nature surrounding us. The only reason we leave is to go to the bathroom. Why say "almost"? Well, we'd love to stay longer if even a porta potty were available! [NOTES: Photo is simulation. And as for bathroom facilities - that is on a loooong wish list in the City of PG's budget.]
Birds in the Park
In February of 2020, I identified a list of 20+ bird species seen near sunset at Punta Gorda's Nature Park and I had not been back until spring of 2025.
The wet season had lingered in 2020; however, there was a drought in 2025 which affected the diversity of bird species seen in the park. I envisioned a beautiful scene in the next ten years with the planting of native plants where a flock of 20 migrating Cedar Waxwings would stop to eat blueberries, plums or mulberries, nesting birds like Purple Martins would grab caterpillars or dragonflies and Screech Owls would snatch small rodents.
I cannot help but smile the last time that I visited and found new tiny berries appearing on the native plants already in the new "Plants for Birds" garden bed planted less than a year ago. It is a very pleasant, warm feeling that I love experiencing when I see the initiation of an entire healthy ecosystem.
Bren Curtis, March 13, 2026.
President, Peace River Audubon Society
Healing in the Park
If you have any doubt that communing with nature can heal body and soul, then you need to talk to Patty and Don Lechner. This local couple has endured more than their share of health challenges. Patty has MS. Don was hospitalized with Covid at one point and not expected to survive the night. With Don miraculously recovering and Patty dealing with her ongoing MS related difficulties, their visits to the Nature Park increased. Recently, Green Thumb volunteer Marilyn Larkin was watering plants in the park when she was approached by Patty, who wanted to offer thanks for all the beautification that the Green Thumbs make possible. Patty tearfully shared just how much the park has meant to them. “We visit almost every day. We feel a peaceful energy here and are so grateful for the healing impact it’s had.”
Nature Park the Perfect Place for Inspiration
Local artists spend some time relaxing as they capture the beauty of Nature Park.
Every day provides a different scene with new blooms to enjoy.
Nature Park is the Perfect Place to Have Your Outdoor Meeting
We remind you that an outdoor venue like the park can be a welcome alternative space to exercise or hold group get togethers.
There are picnic tables and benches, and you may wish to bring your own chairs.
Punta Gorda in Bloom
Please visit our sister organization
Facebook: PuntaGordaInBloom
www.PuntaGordaInBloom.org
