Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium welcomes David Hayes as General Manager

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, Inc. (CNCP) has been growing and changing to better fit the needs of our community. CNCP is excited to announce that David Hayes has joined the team as General Manager. Hayes will take on day-to-day operations, overseeing the environmental education team, and responsibility for the CNCP campus.

Hayes, originally from Elon NC, graduated from Appalachian State University. Previously with Peace River Wildlife Center in Punta Gorda as their Program Director, Hayes worked closely with wildlife, fundraising, programming, and non-profit marketing.

When reflecting on his move to SW Florida and his focus on the environment, Hayes said, “Here I found my passion. Once I was awarded the opportunity to work so closely with wildlife and our environment, I realized there was nothing else out there for me”.

“We wanted to make sure that our leadership team was made of people with a vision for the future that will still honor our over 50 year impact in the community.” said David Yates, Board Vice-President. “Animal welfare and environmental education is part of our foundation and we look forward to David furthering the nature center’s connection with our community.”

Hayes is joining the nature center at a time of growth and increased community service. CNCP has been expanding to meet the needs of our community with programs like Sensory Sunday for those on the autism spectrum or other sensitivity issues, a new visually impaired planetarium show and developing a guided night hike that can be enjoyed by guests with mobility issues. Our daily animal talks focus on education, conservation and advocacy. A new hands-on exhibit is expected later this year to educate about the city’s water story. There is plenty to explore at the nature center whether inside the Living Museum, Planetarium or Trails.

About Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium
Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is 105-acre nature preservation and educational site in Fort Myers, Florida. The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium was founded in 1970 and strives to provide a holistic environmental education program encompassing all areas from astronomy to ecology. The organization is home to many rescue animals, butterfly, and bird aviaries, two nature trails, and southwest Florida’s only planetarium theater.