We are very happy to be able to offer you many choices for the month of February. So please do go outside and enjoy beautiful Sarasota County.
Be sure to take time and read each event for specific dates, times, locations, directions and registration information for they all differ.
FOR ON-LINE REGISTRATION - Go to www.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left. Click the 'All Events' drop down list, choose 'Nature Walks' and 'go'. (Please note: Your registration information will not be shared and will be used only for contact purposes in the event of inclement weather or walk cancelation.)
Lemon Bay Park Sunrise Bird Walk
Join Sarasota County Park Naturalist and volunteers in a sunrise birding adventure that will lead participants to Englewood’s Lemon Bay Park through pine and scrubby flatwoods with wonderful views of Lemon Bay during your hike on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 from 8 - 10 am. Along the way, you may encounter native plants and animals and a variety of shore birds in their natural surroundings such as anhinga, bald eagle and snowy egrets.
Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center is tucked in an urban location providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and environmental education.
Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket, a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars (optional), camera and hand lens (optional). All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
You may reach Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center, 570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood by taking I -75 to Exit 193 (Jacaranda Boulevard), turn toward CR 765/Englewood/Venice, and traveling south 5.3 miles to Englewood Road (SR 776). Turn left on Englewood Road (SR 776) (4.1 miles), turning right onto Old Englewood Road (1 mile), turning a slight right onto Kilbourne Avenue to the first right onto Morrison Avenue then the first left onto Curtis Boulevard, then the first right onto Brengle Avenue and the park entrance will be straight ahead.
Register on-line at www.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hiking with Denny and Al at Sleeping Turtles Preserve North
Explore Sleeping Turtles Preserve North with Sarasota County volunteers and Florida Native Plant Society members Al Squires and Denny Girard on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 from 9 – 11 AM. During this two-hour hike, Denny and Al will share their boundless knowledge of botany, not just identification, but lore of the plants as well. Experience the meandering trails while learning about the natural lands and the plants they support.
This preserve is one of many that are available to the public through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program. In addition to the numerous subtropical plants, visitors may observe eagles or osprey hunting over the river corridor.
Participants may bring binoculars, sun screen, drinking water and camera (optional), wear weather-appropriate clothes and a jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and a hat. All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
Participants can reach the Sleeping Turtles Preserve North, 3462 Border Road, Venice, from northbound I-75, take exit 193 and turn right. From southbound I-75 take exit 193 and turn left. Proceed north 1/2 mile on Jacaranda Blvd. to the stop sign and turn right onto Border Road. Proceed approximately 3 miles east on Border Road to the bridge over the Myakka River. As you approach the bridge, the Sleeping Turtles Preserve parking lot will be on the left (north side), immediately before the bridge. The walk will take place on the south side of Border Road.
Register on-line at www.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left.
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Lunch and Learn at Shamrock Park
Join Sarasota County Parks Naturalists: Jennifer Rogers and Eddie Wolfenbarger, for a “lunch and learn” nature topic talk at Shamrock Park on Thursday, February 2, 2012, from 12:15 – 1 p.m. The nature topic talk will be about Florida scrub jays. After the talk we will take a short walk through the park to search for scrub jays.
Participants are encouraged to bring their lunch to enjoy during the program. If participants are interested in the walk, we recommend participants wear appropriate closed-toe shoes for walking on both paved and sandy/grassy trails.
Shamrock Park contains some of the last remaining scrub habitat in the coastal area of Sarasota County and supports populations of Florida scrub jay and gopher tortoise.
To reach Shamrock Park, 3900 Shamrock Drive, Venice, from the North, take I-75 South to Exit 200, SR 681 South toward Venice traveling approximately 3 miles to South Tamiami Trail/US 41. When SR 681 splits, head left to merge southbound on Tamiami Trail for approximately 2.7 miles to the Venice 41-Bypass. At the 41-Bypass split, keep left onto the 41-Bypass continuing approximately 3.2 miles to Shamrock Drive. Turn right on Shamrock Drive traveling 1.6 miles to the park entrance on your right. Once in the park, continue past the basketball and tennis courts to the Nature Center. Meet at the picnic tables in the pavilion behind the playground.
For more information or to register over the phone, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Jennifer Rogers (jrogers@scgov.net).
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Bike Hike Escapades with Larry and Jeff at the Carlton Reserve
Up for a challenge? Seeking experienced adults that are seeking off-road thrills through the beautiful but rugged T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve (Carlton Reserve). Join us on Saturday, February 4, 2012 from 8:00 am for approximately 3 to 5 hours withSarasota County and Carlton Reserve volunteers Larry Robbins and Jeff King who will lead you on a 10-12 mile bumpy dirt trail, over palmetto roots, through hog damaged areas and an occasional swamp or two - viewing wildlife and wild Florida and taking in the fresh air!
The Carlton Reserve, located at 1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway in Venice, was purchased in the 1980's for public water supply source and for conservation/ recreation purposes.
Participants should bring their own (Off road/mountain trail type) bicycle with wide tires, spare tube, bike helmet (required for all participants), sun glasses, sun screen, insect repellent, snack, and plenty of drinking water. All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
To reach the Carlton Reserve at 1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway in Venice, take I-75 to Exit 193 (Jacaranda Boulevard) or from US 41, Tamiami Trail, drive north on Jacaranda Boulevard. Drive north from Exit 193 and then right at the next intersection (Border Road). Drive 2 ½ miles to the stop sign at South Moon Drive, turn left at the stop sign onto the Mabry Carlton Parkway, then turn right at the sign into the Carlton Reserve’s parking entrance. Follow parking signs to the parking lot which is on the right.
You MUST be an experienced ADULT off-road bicyclist and physically fit! Rain or shine, mud or sand, Larry is ready to go! Space for this ride is limited to 6 participants. Reservations are required and should be secured by calling Larry Robbins at 941-544-0555. Larry will also provide you the area to meet.
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Have some FUN and make a DIFFERENCE in your community
BECOME A SARASOTA COUNTY SEAGRASS SURVEY VOLUNTEER AND PROTECT THIS VALUABLE NATURAL RESOURCE
*** TRAINING SESSION
Saturday, Feb. 4 (Rain Date: Sunday, Feb. 5)
10:30 a.m. – 12: 30 p.m.
Turtle Beach Community Center, 8919 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota, Fla.
*** Dress for hands-on water training. Participants should have their own GPS and watercraft, or will need to be paired with someone who has this equipment.
Directions to Turtle Beach Community Center:
- Interstate 75 to Exit 205 (Clark Road). Go west on Clark Road for 3.8 miles. Take left onto Stickney Point Road for 1.7 miles. Take left onto Midnight Pass Road for about 3 miles
For more information, contact Amanda Dominguez via email to adomingu@scgov.net or by phone at 941-861-5000.
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From Indians and Pioneers to the Present Day—the History of Pocono Trail Preserve
Join Sarasota County Environmental Specialist, Jeff Weber, and local historian, Nancy Eaton, on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 from 9 - 11 AM as they lead participants on a guided walk through Pocono Trail Preserve in Nokomis. Stroll through shady oak hammocks to the south shore of Shakett Creek, once the site of the historic Pollyanna Inn. Learn about some of the earliest inhabitants from the Paleo-Indian Period and Manasota Culture who once inhabited the area and early pioneers instrumental in the development of Nokomis and Venice.
Pocono Trail Preserve is one of many natural areas available through the county’s environmental lands program. The site contains forested hammocks, pine flatwoods and shoreline along Shakett Creek that provide habitat for osprey, migrating songbirds and wading birds.
Participants should wear long pants, comfortable walking shoes, and bring a light jacket, a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars, camera and hand lens (optional). All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
Participants can reach Pocono Trail Preserve, 189 Pocono Trail, Nokomis by taking I-75 south to exit 200 (S.R. 681) toward Venice/Osprey. Merge onto U.S. 41 (south) and travel 2.2 miles to Colonia Lane. Turn left (east) onto Colonia Lane for 0.2 miles to Pocono Trail. Turn left (west) onto Pocono Trail and proceed past Bittner Boulevard and parallel park anywhere along the road shoulder alongside the wood mortise fence.
From the southern portion of Sarasota County, take I-75 north to exit 195 (Laurel Road) and travel west toward U.S. 41. Turn left onto U.S. 41 and drive 1.5 miles south toward Venice. Turn left (east) onto Colonia Lane and drive 0.2 miles to Pocono Trail. Turn left (west) onto Pocono Trail and proceed past Bittner Boulevard and parallel park anywhere along the road shoulder alongside the wood mortise fence.
Register on-line at www.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left.
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Lunch and Learn at Phillippi Estate Park
Join Sarasota County Parks Naturalist, Jennifer Rogers, for a “Lunch and Learn” nature topic talk about Alligators and Crocodiles at Phillippi Estate Park on Tuesday, February 7, 2012, from 12:15 – 1 p.m.
Participants are encouraged to bring their lunch to enjoy during the program.
Phillippi Estate Park is a scenic, 60-acre natural area park located south of downtown Sarasota on the shores of Phillippi Creek. The park features environmental and historic attractions including the historic Edson Keith Mansion and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
To reach Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, from I-75, take Exit 205 (Clark Road). Travel west on Clark Road for approximately 5 miles to the intersection with US 41. Turn/Merge Right onto northbound Tamiami Trail (US 41) for 0.8 miles. Turn left into the park entrance at the traffic signal for Constitution Blvd. After entering the park, turn left towards the parking lot next to the gazebo. Meet in the gazebo.
For more information or to register over the phone, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Jennifer Rogers (jrogers@scgov.net).
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Little Naturalist Field Trip for Youth Groups
“Looking for an outdoor education field trip for your summer camp, scout troop or civic club?” Then bring your youth to connect with nature in fun, creative ways at Sarasota County Government’s exciting NEW nature program, The Little Naturalist.
The Little Naturalist field trip is from 10 – 11 AM on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at the Celery Fields park. Migrating Birds is the theme for the field trip. The field trip is available for preschool-age and elementary-age groups. This program includes a variety of hands-on nature themed activities, a snack and story. All groups must be registered and accompanied by camp counselors, chaperones, parents and/or adult guardians.
The Celery Fields is a 400 acre facility located just east of I-75 and south of Fruitville Road. Sarasota County purchased most of the property in 1995 and developed the site into a stormwater detention facility. An unplanned benefit of the facility is the abundant wildlife. The Celery Fields is one of premiere birding destinations in Southwest Florida with more than 200 unique species of birds identified since the facility was constructed in 1995. The facility mainly consists of open marshlands, deep ponds, shallow pools, and canals, the Celery Fields are edged by oaks, willows, and pines on the eastern and southern boundaries. Historically the area was a sawgrass marsh and evidence of early native settlement has been found. The site is also rich in paleontological artifacts.
Participants should wear comfortable weather-appropriate clothes, a jacket, walking shoes that can get wet (no flip-flops!), and bring a hat, sun screen, drinking water and camera (optional). All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
To get to the Celery Fields at 6799 Palmer Boulevard, Sarasota, take I-75 to Exit 210 (Fruitville Road). Drive approximately 0.4 miles east on Fruitville Road. Turn right onto Coburn Road and follow the road approximately 1 mile until you reach Palmer Boulevard. Turn left onto Palmer Boulevard and drive approximately 0.6 miles until you reach a cut in the median. The Celery Fields entrance and parking lot will be on your left, adjacent to the gazebo. Please park in the designated parking spaces or along the road shoulder. Meet at the gazebo.
To register for one of the available Little Naturalist Program field trips, please register on-line at www.scgov.net. Click ‘Calendar of Events’ on the left. Click 'All Events' from the drop down menu, choose 'Nature Walks' and click 'go'. On the bottom of each Little Naturalist field trip description is an area that states 'Click here for registration.' Please register the name of the youth group. In the NOTES section at the bottom of the registration form, please also provide the age range of the participating children and include the names of the supervising adults accompanying the group. Space for this program is limited to no more than 15 children.
For more information and details about the Little Naturalist Program field trips, please contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask to speak with the Little Naturalist Program staff. To view the entire Little Naturalist Program’s summer calendar, go towww.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left.
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Learn about Successful Habitat Restoration at South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve
The South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve is far from dead in the winter! Explore this preserve with Sarasota County volunteer and Florida Master Naturalist, Lee Ann Harling from 9 – 11 AM on Thursday, February 9, 2012. She will share history of the site and its habitat restoration, along with information about local wildlife and vegetation. Participants will pass through a brackish water wetland, a high salinity mangrove area, scrubby flatwoods, and coastal woodlands bordering Lemon Bay.
This is one of many lands that are available through Sarasota County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program. In addition to the numerous subtropical plants, the preserve supports nesting bald eagles, Florida scrub jays and gopher tortoises, all protected animal species. The preserve was the subject of a recent radical and very successful habitat restoration and hydrologic project.
Participants may bring binoculars, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water and camera (optional), wear comfortable walking shoes for sandy soil and a hat. All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
Participants can reach South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve by taking I -75 to Exit 193 (Jacaranda Blvd.). At the end of the exit ramp, turn south onto Jacaranda Boulevard and drive approximately 5.2 miles. At the “T” intersection of Jacaranda Blvd. and Englewood Road (State Road 776), turn left (south). Drive a ¼ mile and then turn right (west) onto Cypress Road. Turn left at Mangrove Road and left again on Heron Road. Turn left onto Seneca Road; take a right onto Varet Road, a right on Euclid Road to Kenisco Road. Turn right to park on the Kenisco road shoulder by the cyclone fence. Please be aware of gopher tortoises in this neighborhood. The street address is 5472 Kenisco Road, Venice.
Register on-line at www.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left.
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Early Bird Nature Walk at Shamrock Park
Join Sarasota County Parks Naturalist, Jennifer Rogers, for an early bird nature walk through upland scrub at Shamrock Park on Friday, February 10, 2012, from 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Guests will learn about scrub habitat and have a chance at seeing the resident Florida scrub jays.
Shamrock Park contains some of the last remaining scrub habitat in the coastal area of Sarasota County and supports populations of Florida scrub jay and gopher tortoise.
Participants should wear appropriate shoes for walking on both paved and sandy/grassy trails. Recommended items to bring are camera, binoculars, water, insect repellent, sunglasses or hat, and sunscreen.
To reach Shamrock Park, 3900 Shamrock Drive, Venice, from the North, take I-75 South to Exit 200, SR 681 South toward Venice traveling approximately 3 miles to South Tamiami Trail/US 41. When SR 681 splits, head left to merge southbound on Tamiami Trail for approximately 2.7 miles to the Venice 41-Bypass. At the 41-Bypass split, keep left onto the 41-Bypass continuing approximately 3.2 miles to Shamrock Drive. Turn right on Shamrock Drive traveling 1.6 miles to the park entrance on your right. Once in the park, continue past the basketball and tennis courts to the Nature Center. Meet on the deck of the Nature Center.
For more information or to register over the phone, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Jennifer Rogers (jrogers@scgov.net).
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NEW! Camping Weekends!
Experience Natural Sarasota County during Camping Weekends!
These select weekends provide a unique outdoor experience for you, your family and friends.
Camping Weekends! occur on designated weekends, January through April 2012, as follows:
February 10-12;
March 9-11; and,
April 13-15.
Camping Weekends! take place at three select county parks as follows:
T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve, Venice, FL;
Knight Trail Park, Nokomis, FL; and,
Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park, North Port, FL.
Campsites vary by location and are either ‘primitive’ or ‘primitive backcountry.’ The ‘primitive’ campsites are within a short walking distance to parking, restrooms and potable water, offering a relaxing way to reconnect with nature - plan a casual day hiking and wildlife watching. The ‘primitive backcountry’ campsites are located from 1 to 8 miles from parking and amenities, offering a backpacking, hiking or biking adventure into the wilderness - perfect for those seeking nature and solitude.
Campsites are $5 per person per night.
Camping is by permit only. Reservations must be made at least 7 days in advance.
Space is limited and other restrictions apply.
For more information, or to make a reservation, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and let them know of your interest.
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Join the Lemon Bay F.I.S.H. Project!
Calling all F.I.S.H. – Folks Interested in Submerged Habitats! Get a little wet, have a little fun and learn a lot! Join American Littoral Society Biologist Chuck Idelberger on Saturday, February 11 from 9:30 – 11:00 AM on a search for marine life in Lemon Bay. Using hand and seine nets, you will search shallow waters and sea grass beds, observing, collecting, and discussing the natural history of some of the many interesting fishes and other animals that inhabit Lemon Bay. This event which is held at the Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center runs the second Saturday of each month.
Participants should meet at the park amphitheater, north of the main building near the canoe launch. Wear wading type shoes, a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, and bring a towel and drinking water. Prepare to get wet and muddy! All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
You may reach Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center, 570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood by taking I -75 to Exit 193 (Jacaranda Boulevard), turn toward CR 765/Englewood/Venice, and traveling south 5.3 miles to Englewood Road (SR 776). Turn left on Englewood Road (SR 776) (4.1 miles), turning right onto Old Englewood Road (1 mile), turning a slight right onto Kilbourne Avenue to the first right onto Morrison Avenue then the first left onto Curtis Boulevard, then the first right onto Brengle Avenue and the park entrance will be straight ahead.
Register on-line at www.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left.
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Hardwood Hammock Hike at Rothenbach Park
Join Sarasota County Parks Naturalist, Jennifer Rogers, for a nature hike through the hardwood hammock habitats of Rothenbach Park on Sunday, February 12, 2012, from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the majestic oaks in the natural area of this multi-use park, and a chance at seeing the often present white-tailed deer!
Rothenbach Park is unique among all Sarasota County Parks in that it is the site of the (closed) capped Bee Ridge Landfill – a mountain of trash turned into a community treasure. The Bee Ridge Landfill was open at this site from 1972 until its closure and final capping in 2000. The site remains under Florida Department of Environmental Protection oversight as a capped landfill.
Participants should wear appropriate shoes for walking on both paved and sandy trails. Recommended items to bring are camera/binoculars, water, insect repellent, and sun protection. All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
To reach Rothenbach Park, 8650 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, take I-75 to Exit 207 (Bee Ridge Road). Travel east on Bee Ridge Road for approximately 3 miles to the end. The park entrance will be on your right. Meet at the Turkey Trail trailhead at Rothenbach Park. The parking lot for this trailhead is located on the opposite side of the landfill mound from the park entrance and accessible by a gravel access drive. After passing through the park gate and passing the park sign on the left, take a left onto the access drive (paved to start).
For more information or to register over the phone, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Jennifer Rogers (jrogers@scgov.net).
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Valentine’s Day Hike at Curry Creek Preserve
Sarasota County is offering a guided Valentine’s Day hike at Curry Creek Preserve in Venice from 9 - 11 AM on Tuesday, February 14, 2012. Sarasota County Environmental Specialist, Jeff Weber, will introduce participants to a wide variety of plants, animals and habitats as they take a leisurely stroll along 1.5 miles of trails that wind through the preserve.
Curry Creek Preserve is one of many natural areas available through the county’s environmental lands program. In addition to a wide variety of native plant species, the preserve also provides habitat for gopher tortoises, bobcats and a diverse assortment of bird species.
Participants should wear long pants, comfortable walking shoes, and bring a light jacket, a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars, camera and hand lens (optional). All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
Participants can get to the Pinebrook Road EAST entrance to Curry Creek Preserve, 1500 Pinebrook Rd., Venice, by taking I -75 to Exit 195 (Laurel Road). Go west on Laurel Road for approximately 0.3 miles and turn left at the traffic light onto Pinebrook Road heading south. Go 1.5 miles passing the traffic light at Edmondson Road and look for the preserve sign on the right. Slightly before you get to the preserve sign, turn right into the driveway directly across from Water Street and then bear left onto preserve property. Park on the grass to the south of the preserve sign and entrance. Participants will gather for the walk at the cable gate entrance.
Register on-line at www.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left.
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Take a Walk on the East Side of Manasota Scrub Preserve
Plants, animals? Learn why it’s named Manasota Scrub Preserve. Enjoy a leisurely walk on the east side of the preserve exploring the pine and scrubby flatwoods at Manasota Scrub Preserve in Englewood on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 from 9-11 a.m. Amateur botanists and Florida Native Plant Society members Denny Girard & Al Squires will show plant detectives where to find various wildflowers and relate some of their folklore.
The preserve is one of many public lands that are available through Sarasota County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program. In addition to numerous subtropical plants, visitors may hear the great-horned owl or northern quail, or view coasting eagles and red-tailed hawks overhead.
Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket, a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars (optional), camera and hand lens (optional). All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
Participants can reach Manasota Scrub Preserve, 2695 Bridge St., Englewood by taking I -75 to Exit 193 (Jacaranda Boulevard). At the end of the exit ramp, turn south onto Jacaranda Boulevard and drive approximately 5.2 miles. Turn left at the “T” intersection of Jacaranda Blvd. and Englewood Road (State Road 776). Drive approximately 1.5 miles and turn west on to Manasota Beach Road, then south (left) on Bridge Street. The parking lot will be on your left.
Register on-line at www.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left.
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Explore! Enjoy! at Lemon Bay Park Nature Walk Adventures
Sarasota County Park Naturalist and volunteers will lead participants in an adventure through Englewood’s Lemon Bay Park through pine and scrubby flatwoods with wonderful views of Lemon Bay during your hike on Thursday, February 16, 2012 from 9 - 11 AM. Along the way, you may encounter native plants and animals and a variety of shore birds in their natural surroundings such as anhinga, bald eagle and snowy egrets.
Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center is tucked in an urban location providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and environmental education.
Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket, a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars (optional), camera and hand lens (optional). All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
You may reach Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center, 570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood by taking I -75 to Exit 193 (Jacaranda Boulevard), turn toward CR 765/Englewood/Venice, and traveling south 5.3 miles to Englewood Road (SR 776). Turn left on Englewood Road (SR 776) (4.1 miles), turning right onto Old Englewood Road (1 mile), turning a slight right onto Kilbourne Avenue to the first right onto Morrison Avenue then the first left onto Curtis Boulevard, then the first right onto Brengle Avenue and the park entrance will be straight ahead.
Register on-line at www.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left.
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Hay Ride Adventures at the T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve
Sarasota County volunteers and members of the Friends of the Carlton Reserve, National Audubon, Audubon Society of Kalamazoo, Venice Area Audubon Society, and Sanibel-Captiva Audubon, Photographer Bill Heyd and Carolyn Kuester will take you on a hay ride adventure that you won’t forget at the beautiful T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve at 7:30 am to noon, Saturday, February 18, 2012. Expect to see lots of wildlife around each corner! During the outing, the group will also be counting the birds you see and report the results as part of the 15th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (a joint project of Audubon, The Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology and Bird Studies Canada). AND to further enhance the experience, you are invited to stay following the hayride, for a brief slide presentation at the Visitor’s Center, of images of birds and their behavior selected from Bill Heyd’s personal collection.
The T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve was purchased in the 1980's for public water supply source and for conservation/ recreation purposes.
Participants should wear a hat, clothes and shoes that can get dusty; (long pants suggested) and bring sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent and drinking water.
To reach the Carlton Reserve at 1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway in Venice, take I-75 to Exit 193 (Jacaranda Boulevard) or from US 41, Tamiami Trail, drive north on Jacaranda Boulevard. Drive north from Exit 193 and then right at the next intersection (Border Road). Drive 2 ½ miles to the stop sign at South Moon Drive, turn left at the stop sign onto the Mabry Carlton Parkway, then turn right at the sign into the Carlton Reserve’s parking entrance. Follow signs to parking lot and restroom, and then follow arrows to equestrian parking lot. Please be on time!
You must be able to climb three steep steps to enter the hay wagon. Due to the nature of this activity – SMOKING is prohibited! (Please note: All children, minimum age 5 years old, must be accompanied by a parent.) Reservations are required and should be secured by registering on-line at www.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left. Space for this adventure is limited to 12 participants. Suggested $10 donation for the ride - all proceeds going to Friends of the Carlton Reserve.
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Discover Native Plants and Wildflowers at Manasota Scrub Preserve
Sarasota County is offering a guided native plants and wildflower walk at Manasota Scrub Preserve in Englewood from 9 - 11 AM on Saturday, February 18, 2012. Sarasota County Volunteer guide and Florida Native Plant Society member, Jack Lyons, will lead participants through the Preserve’s pine flatwoods and all the flowers and fruits found within. Along the way, Jack will identify plant species, share his knowledge of botany, and tell the lore of the plants as well.
The preserve is one of many public lands that are available through Sarasota County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program. In addition to numerous subtropical plants, visitors may hear the great-horned owl or northern quail, or view red-tailed hawks overhead.
Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket, a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars (optional), camera and hand lens (optional). All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
Participants can reach Manasota Scrub Preserve, 2695 Bridge Street, Englewood by taking I -75 to Exit 193 (Jacaranda Boulevard), then traveling south 5.3 miles to Englewood Road (SR 776). Take Englewood Road (SR 776) south to Manasota Beach Road and turn west (right), then south (left) on Bridge Street.
Register on-line at www.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left.
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Family Bike Adventures at the Beautiful Carlton Reserve
Got bikes? Grab the whole family to join Sarasota County and Carlton Reserve volunteer David Reynolds and his family for an off road wilderness bicycle ride through the beautiful T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve (Carlton Reserve) on Sunday, February 19, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. for approximately 1 to 2 hours. Expect to see lots of wildlife!
The Carlton Reserve, located at 1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway in Venice, was purchased in the 1980's for public water supply source and for conservation/ recreation purposes.
Participants should bring their own bicycle suitable for off road riding - wide tires (Mountain bikes preferred, but not required), wear clothing applicable to riding bicycle on bumpy trails through the woods, closed-toed shoes, plenty of drinking water, sunscreen, insect repellant, sun glasses, helmet (required for all participants), padded bike gloves and binoculars (optional), and snacks/lunch (optional, but encouraged). All Sarasota County nature events prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
To reach the Carlton Reserve at 1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway in Venice, take I-75 to Exit 193 (Jacaranda Boulevard) or from US 41, Tamiami Trail, drive north on Jacaranda Boulevard. Drive north from Exit 193 and then right at the next intersection (Border Road). Drive 2 ½ miles to the stop sign at South Moon Drive, turn left at the stop sign onto the Mabry Carlton Parkway, then turn right at the sign into the Carlton Reserve’s parking entrance. Follow parking signs to the parking lot which is on the right.
Space for this event is limited to 12 participants. Pre-registration is required. Reservations should be secured by calling David Reynolds at 941-412-5575 for registration and meeting location. If you don't have an off-road type bike, bike rental information may be obtained from David at the time of registration. Must be able to ride an off road bicycle. Children must be accompanied by parent(s). Routes will vary depending on trail conditions and group participants on the day of the ride.
(Be prepared that some trails may have unexpected feral hog damage making trails quite rough.)
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Rothenbach Ride Nature-Cycle at Rothenbach Park
Join Sarasota County Parks Naturalist, Jennifer Rogers, for a casual bicycle ride along the paved trail around Rothenbach Park on Sunday, February 19, 2012, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the majestic oaks in the natural area of this multi-use park, learn about the hardwood hammock, as well as the closed landfill, and have a chance at seeing the often present white-tailed deer!
Rothenbach Park is unique among all Sarasota County Parks in that it is the site of the (closed) capped Bee Ridge Landfill – a mountain of trash turned into a community treasure. The Bee Ridge Landfill was open at this site from 1972 until its closure and final capping in 2000. The site remains under Florida Department of Environmental Protection oversight as a capped landfill.
Participants should wear appropriate clothes and shoes for bicycling. Recommended items to bring are camera/binoculars, water, snacks, insect repellent, sun protection, and have the ability to carry such items. All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
To reach Rothenbach Park, 8650 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, take I-75 to Exit 207 (Bee Ridge Road). Travel east on Bee Ridge Road for approximately 3 miles to the end. The park entrance will be on your right. After entering the park, keep right towards the pavilion parking. Meet at the Pavilion at Rothenbach Park.
The bicycle ride is approx. 3.5 miles in length. Participants must bring their own bicycle and helmet. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited and other requirements apply.
Pre-register by contacting the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and asking for Jennifer Rogers or send an email to jrogers@scgov.net.
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‘Know Your Niche’ Nature Walk at Phillippi Estate Park
Join Sarasota County Parks Naturalist, Jennifer Rogers, for a nature walk along the trails at Phillippi Estate Park on Tuesday, February 21, 2012, from 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. We will stroll along the shoreline then venture into the coastal hammock to learn about mangroves, epiphytes and the effects of exotic plants on native ecosystems.
Phillippi Estate Park is a scenic, 60-acre natural area park located south of downtown Sarasota on the shores of Phillippi Creek. The park features environmental and historic attractions including the historic Edson Keith Mansion and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Participants should wear appropriate shoes for walking on both paved and sandy trails. Recommended items to bring are camera/binoculars, water, insect repellent, and sun protection. All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
To reach Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, from I-75, take Exit 205 (Clark Road). Travel west on Clark Road for approximately 5 miles to the intersection with US 41. Turn/Merge Right onto northbound Tamiami Trail (US 41) for 0.8 miles. Turn left into the park entrance at the traffic signal for Constitution Blvd. After entering the park, keep right towards the Edson Keith Mansion parking lot. Meet at the trailhead in the northeast corner of the paved parking lot.
For more information or to register over the phone, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Jennifer Rogers (jrogers@scgov.net).
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Winter Bird Walk at Curry Creek Preserve
Join Sarasota County volunteers and Audubon Society members Tom and Connie Plaskett on a guided birding nature walk through oak hammocks and tidal marsh areas found on Curry Creek Preserve in Venice (west entrance) on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 from 9 – 11 am.
Curry Creek Preserve is one of many natural areas available through Sarasota County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program. In addition to a wide variety of native plant species, the preserve also provides habitat for gopher tortoises, bobcats and a wide variety of bird species.
Participants should wear long pants, comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket, sunscreen and a hat, and bring insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars (optional), camera and hand lens (optional). All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
Participants can reach Curry Creek Preserve’s WEST ENTRANCE OFF ALBEE FARM ROAD by taking I -75 to Exit 195 (Laurel Road). Go west on Laurel Road approximately 1.5 miles and turn left on to Albee Farm Road. Head south on Albee Farm Road approximately 1.4 miles to the preserve entrance located on the left at 1075 Albee Farm Road. Pass the entrance and make a U-turn at the following median cut. Park in the preserve’s designated parking lot.
Register on-line at www.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left.
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Plant and Wildlife Identification Walk at Pocono Trail Preserve
Join Sarasota County Environmental Specialist Jeff Weber on Friday, February 24, 2012 from 9 - 11 AM as he leads participants on a nature hike from upland habitats to the shores of Shakett Creek at Pocono Trail Preserve in Nokomis. Along the way, participants will see a variety of plant and animal species including live oaks, eastern red cedars, cabbage palms, bracken ferns, osprey, wading birds and other wildlife common to the area.
Pocono Trail Preserve is one of many natural areas available through the county’s environmental lands program. The site contains forested hammocks, pine flatwoods and shoreline along Shakett Creek that provide habitat for osprey, migrating songbirds and wading birds.
Participants should wear long pants, comfortable walking shoes, and bring a light jacket, a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars, camera and hand lens (optional). All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
Participants can reach Pocono Trail Preserve, 189 Pocono Trail, Nokomis by taking I-75 south to exit 200 (S.R. 681) toward Venice/Osprey. Merge onto U.S. 41 (south) and travel 2.2 miles to Colonia Lane. Turn left (east) onto Colonia Lane for 0.2 miles to Pocono Trail. Turn left (west) onto Pocono Trail and proceed past Bittner Boulevard and parallel park anywhere along the road shoulder alongside the wood mortise fence.
From the southern portion of Sarasota County, take I-75 north to exit 195 (Laurel Road) and travel west toward U.S. 41. Turn left onto U.S. 41 and drive 1.5 miles south toward Venice. Turn left (east) onto Colonia Lane for 0.2 miles to Pocono Trail. Turn left (west) onto Pocono Trail and proceed past Bittner Boulevard and parallel park anywhere along the road shoulder alongside the wood mortise fence.
Register on-line at www.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left.
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Discovery Kayak Program at Lemon Bay Park
Join Sarasota County Parks Naturalists, Kenya Leonard and Jennifer Rogers, for a casual kayak journey along the coast of Lemon Bay Park on Friday, February 24, 2012, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Lemon Bay while learning about Florida’s mangroves and sea grasses. Spy wading birds, explore meandering mangrove tunnels, and perhaps catch a glimpse of a manatee or dolphin in the bay waters!
Lemon Bay Park includes 210 acres of pine and scrubby flatwoods along the natural Lemon Bay shoreline.
The program is an “intermediate” paddle of approximately 3 hours in length and 2 miles round-trip on bay waters and through mangrove tunnels. During the February program, due to eagles nesting, the only landing will be on an oyster shell island (wet-shoes highly recommended). Participants must bring their own kayak, paddle, and safety gear as required by the U.S. Coast Guard. Participants must also be able to portage kayak to the kayak/canoe launch (a distance of approximately 320 feet) and down a stepped slope to the water’s edge.
We recommend paddlers wear and/or bring clothes and shoes that can get wet and muddy, sun protection, and insect repellent; and, bring snacks and plenty of drinking water. All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or/and bringing pets.
To reach Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center, 570 Bay Park Blvd, Englewood, from the North, take I-75 South to Exit 200, SR 681 South toward Venice traveling approximately 3 miles to South Tamiami Trail/US 41. When SR 681 splits, head left to merge southbound on Tamiami Trail for approximately 2.7 miles to the Venice 41-Bypass. At the 41-Bypass split, keep left onto the 41-Bypass continuing South for another 5.1 miles. Merge right onto FL-776/Englewood Rd and continue on FL-776 for 4.8 miles. Turn right onto Old Englewood Rd for 1 mile. Take slight right onto Kilbourne Ave. Take the 1st right onto Morrison Ave. Take the 1st left onto Curtis Blvd. Take the 1st right onto Brengle Ave, and turn Right into Lemon Bay Park. Meet in the parking lot.
Pre-registration is required. Space is limited and other requirements apply. Pre-register by contacting the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and asking for Kenya Leonard or send an email to kleonard@scgov.net.
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Sunday Stroll – Nature Walk at Urfer Family Park
Join Sarasota County Parks Naturalist, Jennifer Rogers, for a Sunday Stroll nature walk at Urfer Family Park on Sunday, February 26, 2012, from 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Guests will have the opportunity to learn a bit of history and habitat as we traverse herbaceous and forested wetlands, as well as pine flatwoods. Feel miles away in this nearby park nestled in a residential area.
Urfer Family Park, located at 4000 Honore Ave., Sarasota, is Sarasota County’s first Gold LEED certified park.
Participants should wear appropriate shoes for walking on both paved and uneven sandy trails. Recommended items to bring are camera/binoculars, water, insect repellent, and sun protection.
To reach Urfer Family Park, take I-75 to Exit 207 Bee Ridge Road west to Honore Avenue, approximately 0.9 miles. Turn left on Honore Avenue. Park will be located on your immediate right with ample parking available after the entrance area. Participants should meet at the pavilion.
For more information or to register over the phone, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Jennifer Rogers (jrogers@scgov.net).
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‘Curious about the Carlton’ at the T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve
Sarasota County and Carlton Reserve volunteer, Certified Florida Master Naturalist Lee Ann Harling will lead an enjoyable winter nature walk from 10 – 12:00 pm, Sunday, February 26, 2012 at the T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve (Carlton Reserve), sharing some of the history of the Reserve, introducing hikers to an authentic log cabin that serves as a Visitors Center, and leading an easy hike around pine flatwoods, oak hammocks and two wetlands.
The Carlton Reserve located at 1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway in Venice was purchased in the early 1980's for public water supply source and for conservation/ recreation purposes.
Participants may bring binoculars, sun screen, drinking water and camera (optional), wear weather-appropriate clothes and a jacket, comfortable walking shoes (that may get wet), and a hat.
To reach the Carlton Reserve at 1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway in Venice, take I-75 to Exit 193 (Jacaranda Boulevard) or from US 41, Tamiami Trail, drive north on Jacaranda Boulevard. Drive north from Exit 193 and then right at the next intersection (Border Road). Drive 2 ½ miles to the stop sign at South Moon Drive, turn left at the stop sign onto the Mabry Carlton Parkway, then turn right at the sign into the Carlton Reserve’s parking entrance. Follow parking signs to the parking lot. Participants should meet at the parking lot at 9:30 am for an adventure in nature!
Register on-line at www.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left.
scgovEVENTS
Sarasota County Communications scgov.net | 941-861-5000 | Comcast 19/Verizon 32
If you are having problems with on-line registration, please contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources. To help us provide quality programming, we would appreciate your feedback on this program. A post-event survey will be emailed to all program participants.
Thank you to our volunteer guides and staff!
Learn more about Sarasota County Natural Lands and Parks at http://www.discovernaturalsarasota.org.
Please, remember to respect our fellow participants, animals, lands and air space. To further enhance the experience at Sarasota County's natural lands, please help us by picking up and properly disposing of litter, respecting others experience with no cell phone usage, no pets, and please, no smoking. Thank you!
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