Dragonflies are a magical bunch – whimsical at best. Is it a dragonfly or is it a damselfly? Want to learn more? On Saturday, August 14, 2010, join Kathy and Don Hess at Deer Prairie Creek Preserve South entrance in Venice for a different way to look at the beautiful dragonfly. Kathy and Don will lead you on a dragonfly hunt from 8:30 – 10:30 AM, explaining their lives, purpose and the many species that live exclusively in this 6,439-acre preserve along the wild and scenic Myakka River.
 
Deer Prairie Creek Preserve was purchased through a partnership between Sarasota County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program and the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The preserve is one of many public preserves that have been made available to the public through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program.
 
Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes fit for a possible muddy trail; bring a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars (Short focal length recommended), and camera with a zoom lens (optional).
 
To reach the preserve, drive south from Sarasota along I-75 to Exit 191 toward US-41 / State College of Florida-Venice / North Port / Englewood / Gulf Beaches.) Merge onto North River Road. Drive 5 ½ miles to Tamiami Trail South / US-41 S / FL-45 S, turn left on US-41. Drive 1.2 miles to turn around road. Make a u-turn here. You will see the sign and gate on your right at 10201 Tamiami Trail S, Venice. You may drive through this gate approximately ½ mile to the large parking lot near the lake.
 
Register on-line at www.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left. Click the 'All Events' drop down list, choose 'Nature Walks', and choose your event. Follow the instructions for registration.  Space for this walk is limited to 15.