.png)
.png){kind=small}
.png)
|
Mar 30
2012
|
Nature Events in AprilPosted by Friends of Rothenbach Park in walks , Venice , talks , Sleeping Turtles Preserve , Shamrock , Sarasota , Rothenbach Park , Pocono Trail , Phillippi , parks , nature events , lunch and learn , Lemon Bay , kayaking , insects , hikes , Florida , Englewood , curry creek , Carlton Reserve , bike hike , april |
Nature Events
-- courtesy of Sarasota Parks & Rec
Woodland Stroll at Pocono Trail Preserve
Join Sarasota County Environmental Specialist Jeff Weber on Monday, April 2, 2012 from 9 - 11 AM as he leads participants on a woodland stroll 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.
Directions to Pocono Trail Preserve, 189 Pocono Trail, Nokomis: Take I-75 south to exit 200 (S.R. 681) toward Venice/Osprey. Merge onto U.S. 41 and travel 2.2 miles to Colonia Lane. Turn left on Colonia and left again onto Nash Avenue. Drive one block to Pocono Trail and park along the north road shoulder.
From the southern portion of the county, take I-75 north to exit 195 (Laurel Road) and travel west toward Laurel. Turn left onto U.S. 41 and drive south toward Venice. Turn left onto Colonia Lane and left again onto Nash Ave. Drive one block to Pocono Trail and park along the north road shoulder.
Register on-line at www.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lunch and Learn at Phillippi Estate Park
Join Sarasota County Parks Naturalist, Jennifer Rogers, for a “Lunch and Learn” nature topic talk at Phillippi Estate Park on Tuesday, April 3, 2012, from 12:15 – 1 p.m. The nature topic talk will be about Florida’s mangroves. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunch to enjoy during the program.
This program may include a short walk after the talk to look at mangroves. If interested in the walk, it is recommended that participants wear appropriate shoes for walking on both paved and sandy trails. The walk extends the program to 1:30 pm.
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).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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, April 4, 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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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, April 5, 2012, from 12:15 – 1 p.m. The nature topic talk will be about Florida’s alligators and crocodiles.
Participants are encouraged to bring their lunch to enjoy during the program.
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).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DRAGONFLIES! at Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park
Would you believe there are over 50 species of dragonflies and damselflies that call Sarasota County home? On Saturday, April 7, 2012, from 10 AM to noon, join Kathy and Don Hess, amateur odonatists, at Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park to learn more about these fascinating creatures and enjoy their vibrant colors and amazing flight skills!
The natural beauty of this 206-acre park speaks for itself. As you explore the trails, you can experience a piece of Old Florida. Winding, wooded trails weave through a moss-draped oak canopy, while the trickling Myakkahatchee Creek flows nearby. See a variety of native flowers and trees, including grass-pink orchid, butterwort, pine lily, golden leather fern, wild pine and meadow jointvetch. Wildlife abounds, with alligator, eastern indigo snake, gopher tortoise, deer, wild boar, nine-banded armadillo, barred owl, blue jay, great blue heron and great egret calling this land home.
Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes (also be prepared for possibly muddy trails); bring a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars (short focal length recommended) and camera with a zoom lens (optional). All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
Participants can reach Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park, 6968 Reisterstown Road, North Port by taking I -75 to Exit 182 (Sumter Blvd.). At the end of the exit ramp, turn left (north) onto N. Sumter Boulevard. Drive approximately 1 mile and turn left (west) on to Tropicaire Boulevard. Drive approximately 0.3 miles and turn right (north) onto Reisterstown Road. The park entrance is at the end of the road on the right.
Register on-line at www.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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, April 7, 2012 from 8:00 am for approximately 3 to 5 hours with Sarasota 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! Expect a challenge. Rain or shine, mud or sand, Larry is ready to go! Space for this ride is limited to 6participants. Reservations are required and should be secured by calling Larry Robbins at 941-544-0555. Larry will also provide you the area to meet.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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 Monday, April 9, 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).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Exploring the trails of Sleeping Turtles Preserve South
Explore Sleeping Turtles Preserve South with Sarasota County volunteers and Florida Native Plant Society members Al Squires and Denny Girard on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 from 9 – 11 AM. Enjoy the southern portion of the preserve’s meandering trails canopied by old live oaks and pines. Along the way, Al and Denny share their boundless knowledge of botany, not just identification, but lore of the plants as well. Take in the scenery and information about the natural lands and the plants they support.
This parcel is one of many public lands 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 or see evidence of bobcat and gopher tortoise.
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 Sleeping Turtles Preserve South, 2800 N. River Road, by taking I -75 to Exit 191 (North River Road exit), go south on North River Road approximately 1/2 mile and turn east (left) at traffic light at intersection of E. Venice Avenue. Park in the dirt parking lot adjacent to the intersection and at the northeast corner. From Venice, take E. Venice Avenue to North River Road. Turn left (north) on North River Road and park in the dirt parking lot immediately on the right at the intersection. Park and meet at the south gate.
Register on-line at www.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Indians, Visionaries and Pollyanna – The History of Pocono Trail Preserve
Join Sarasota County Environmental Specialist, Jeff Weber, and local historian, Nancy Eaton, on Thursday, April 12, 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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nature Walk with Park Naturalist
Join Sarasota County Parks Naturalist, Jennifer Rogers, for a nature walk through coastal scrub habitats at Shamrock Park on Friday, April 13, 2012, from 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Guests will learn about scrub habitat and have chances at seeing the resident Florida scrub jays and gopher tortoises.
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, and sun protection.
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).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Discovering Insects and Their Ways" – A guided insect identification walk at Curry Creek Preserve
Sarasota County is offering a guided insect identification nature walk at Curry Creek Preserve in Venice from 9:30 – 11:30 AM on Friday, April 13, 2012. Entomologist, Dr. Fred Santana, will lead participants through pine flatwoods and oak hammocks describing the little known insect denizens of the Preserve and introducing them to the insect diversity of nature and the role insects play in our environment.
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 wide variety of bird species.
Participants should wear long pants, comfortable walking shoes, and bring a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars (optional), camera and a hand lens or magnifying glass (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 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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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, April 14 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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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, April 15, 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.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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, April 15, 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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Land Management in an Urban Setting at Curry Creek Preserve
Sarasota County is offering a guided walk at Curry Creek Preserve in Venice from 9 - 11 AM on Tuesday, April 17, 2012. Join Jeff Weber, Sarasota County Environmental Specialist, as he shares tools and techniques used to manage Curry Creek Preserve, an urban natural area site. Participants will get a "behind the scenes" glimpse into the decision making processes involved in developing a comprehensive management strategy for this site. Visitors will see firsthand the results of various management practices that have been used at 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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gardening with Nature at Manasota Scrub Preserve
What information can we borrow from nature and apply to our own backyards? On Tuesday, April 17 from 8 – 10 AM, come explore the less traveled paths of Manasota Scrub Preserve with Nancy Edmondson, Environmental Specialist with Sarasota County Natural Resources. Participants will learn about native plants most used by wildlife as sources of food or cover. Get ideas about landscape design using locally native plants to bring wildlife closer to us.
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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
‘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, April 17, 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).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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, April 19, 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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Birding Diversity at T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve
Charlie’s back! Calling all birding enthusiasts! Be tantalized and wowed by the vast array of bird species and nature found at the beautiful T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve (Carlton). Join Sarasota County Volunteer Charlie Sample as he leads you on a birding nature journey on Sunday, April 22, 2012 from 7:30 am – noon. You won’t be disappointed!
The T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Reserve located at 1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway in Venice is one of many public lands that are available to the public through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP).
The birding outing consists of a short walk around the Park area followed by a carpool trek into the Carlton backcountry with stops along the way to locate birds.
Participants should wear comfortable sturdy walking shoes (that can possibly get wet), hat or visor, sun screen, insect repellent, plenty of drinking water, and binoculars (a must!), field bird guide, and camera (optional).
To reach the reserve located at 1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway in Venice, take I-75 to Exit 193 (Jacaranda Boulevard). Turn (North) at the exit and then right at the next intersection (Border Road). Drive 2 ½ miles, across the bridge, over the river and turning left at the stop sign (South Moon Drive) and entering the Mabry Carlton Parkway, then turn right into the Carlton Reserve’s parking entrance. Follow signs to the parking lot. Participants should meet at the parking lot at 7:30 am for an adventure in nature!
Space for this event is limited and reservations are necessary. Please note: Registration is for the entire event – no early departures because of the distance traveled. To register on-line, visit www.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left. For beginning birders to expert, however, young children under 12 are not encouraged because of the distance covered.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nature Walk with Parks Naturalist at Urfer Family Park
Join Sarasota County Parks Naturalist, Jennifer Rogers, for a Sunday stroll nature walk at Urfer Family Park on Sunday, April 22, 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).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Let's Explore South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve from a New Perspective
Come see what is blooming! Explore South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve with Sarasota County volunteers and Florida Native Plant Society members Al Squires and Denny Girard on Thursday, April 25, 2012 from 9 – 11 AM. During this two-hour walk, Al and Denny share their boundless knowledge of botany, not just identification, but lore of the plants as well. Take in the scenery and information about the natural lands and the plants they support.
The preserve is one of many lands that are available through Sarasota County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program. The preserve is home to numerous subtropical plants, as well as gopher tortoise, alligator and river otter.
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 at 6200 Osprey Road, Venice 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 approximately 1.5 miles and turn west on to Manasota Beach Road. Continue about a mile until the road curves left. At the curve turn right onto Belvidere Road. Next turn right onto Pheasant Road, then left (west) onto Macon Road and take a left (south) on Osprey Road. Please park in the parking lot.
Register on-line at www.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plant and Wildlife Identification Walk at Pocono Trail Preserve
Join Sarasota County Environmental Specialist Jeff Weber on Thursday, April 26, 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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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, April 27, 2012, from 12:30 p.m. to approximately 4:00 p.m. (dependent on nesting eagles and availability of additional landing). 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. There is still a potential during the April program that, due to eagles nesting, the only landing will be on an oyster shell island (wet-shoes highly recommended). However, if eagles have fledged, the program may increase in distance to 2.5 miles and 3.5 hours total, and include an additional landing on the Lemon Bay Park Addition. This will be determined closer to the date of the program. 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 Jennifer Rogers or send an email to jrogers@scgov.net.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Discovering Insects and Their Ways" – A guided insect identification walk at Sleeping Turtles Preserve North
Sarasota County is offering a guided insect identification nature walk at Sleeping Turtles Preserve North in Venice from 9:30 – 11:30 AM on Friday, April 27, 2012. Entomologist, Dr. Fred Santana will lead participants through pine flatwoods, oak scrub and other habitats found on site.
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 should wear long pants, comfortable walking shoes, and bring a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars (optional), camera and a hand lens or magnifying glass (optional). All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
Participants can reach the Sleeping Turtles Preserve North 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 North parking lot will be on the left (north side), immediately before the bridge.
Register on-line at www.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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:
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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Phillippi Farmhouse Market
The market occurs on Wednesdays during October through June, 2012 (the Southwest Florida growing season). Rain or Shine. Market hours now through April are 9 am until 2 pm. May through June hours are 8 am to 1 pm. There are over 50 vendors, featuring local grown fruits and vegetables, herbs and organic and hydroponic produce, as well as fresh cut flowers. The market also features locally prepared foods to eat picnic-style at the market while enjoying live music or foods-to- go to take home for an easy and delicious meal. There are delicious locally baked goods as well as local handicrafts and specialty and sustainable goods.
Phillippi Farmhouse Market has ample parking, handicap accessibility and public restrooms. For more information, please call 941-861-5000 or visit the Phillippi Farmhouse Market website at www.farmhousemarket.org.
To reach Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 34231, 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.
(1).jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
