Larry Robbins elected to the          FOSCP Board of Directors   2-2011 

 Mr. Robbins is another great asset to FOSCP and our County's Park and Recreation programs. Larry is Vice-President of Brown and Brown of Florida, Sarasota office. He is President of the Board of Education for the Suncoast School for Innovative Studies. He spends his recreational time giving kayak tours on the Myakka River and is also a bicycle trail guide. He is the President of the Friends of the Carlton Reserve. We are thrilled that Larry has agreed to join FOSCP. For more information on the Directors, just click on "Who We Are" above.    

   BIRD WALKS AT SHAMROCK PARK 
Wednesday March 30, 7:30 AM
Wednesday April 13, 7:30AM
Join Charlie Sample of the Venice Area Audubon Society and Friends of Sarasota County Parks for a guided walk of the park to discover a variety of birds that frequent the park or reside year-round. Hikes begin at 7:30 AM and end about 10:00-10:30AM. Meet in the parking lot in front of the Nature Center.
Bring comfortable outdoor clothing, walking shoes, water and field guide. The program is offered FREE of charge.

            Invest in "Your" County Parks
People who use Sarasota County Parks and Recreation facilities say that spending time in nature and staying active significantly enhances their quality of life. When people want to connect with their families and friends, they often get together at a favorite park, beach or community center. Individuals, families, groups and businesses now have a tax-deductible gift program that allows interested parties to invest in park amenities to preserve, enhance and expand Sarasota's parks, trails and recreation programs. The "Forever Green" sponsorship/naming opportunity is available in all county park facilities at various levels. Join with FOSCP to enrich our County's quality of life now and for future generations.
For more information, click the "Donation" link at the top of this e-newsletter or contact FOSCP to receive a complete listing of opportunities to invest in your community.  Please contact President@FOSCP.org or call 861-5483 for more information.  

      Englewood Center for Sustainability
Interested in sustainability, speakers, community garden, nature trails, landscaping, demonstrations, etc.? Then the Englewood Center for Sustainability is the place for you. Volunteers are wanted that have an interest in building a community garden. Conservation businesses have a place to show their products. Sign up for one of the speakers/classes in the restored Decagon Buildings at the Bucan Airfield Park (corner of 776 and Ole Englewood Rd.) For more information go to   
                          www.EC4S.org. 

Brown Bag Concert Series at Phillippi Estates

Bring your brown bag lunch and lawn chair and enjoy a variety of music in a beautiful outdoor setting. These free concerts are on Thursdays from 12 to 1through March.

Spring into the Past at Sarasota's Premier History Museum.

This March and April, visitors to the 30-acre National Register museum in Osprey, Historic Spanish Point, will become immersed in history by meeting costumed interpreters while on tour. Each day, March 5 through April 10, from noon to 4:00pm at select locations, people from Florida's past will tell their stories, and connect visitors to their time in history. These Living History Interpreters are sponsored in part by Sun Trust Banks Florida Foundation and the performances are included with general admission.

Views of Little Sarasota Bay are enjoyed from the Pergola & Sunken Garden built by Mrs. Potter Palmer at the turn of the 20th century. Visitors may encounter her as she walks among the columns. At Guptill House, Frank and Lizzie Guptill may tell you about his boatyard and their home constructed in 1901. Mary's Chapel, the site of many spring weddings, is where guests meet Mabel Webb, or members of her pioneer family. The smell of orange blossoms and fresh citrus at the Webb Packing House greet visitors who talk to John Webb about his homestead.

A schedule of characters is listed on www.historicspanishpoint.org or call 966-5214 on the day you plan to visit. General admission; Adults $10, Seniors $9, Sarasota County Residents $9, Kids 6-12 $5 (under 6 free.) Historic Spanish Point members free.

    Update on North Port Parks

Become a "Little Naturalist" in a NEW Nature Program for School Children
Looking for an alternative to the typical playgroup?  The Little Naturalist is for children 6-9 years old and it is from 9:30 to 10:30 on March 26 at Red Bug Slough Preserve. All participants must register and be accompanied by a parent. Go to www.scgov.net and click on Calendar of Events, click on all events, click on Nature Walks, click go then go to the bottom of that page to register.

FL. Master Naturalist Program information

If you would like more information on any of the subjects listed below please send a request to President@FOSCP.org.

Florida Seafood Safety and Sustainability Webinar, Fire in Florida's Ecosystem, Fun with Frogs, Student Environmental Scholarships, volunteer opportunities and more. 

   SPECIAL THANK YOU FOR THE DONATION
A special thank you, again, to the Urfer family for their additional donation to the Urfer Family Park on Bee Ridge and Honore. The new donation will be used for extra lighting and security cameras. We are proud and honored to have you as part of our Community and Sarasota County Parks.

Notice to our readers: Due to spring break, the regattas and other FOSCP activities, there will not be an April edition of this e-newsletter. We now have over 230 individuals requesting this newsletter. Please forward (by clicking the "forward email" button at the bottom of this page) it to others so they may have the same information. Thank You!

 

Sarasota County Natural Events for March 

 

*Hay Ride Adventures at the T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve on March 13, 20, 27.

 Starting at 4PM. 

   

Let's Meander through Sleeping Turtles Preserve North on March 8 from 9 to 11AM.*

  

*Stroll along the Myakka River at Sleeping Turtles Preserve North on March 9 from 9 to 11AM. 

 

*Serendipity Hike at the Carlton Reserve on March 9 and 23rd from 4 - 6:30PM. 

  

*Guided insect identification walk at the Curry Creek Preserve on March 10 from 9:30 to 11:30AM.  

  

Curious about the Carlton tour

of the T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve on March 13 from 10 to noon.*

 

*Bird Walk at Pocono Trail Preserve on March 12 from 9 to 11 AM.

 

*Experience the Ultimate in Birding Diversity at the Carlton Reserve on March 13 from 7:30 to noon. 

  

Silent Nature Hike at the Carlton Reserve on March 14 from 4 to 6:30PM.*   

  

*Identify common plants and animals found at Pocono Trail Preserve on March 15 from 9 to 11AM.    

  

*Enjoy a Leisurely stroll through Jelks Preserve on March 18 from 9 to 11AM.   

  

*Kayak Adventures from the Carlton Reserve sponsored by the Friends of the Carlton Reserve on March 19 starting at 8AM.

 

*Strenuous "Off Road" bicycling at the Carlton sponsored by the Friends of the Carlton on March 19 from 8AM to 10AM.

 

*Family Bike Adventures on the Beautiful Carlton Reserve on March 20 for one or two hours starting at 10AM.

 

*Spring Bird Walk at the Curry Creek Preserve on March 24 from 9 to 11AM.

 

*Birding on the South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve on March 28 from 8 to 10AM.

 

*Historical Nature Walk at the Pocono Trail Preserve on March 29 from 9 to 11AM.

 

*Walk on the Wild Side of Sleeping Turtles Preserve South on March 30 from 9 to 11AM.

 

*"Big Bold and Beautiful" - a guided insect identification walk at Sleeping Turtles Preserve North on March 31 from 9:30 to 11:30AM.  

 

The public is invited to participate in a free guided hike of the Manasota Scrub Preserve in Englewood on March 25 starting at 9AM - call 475-0769 for more information and for registration.  

  

*Register on-line atwww.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left, then click the "all events" drop down list, choose Nature walks and click go. Many of the events listed have required registration and limits on the number of participants. Please call 861-6222 for more information