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From Sarasota Parks:
We are very happy to offer you nature events for the month of May. Please take time to go outside to explore 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'.
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From Indians to Pollyanna: The History of Pocono Trail Preserve
Join Sarasota County Environmental Specialist, Jeff Weber, and local historian, Nancy Eaton, on Wednesday, May 2, 2012 from 9 - 11 a.m. 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.
Space for this walk is limited to 15. 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 click 'go'. On the bottom of each nature walk is an area that states 'Click here for registration.' If you are having problems with on-line registration, 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. Learn more about Sarasota County Natural Lands and Parks at http://www.discovernaturalsarasota.org.
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Lunch and Learn at Shamrock Park
Join Sarasota County Parks Naturalist: Jennifer Rogers, for a “lunch and learn” nature topic talk at Shamrock Park on Thursday, May 3, 2012, from 12:15 – 1 p.m. The nature topic talk will be about Florida’s Pine Trees.
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 inside the classroom on the east side of the nature center building.
For more information or to register over the phone, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000and ask for Jennifer Rogers (jrogers@scgov.net).
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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 Saturday, May 5, 2012 from 7:30 a.m. – 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 very limited and reservations are necessary. To register on-line, visitwww.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left. From the drop down menu, choose 'Nature Walks'. Please note: Registration is for the entire event – no early departures because of the distance traveled. If you are unable to attend, please contact the guide regarding your cancelation as soon as possible at 941-468-1231. This event is for beginning birders to expert, however, young children under 12 are not encouraged because of the distance covered.
If you would like more information regarding the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP) and/or the T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve, please go to www.scgov.net, County A to Z; Natural Lands, or contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.
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Little Naturalist Field Trips 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 youth nature program, The Little Naturalist.
The Little Naturalist field trip is from 10 – 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at Curry Creek Preserve. The field trip is available for preschool-age OR 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.
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 comfortable weather-appropriate clothes, walking shoes that can get wet (no flip-flops!). Bring a jacket, a hat, sun screen, drinking water and a camera (optional). All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
Participants can reach Curry Creek Preserve’s WEST ENTRANCE by taking I -75 to Exit 193 (Jacaranda Blvd.). Go south on Jacaranda Blvd. approximately 0.7 miles and turn right on to East Venice Ave. Head west on East Venice Ave. approximately 3 miles and turn right onto US-41. Turn right on to Albee Farm road. Drive north approximately 0.8 miles. The preserve entrance is located on the right at 1075 Albee Farm Road. Park in the preserve’s designated parking lot.
To register for one of the available Little Naturalist Program summer field trips, please register on-line atwww.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. The available time slots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Space for this program is limited to no more than 15 children.
For more information and details about the Little Naturalist Program summer 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 to www.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left. Click the 'All Events' drop down list, choose 'Nature Walks' and click 'go'.
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Take a Walk on the West Side of Manasota Scrub Preserve
Plants, animals? Rosemary scrub! Learn why it’s named Manasota Scrub Preserve. Enjoy a leisurely walk on the west side of the preserve exploring regions seldom traveled by the regular visitors. It’s a nature walk at Englewood’s Manasota Scrub Preserve, Wednesday, May 9, 2012 from 9-11 a.m., when amateur botanists and Florida Native Plant Society members Denny Girard & Al Squires will show plant detectives where to find the rosemary thriving within the preserve.
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 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. Once on Bridge Street, drive past the main entrance and park further down the street closer to the west entrance.
Space for this walk is limited to 20. 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 click 'go'. On the bottom of each nature walk is an area that states 'Click here for registration.' If you are having problems with on-line registration, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.
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Nature Walk with Parks Naturalist
Join Sarasota County Parks Naturalist, Jennifer Rogers, for a nature walk through coastal scrub habitats at Shamrock Park on Friday, May 11, 2012, from 8:00 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. Meeting location varies each month. Please call or email for location.
For more information or to register over the phone, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000and ask for Jennifer Rogers (jrogers@scgov.net).
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"Discovering Insects and Their Ways" – A guided insect identification walk at Pinelands Preserve
Sarasota County is offering a guided insect identification nature walk at Pinelands Reserve in Nokomis from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 11, 2012. Sarasota County Volunteer and retired Entomologist Dr. Fred Santana will lead participants through diverse vegetation communities, including pine flatwoods, upland mixed forests and other habitats found on site.
This 6,151-acre reserve was purchased in 1985 to provide adequate buffers for surrounding lands, to allow for the construction of the Central County Solid Waste Disposal Complex, to provide suitable areas for mitigation, and to protect native habitats. Visitors can also observe gopher tortoises, bald eagles, roseate spoonbills, and an assortment of song and wading birds.
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.
Directions to Pinelands Reserve, 4000 Knights Trail Road, Nokomis: Take I -75 to Exit 195 (Laurel Road). At the end of the exit ramp, turn east onto Laurel Road and drive approximately 0.3 to 0.6 miles depending on which of the northbound or southbound ramps was used. At the traffic light at Knights Trail Road, turn left onto Knights Trail Road. Drive approximately 4.6 miles, entering through the gates of the Pineland Reserve and Central County Solid Waste Complex. Park in the lot in front of the peach Administrative Building.
Space for this walk is limited to 20. 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 click 'go'. On the bottom of each nature walk is an area that states 'Click here for registration.' If you are having problems with on-line registration, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.
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Explore Life in Little Sarasota Bay With Us!
Get a little wet, have a little fun and learn a lot! Join American Littoral Society Biologist Chuck Idelberger on Saturday, May 12 from 9:30 - 11 a.m. at Blackburn Point Park, on a search for marine life in Little Sarasota 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 Little Sarasota Bay.
Participants should 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 Blackburn Point Park, 800 Blackburn Point Road, Osprey, by taking I -75 to Exit 200 (SR 681). Head South on Florida 681, exiting toward Venice merging with US 41/Tamiami Trail. Go South on US 41 to the intersection of U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) and Blackburn Point Road, turn west onto Blackburn Point Road toward Casey Key. Immediately after crossing the Blackburn Point Historic Bridge the park and launch area is located to the right.
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 click 'go'. On the bottom of each nature walk is an area that states 'Click here for registration.' Space for this walk is limited to 10.
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DRAGONFLIES! at Churchill Ranch Natural Area
Would you believe there are over 50 species of dragonflies and damselflies that call Sarasota County home? On Saturday, May 12, 2012, from 10 a.m. to noon, join Kathy and Don Hess, amateur odonatists, at Churchill Ranch Environmental Lands site to learn more about these fascinating creatures and enjoytheir vibrant colors and amazing flight skills!
The 392-acre Churchill Ranch site, purchased in 2004, is one of many natural areas within Sarasota County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program. In addition to a wide variety of native plant species, the site also provides habitat for gopher tortoises, bobcats and a wide variety of bird species.
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.
Directions to Churchill Ranch, 12600 Border Road, Venice: Take I -75 to Exit 193 (Jacaranda Boulevard) or from US 41, Tamiami Trail, drive north on Jacaranda Boulevard. If taking I-75, at the end of the exit ramp, turn north onto Jacaranda Blvd. Proceed north for 0.5 miles to the stop sign and turn right onto Border Road. Travel east approximately 2.5 miles. At STOP sign, proceed straight onto Border Road extension (graded road). Go through first set of gates and follow signs to parking area.
Space for this walk is limited to 15. 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 click 'go'. On the bottom of each nature walk is an area that states 'Click here for registration.' If you are having problems with on-line registration, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.
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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 Monday, May 14, 2012, from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. The hike is approximately 1 mile in length. 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 sometimes present white-tailed deer, while learning about the hardwood hammock habitat and its residents.
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.Meeting location varies each month. Please call or email for location.
For more information or to register over the phone, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000and ask for Jennifer Rogers (jrogers@scgov.net).
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“How to be a good Neighbor” – Come See and Learn at South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve
“What does it mean to be a good neighbor?” Join Sarasota County Natural Resources Environmental Specialist Nancy Edmondson on Tuesday, May 15, 2012, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. at South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve to answer that query. This walk will be especially relevant to folks who live next to a preserve or natural area park. How to identify the worst of the nuisance exotic plants and how to identify our wildlife will be just some of the tips on how to enjoy nature while being a good steward of your own special places.
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 should bring binoculars, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water and camera (optional), and wear comfortable walking shoes, earth-tone clothes 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.
Space for this walk is limited to 15. 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 click 'go'. On the bottom of each nature walk is an area that states 'Click here for registration.' If you are having problems with on-line registration, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.
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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, May 15, 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 941-861-5000and ask for Jennifer Rogers (jrogers@scgov.net).
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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, May 17, 2012 from 9 - 11 a.m. 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. Click the 'All Events' drop down list, choose 'Nature Walks' and click 'go'. On the bottom of each nature walk is an area that states 'Click here for registration.' Space for this walk is limited to 20.
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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 Monday, May 21, 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 sometimes 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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"Discovering Insects and Their Ways" – A guided insect identification walk at Manasota Scrub Preserve
Sarasota County is offering a guided insect identification nature walk at Manasota Scrub Preserve in Englewood from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 25, 2012. Sarasota County Volunteer and retired Entomologist Dr. Fred Santana will lead participants through pine flatwoods, oak scrub and other habitats found on site.
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 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.
Space for this walk is limited to 20. 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 click 'go'. On the bottom of each nature walk is an area that states 'Click here for registration.' If you are having problems with on-line registration, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.
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Discovery Kayak Program at Phillippi Estate Park
Join Sarasota County Parks Naturalists as they lead a kayak journey along the waters of Phillippi Creek and Roberts Bay on Friday, May 25 from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm. Learn about the coastal mangroves, seagrasses, and oyster beds in the area. Spy roosting birds as we drift by several rookery islands!
The program is an “intermediate” paddle of approximately four (4) hours in length and five (5) miles round-trip on bay waters and along sections of the Intracoastal Waterway. The program includes several on-water stops for nature interpretation, as well as a half-way on-land stop on Edwards Island for a short nature walk.
Pre-registration is required. Space is limited and other requirements apply.
Participants must bring their own kayak, paddle, and safety gear as required by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Participants must be able to portage kayak to the kayak/canoe launch (a distance of approximately 400 feet).
We recommend paddlers wear sun protection and clothes and shoes that can get wet and muddy; and bring insect repellent, snacks and plenty of drinking water.
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, take your first left towards the park office and canoe/kayak launch parking near public restrooms and gazebo. Meet at the canoe/kayak launch to Phillippi Creek.
For more information and to register, call the Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Jennifer Rogers; or send an email to jrogers@scgov.net
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DRAGONFLIES! at Woodmere Park in Venice
Would you believe there are over 50 species of dragonflies and damselflies that call Sarasota County home? On Saturday, May 26, 2012, from 10 AM to noon, join Kathy and Don Hess, amateur odonatists, at Woodmere Park to learn more about these fascinating creatures and enjoy their vibrant colors and amazing flight skills!
Woodmere Park, located at 3951 Woodmere Park Blvd., Venice sits on 36 acres just off Jacaranda Boulevard in southeastern Venice.
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). All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
To reach Woodmere Park, take I-75 to Exit 193 (Jacaranda Blvd.). Turn south at the exit taking Jacaranda Blvd. approximately 4 miles to the Woodmere Park Blvd. intersection . Turn right onto Woodmere Park Blvd. Turn right at the next driveway into the park entrance. Participants should meet at the parking lot at 9:30 am for an adventure in nature!
Space for this walk is limited to 15. 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 click 'go'. On the bottom of each nature walk is an area that states 'Click here for registration.' If you are having problems with on-line registration, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.
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Phillippi Farmhouse Market
The market occurs on Wednesdays during October through June, 2012 (the Southwest Florida growing season). Rain or Shine. Market hours now 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 atwww.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.
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(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.)
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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