Join Environmental Specialist Jeff Weber for a late night viewing of the Perseid Meteor Shower at Sarasota’s Red Bug Slough Preserve from 11:45 p.m. Thursday, August 12th to 1:30 a.m., Friday, August 13th. Grab a cup of coffee and bring an old blanket or a folding chair to enjoy one of nature’s nighttime spectaculars. Viewing will be at its peak on this date during this time period, when participants can expect to see up to 30 shooting stars per hour!

Red Bug Slough Preserve is one of many natural areas available through the county’s environmental lands program. Come join us for a rare pre-dawn excursion as we look to the heavens and enjoy nature’s chorus of frogs and crickets and possibly even a barred owl or two.

Participants should wear long pants and comfortable walking shoes that can get wet. Be sure to bring a flashlight, an old blanket or folding lawn/lounge chair, insect repellent, and light snacks or refreshments if you’d like.

Participants can reach Red Bug Slough Preserve by taking I -75 to Exit 205 (S.R. 72 or Clark Road). Go west on Clark Road to Beneva Road and turn right onto Beneva. Continue north to the preserve entrance and parking area located at 5200 North Beneva Road. We will meet in the parking area at 11:45 pm. From the parking area we will hike approximately ¼ mile to an open grassy viewing area 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. Please be sure to provide a telephone number when registering where you can be reached between 8:00 – 10:00 pm during the evening of August 12th in case it becomes necessary to cancel due to cloud cover or inclement weather. Space for this outing is limited to 30.