Bike Hike Escapades with Larry and Jeff at the Carlton Reserve

Seeking experienced adults that are ready for a challenging off-road adventure through the beautiful but rugged T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve (Carlton Reserve). On Sunday, January 1, 2012 from 8:00 am for approximately 3 to 5 hours join Sarasota County and Carlton Reserve volunteers Larry Robbins and Jeff King who will lead you on a ‘not for the faint of heart’ escapade with rewards - viewing lots of wildlife, enjoying the wild rugged trails and breathing in 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, 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 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 6 participants. Reservations are required and should be secured by calling Larry Robbins at 941-544-0555. Larry will also provide you the area to meet.

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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 Wednesday, January 4, 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. Click the 'All Events' drop down list, choose 'Nature Walks'.

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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, January 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. Click the 'All Events' drop down list, choose 'Nature Walks'.

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Plant and Wildlife Identification Walk at Red Bug Slough Preserve

Join Sarasota County Environmental Specialist Jeff Weber on Friday, January 6, 2012 from 9 - 11 AM as he leads participants on a nature hike through pine flatwoods and oak hammocks describing the plants and wildlife of Red Bug Slough Preserve.

Red Bug Slough 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 is home to bobcats, an occasional river otter, and an assortment of bird species, including red-shouldered hawks, osprey, barred owls and wood ducks.

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.

To get to Red Bug Slough Preserve at 5200 Beneva Road, Sarasota, take 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 on Beneva Road until you reach the preserve parking lot, located west of Beneva Road. Turn left and park in designated spaces.

Register on-line at www.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left. Click the 'All Events' drop down list, choose 'Nature Walks'.

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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, January 11, 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.

Register on-line at www.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left. Click the 'All Events' drop down list, choose 'Nature Walks'.

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From Indians and Pioneers to the Present Day—the History of Pocono Trail Preserve

Join Sarasota County Environmental Specialist, Jeff Weber, and local historian, Nancy Eaton, on Thursday, January 12, 2012 from 9 - 11 AM as he leads 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. Click the 'All Events' drop down list, choose 'Nature Walks'.

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Come Learn about a Successful Habitat Restoration at South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve

 

The South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve is far from dead in the winter! Explore this preserve with Sarasota County volunteer and Florida Master Naturalist, Lee Ann Harling from 9 – 11 AM on Thursday, January 12, 2012. She will share some history of the site and its habitat restoration, along with information about the local wildlife and vegetation. Participants will pass through a brackish water wetland, a high salinity mangrove area, scrubby flatwoods, and coastal woodlands bordering Lemon Bay. 

 

This is one of many lands that are available through Sarasota County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program. In addition to the numerous subtropical plants, the preserve supports nesting bald eagles, Florida scrub jays and gopher tortoises, all protected animal species. The preserve was the subject of a recent radical and very successful habitat restoration and hydrologic project.

 

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 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 a ¼ mile and then turn right (west) onto Cypress Road. Turn left at Mangrove Road and left again on Heron Road. Turn left onto Seneca Road; take a right onto Varet Road, a right on Euclid Road to Kenisco Road. Turn right to park on the Kenisco road shoulder by the cyclone fence. Please be aware of gopher tortoises in this neighborhood. The street address is 5472 Kenisco Road, Venice.

 

Register on-line at www.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left. Click the 'All Events' drop down list, choose 'Nature Walks'.

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Early Bird Nature Walk at Shamrock Park

 

Join Sarasota County Parks Naturalist, Jennifer Rogers, for an early bird nature walk through upland scrub at Shamrock Park on Friday, January 13, 2012, from 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.  Guests will learn about scrub habitat and have a chance at seeing the resident Florida scrub jays.  A volunteer birder from Venice Audubon will be joining the walk in January.

 

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 trails.  Recommended items to bring are camera, binoculars, bird and/or Florida field guide, water, insect repellent, sunglasses or hat, and sunscreen. 

 

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).

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Hay Ride Adventures at the T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve

 

Sarasota County volunteers and members of the Friends of the Carlton Reserve, National Audubon, Audubon Society of Kalamazoo, Venice Area Audubon Society, and Sanibel-Captiva Audubon, Photographer Bill Heyd and Carolyn Kuester will take you on a hay ride adventure that you won’t forget at the beautiful T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve at 7:30 am to noon, Saturday, January 14, 2012. Expect to see lots of wildlife around each corner!  To further enhance the experience, you are invited to stay following the hayride, for a brief slide presentation at the Visitor’s Center, of images of birds and their behavior selected from Bill Heyd’s personal collection.

The T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve was purchased in the 1980's for public water supply source and for conservation/ recreation purposes.

Participants should wear a hat, clothes and shoes that can get dusty; (long pants suggested) and bring sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent and drinking water.

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 parking lot and restroom, and then follow arrows to equestrian parking lot. Please be on time!

                                                                                                        

You must be able to climb three steep steps to enter the hay wagon. Due to the nature of this activity – SMOKING is prohibited! (Please note:  All children, minimum age 5 years old, must be accompanied by a parent.) Reservations are required and should be secured by registering on-line at www.scgov.net. Space for this adventure is limited to 12 participants.

 

A suggested $10 donation for the ride - all proceeds going to Friends of the Carlton Reserve.

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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, January 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, 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 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.)

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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 Sunday, January 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, bird and/or Florida field guide, 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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‘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, January 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, bird and/or Florida field guide, 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).

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There’s a lot to learn about the botany of Curry Creek Preserve

 

Explore this preserve with Sarasota County volunteers Al Squires and Denny Girard from 9 – 11 AM on Wednesday, January 18, 2012. During this two-hour walk, Al and Denny will engage participants in lively discussions about the botany found along Curry Creek.  Hikers will pass through flatwoods, oak scrub and other habitats found on site.

 

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).

 

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. Click the 'All Events' drop down list, choose 'Nature Walks'.

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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, January 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. Click the 'All Events' drop down list, choose 'Nature Walks'.

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Discover Native Plants and Wildflowers at Manasota Scrub Preserve

 

Sarasota County is offering a guided native plants and wildflower walk at Manasota Scrub Preserve in Englewood from 9 - 11 AM on Saturday, January 21, 2012. Sarasota County Volunteer guide and Florida Native Plant Society member, Jack Lyons, will lead participants through the Preserve’s pine flatwoods and all the flowers and fruits found within. Along the way, Jack will identify plant species, share his knowledge of botany, and tell the lore of the plants as well.

 

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. Click the 'All Events' drop down list, choose 'Nature Walks'.

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‘Curious about the Carlton’ at the T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve

 

Lee Ann Harling, Friends of the Carlton Reserve member and certified Florida Master Naturalist, will lead an enjoyable winter nature walk from 10 – 11:30 AM, Sunday, January 22, 2012 at the T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve (Carlton Reserve). She will share some history of the Reserve, introduce hikers to an authentic log cabin that serves as a Visitors Center, and lead an easy hike around some pine flatwoods, oak hammocks and two wetlands.

 

The Carlton Reserve located at 1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway in Venice was purchased in the early 1980's for public water supply source and for conservation/ recreation purposes.

 

Participants may bring binoculars, sun screen, drinking water and camera (optional), wear weather-appropriate clothes and a jacket, comfortable walking shoes (that may get wet), and a hat.

 

To reach the Reserve, drive south from Sarasota along I-75 to Exit 193 (Jacaranda Boulevard). Turn left (North) at the exit and then right again at the next intersection (Border Road). Drive 2 ½ miles to the next intersection (Stop sign) and turn left at the Carlton Reserve’s entrance. Follow signs to the parking lot. Participants should meet at the parking lot at 9:30 am for an adventure in nature!

 

Register on-line at www.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left. Click the 'All Events' drop down list, choose 'Nature Walks'.

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Sunday Stroll – Nature Walk at Urfer Family Park

 

Join Sarasota County Parks Naturalist, Jennifer Rogers, for a Sunday Stroll nature walk at Urfer Family Park on Sunday, January 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, bird and/or Florida field guide, 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 .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).

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Plant and Wildlife Identification Walk at Pocono Trail Preserve

 

Join Sarasota County Environmental Specialist Jeff Weber on Wednesday, January 25, 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. Click the 'All Events' drop down list, choose 'Nature Walks'.

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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, January 27, 2012, from noon to 3:00 p.m. 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. During the January program, due to eagles nesting, the only landing will be on an oyster shell island (wet-shoes highly recommended). 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, 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 Kenya Leonard or send an email to kleonard@scgov.net.

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SPECIAL TREAT!!!!

‘Marjorie & Marjory’ a World Premiere at the T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve

 

Each was destined to be a Florida icon, but not many people knew that Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings and Marjory Stoneman Douglas knew each other long before they were famous. Sharing husband woes and writing advice, the author of The Yearling (1939) and Cross Creek (1942) made sure that her friend’s book on The Everglades: River of Grass (1947) got plenty of attention. Join us at the T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve (Carlton Reserve) outdoor pavilion, Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm for an afternoon of historical entertainment with famed author/actor Betty Jean Steinshouer, who has researched each woman thoroughly and written chapters on each for her book, Running South in Agitation: The Florida Journeys.

 

Marjorie & Marjory was developed at the request of the Friends of the Carlton Reserve. Donna Day, a member of the Friends group, attended a presentation of “Notes from Cross Creek” at the Myakka River State Park. “It was an absolutely magical evening!  When we approached Betty Jean about an afternoon at the Carlton we could not decide on Marjorie or Marjory, as both fit perfectly in a place of such great natural beauty. We were thrilled when Betty Jean agreed to do a special world premier of both Marjories.  It will be an unforgettable experience!”

 

Funding for this free program is provided by a grant from the Florida Humanities Council along with funding from the Florida Department of State and the Friends of the Carlton Reserve, a chapter of Friends of Sarasota County Parks.

 

The Carlton Reserve, a reserve of almost 25,000 acres in Sarasota County, was purchased in the early 1980's as a public water supply source and for conservation/recreation purposes.

 

Participants need to remember that this is an outdoor venue. It is suggested to bring sun screen, drinking water and camera (optional), wear weather-appropriate clothes/or jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and perhaps a seat cushion.

 

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 and parking attendants to the proper parking lot. You will be directed to the Reserve’s pavilion area near the Visitors cabin, just a short walk from the parking area.

 

Pre-registration is required - seating is limited to 75. Please register on-line at www.scgov.net. Please include your email and phone number in case of inclement weather. (In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the Nokomis Community Center, 234 Nippino Trail. (off Colonial Lane.) Click Calendar of Events on the left. Click the 'All Events' drop down list, choose 'Nature Walks'. If you are having problems with on-line registration, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.

 

If you have any questions or want to learn more about this event, please contact Donna Day at 941-468-5177.

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Phillippi Farmhouse Market Opens for its third season.

The market occurs on Wednesdays from November 2 through April, 2012 (the Southwest Florida growing season). Rain or Shine.  Market hours at 9 am until 2 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 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. 

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UF/IFAS Sarasota County Extension Education

 

January, February, and March Extension Education Schedule

Date

Time

Subject

Place

January 4

12 NOON

Worm Composting

Phillippi Estate Park

January 10

6:30PM

Rain Barrels

North Port Library

January 11

12 NOON

Frost Protection for Vegetable and Fruit Gardens

Phillippi Estate Park

January 13

1:30PM

Composting

Gulf Gate Library

January 18

12 NOON

Turf Alternatives

Phillippi Estate Park

January 19

2:00PM

Rain Gardens

Shamrock Park

January 21

10AM

Rain Barrel Workshop

Twin Lakes Park

January 25

10AM

Container Gardening

Twin Lakes Park

January 25

12 NOON

Composting – Part I

Phillippi Estate Park

January 30

5:30PM

Beginning Farmers Short Course: Planning for Your Successful Farm (series: Jan 30, Feb 6, Feb 13, Feb 20, Mar 5, Mar 12) Fee: $50 Registration Required

Twin Lakes Park

February 1

12 NOON

Valentine Topiary

Phillippi Estate Park

February 7

6:30PM

FYN: Compost Workshop

North Port Library

February 8

12 NOON

Successful Transplants for Vegetables and Fruit Gardens

Phillippi Estate Park

February 10

1:30PM

Wildlife Gardening

Gulf Gate Library

February 14

6:30PM

Plant Propagation 101

North Port Library

February 15

10AM

Growing Citrus in the Home Landscape

Twin Lakes Park

February 15

12 NOON

Winter Pruning of Landscape Ornamental Plants

Phillippi Estate Park

February 16

2:00PM

Worm Composting

Shamrock Park

February 18

10:00AM

Rain Barrel Workshop

Woodmere Community Park

February 21

10:00AM

FYN: Nine Landscape Principles

Elsie Quirk Library

February 22

12 NOON

Composting – Part 2

Phillippi Estate Park

February 29

10AM

Propagation Methods in the Garden

Twin Lakes Park

February 29

12 NOON

Closing Up Your Home

Phillippi Estate Park

March 6

6:30PM

FYN: Nine Landscape Principles

North Port Library

March 7

9:00AM

Sustainable Floridians (series: Mar 7, Mar 14, Mar 28, Apr 4, Apr 11, Apr 18, Apr 25, May 2) Fee: $75 Registration Required

Twin Lakes Park

March 7

12 NOON

Non-Native Invasive Plants

Phillippi Estate Park

March 9

1:30PM

Rain Barrel Workshop

Gulf Gate Library

March 13

6:30PM

Caring for Mature Trees

North Port Library

March 14

12 NOON

Irrigation for Successful Organic Gardens

Phillippi Estate Park

March 15

2:00PM

Florida Snakes

Shamrock Park

March 17

10:00AM

Rain Barrel Workshop

Twin Lakes Park

March 20

10:00AM

FYN: Creating Your Florida Yard

Elsie Quirk Library

March 21

12 NOON

Closing Up Your Home

Phillippi Estate Park

March 28

12 NOON

How to Raise Beneficial Insects for Successful Organic Gardens

Phillippi Estate Park

 

Registration is required.

For class description and online registration: http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu

or call 941.861.5000 for assistance.

Elsie Quirk Library (2nd floor), 100 W. Dearborn St., Englewood

Phillippi Estate Park Mansion, 5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Avenue, Sarasota

Shamrock Park, 3900 W. Shamrock Drive, Venice

North Port Library, 13800 S. Tamiami Trail, North Port

Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota

North Sarasota Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd., Sarasota

Woodmere Community Park, 3951 Woodmere Park Blvd., Venice

Beginning Farmers Short Course: Planning for Your Successful Farm registration: www.eventbrite.com/event/2365629662  or call 941.861.9900.

Sustainable Floridian registration: sarasotasustainable.eventbrite.com or call 941.861.9900.

Extension programs are open to all persons without regard to race, color, sex, age, disability, religion or national origin. All Extension Service events comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Individuals with disabilities requiring special accommodations, please inform the contact person for each event at least 72 hours prior to the event date.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Deborah Zeilman

Program Specialist

Sarasota County Government

Environmental Resource Management

Natural Resources

1001 Sarasota Center Boulevard

Sarasota International Trade Center area

(Off of Fruitville Road, East of I-75)

Sarasota, FL 34240

Phone 941-650-0696 Fax 941-861-6267

dzeilman@scgov.net

·`·. . `·..·`·.}><(((*>  .·`·..}><(((*>`·..·`·.}><(((*> 

"The clearest way to the Universe is through a forest wilderness."

           - John Muir

Learn more at http://www.discovernaturalsarasota.org

 

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. Learn more about Sarasota County Natural Lands and Parks at http://www.discovernaturalsarasota.org. 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.

 

Please, remember to respect our fellow participants, animals, lands and air space. To further enhance the experience at Sarasota County's environmentally sensitive 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!

If you received this email in error or do not wish to receive this email, please contact me at dzeilman@scgov.net or call 941-650-0696 to be removed. Thanks!