December Strolls, Events, Adventures in Sarasota Parks
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Sarasota County Nature EventsDecember 2012
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We are pleased to offer you nature events for the month of December. This month we offer you events to entice you outdoors – the weather is cooling down for a perfect trek outdoors. === |
| Please read each event for specific dates, times, locations, directions and registration information, for they all differ.A big thank you to our volunteer guides and staff!Pre-registration is required for all of the listed activities unless otherwise specified. FOR ON-LINE REGISTRATION – Go to Sarasota County’s Calendar of Events www.scgov.net. Click the ‘All Events’ drop down list, choose ‘Nature Walks’ and ‘go’.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.(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 received this email in error or do not wish to receive this email e-alert, please email dzeilman@scgov.net or call 941-650-0696 to be removed. Thank you.
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They’re back! Camping Weekends!
Pre-registration required. Contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000
Designated weekends in November 2012 through April 2013
Summary: Experience Natural Sarasota County during Camping Weekends! These select weekends listed below provide a unique outdoor experience for you, your family and friends.
Choose from the following weekends:
• November 30 – December 2, 2012
• February 1 – 3, 2013
• March 1 – 3, 2013
• April 5 – 7, 2013
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 0.5 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 reservation and permit only. 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.
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Lemon Bay Park Sunrise Bird Walk
Space for this walk is limited to 20.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Guide: Sarasota County Park Naturalist and volunteers
Location: Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center
570 Bay Park Blvd, Englewood
Pre-registration required. On-line registration is available at Sarasota County Calendar of Events at www.scgov.net.
Summary: 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. Along the way you may encounter native plants and animals and a variety of shore birds such as anhinga and snowy egret and a variety of birds of prey like bald eagle and osprey all in their natural surroundings.
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 and bird identification book are recommended, as well as a camera (optional).
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. Please meet at the amphitheater just north of the main building.
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“Discovering Insects and Their Ways” – A guided insect identification walk at Pinelands Preserve
Space for this walk is limited to 20.
Friday, December 7, 2012
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Guide: Dr. Fred Santana
Location: Pinelands Reserve
4000 Knights Trail Road, Nokomis
Pre-registration required. On-line registration is available at Sarasota County Calendar of Events at www.scgov.net.
Summary: Sarasota County is offering a guided insect identification nature walk at Pinelands Reserve in Nokomis. Sarasota County Extension 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).
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.
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Join the Lemon Bay F.I.S.H. Project!
Space for this walk is limited to 15.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Guide: Chuck Idelberger
Location: Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center
570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood
Pre-registration required. On-line registration is available at Sarasota County Calendar of Events at www.scgov.net.
Summary: 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 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.
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!
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.
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‘Curious about the Carlton’ at the T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve
Space for this walk is limited to 20.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Guide: Lee Ann Harling
Location: T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve (Carlton Reserve)
1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway, Venice
Pre-registration required: On-line registration is available at Sarasota County Calendar of Events at www.scgov.net.
Summary: Lee Ann Harling, Friends of the Carlton Reserve volunteer and certified Florida Master Naturalist, will lead an enjoyable nature walk 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 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!
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Woodland Stroll at Pocono Trail Preserve
Space for this walk is limited to 15.
Monday, December 10, 2012
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Guide: Jeff Weber
Location: Pocono Trail Preserve
189 Pocono Trail, Nokomis
Pre-registration required. On-line registration is available at Sarasota County Calendar of Events at www.scgov.net.
Summary: Join Sarasota County Environmental Specialist Jeff Weber. 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).
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.
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In Search of Winter Wildflowers at South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve
Space for this walk is limited to 20.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Guides: Al Squires and Denny Girard
Location: South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve
5472 Kenisco Road, Venice
Pre-registration required. On-line registration is available at Sarasota County Calendar of Events at www.scgov.net.
Summary: Explore South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve with Sarasota County volunteers and Florida Native Plant Society members Al Squires and Denny Girard. While guiding participants through scrub, flatwoods, and coastal woodlands bordering Lemon Bay, Denny and Al will also share information about native vegetation.
South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve 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, the preserve supports nesting bald eagles, Florida scrub jays and gopher tortoises, all protected animal species.
Participants may bring binoculars, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water and camera (optional), and wear a hat and comfortable walking shoes for wet and sandy soil conditions.
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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Estuarine Ecology of the Tidal Myakka River at Myakka Islands Point
Space for this walk is limited to 20.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Guide: Dr. Bill Dunson
Location: Myakka Islands Point
1289 Campbell Street, North Port
Pre-registration required. On-line registration is available at Sarasota County Calendar of Events at www.scgov.net.
Summary: Explore this preserve with retired Penn State biology professor and Sarasota County volunteer, Dr. Bill Dunson. During this two-hour walk, Dr. Dunson will engage participants in lively discussions of the ecological interactions in this unique combination of uplands and wetlands while hiking to the Myakka River. Hikers will pass through pine flatwoods, scrubby flatwoods, coastal hammock and tidal salt marsh bordering the river, the terminus of the journey.
This 100-acre preserve was acquired by Sarasota County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program in October 2006. It is an important component in the protection of the Myakka River watershed. The region has historic associations with fishing, navigable waterways and Native American culture.
Participants may bring binoculars, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water and camera (optional), wear comfortable walking shoes (that may get wet) and a hat.
Participants can reach Myakka Islands Point, 1289 Campbell Street, North Port, by taking I -75 to Exit 191 (River Road). At the end of the exit ramp, turn south onto North River Road and drive approximately 5.5 miles to S. Tamiami Trail (US 41). Turn left (east) on to US 41 and travel 3.3 miles to S. Biscayne Drive. Turn right (south) onto S. Biscayne Drive and drive 0.9 miles to North Port Boulevard. Turn right (south) on to North Port Boulevard and at the “T”, turn right (west) onto Chancellor Boulevard. Drive 1 mile west on Chancellor Boulevard and turn left on to Campbell Street.
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Calling All Night Owls: See the Geminid Meteor Shower at Red Bug Slough Preserve
Space for this walk is limited to 20.
Friday, December 14, 2012
12:30 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Guide: Jeff Weber
Location: Red Bug Slough Preserve
5200 North Beneva Road, Sarasota
Pre-registration required. On-line registration is available at Sarasota County Calendar of Events at www.scgov.net.
Summary: Sarasota County invites you to join Environmental Specialist Jeff Weber for a late night viewing of the Geminid Meteor Shower at Sarasota’s Red Bug Slough Preserve during the wee hours. Bring a 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 a dozen 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 late night 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 dress appropriately for cool and damp late night conditions and bring a light jacket if weather is cool. Be sure to bring a flashlight, a folding lawn/lounge chair, insect repellent, and light snacks or refreshments if you’d like.
Participants can reach Red Bug Slough Preserve, 5200 North Beneva Road by taking I -75 to Exit 205 (S.R. 72 or Clark Road). Go west on Clark Road and turn right onto Beneva Road. Continue north to the preserve entrance and parking area. From the parking area we will hike approximately ¼ mile to the open grassy viewing area near the lake.
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Family Bike Adventures at the Beautiful Carlton Reserve
Space for this event is limited to 12 participants.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
10:00 a.m.
Guide: David Reynolds
Location: T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve (Carlton Reserve)
1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway, Venice
Pre-registration required: Contact David Reynolds at 941-412-5575 for registration and location.
Summary: Got bikes? It’s perfect weather to grab the whole family to join Sarasota County and Carlton Reserve volunteer David Reynolds and family for an off road wilderness bicycle ride through the beautiful T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve (Carlton Reserve) 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).
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.
Pre-registration is required and should be secured by calling David Reynolds at 941-412-5575 for 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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Are There Any Winter Flowers Blooming at Manasota Scrub Preserve?
Space for this walk is limited to 20.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Guides: Al Squires and Denny Girard
Location: Manasota Scrub Preserve
2695 Bridge Street, Englewood
Pre-registration required. On-line registration is available at Sarasota County Calendar of Events at www.scgov.net.
Summary: Enjoy a leisurely walk looking for winter wildflowers blooming. Join amateur botanists and Florida Native Plant Society members Denny Girard & Al Squires for a nature walk at Manasota Scrub Preserve, in Englewood.
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 light jacket, a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars (optional), camera and hand lens (optional).
Participants can reach Manasota Scrub Preserve, 2695 Bridge St., Englewood by taking I -75 to Exit 193 (Jacaranda Boulevard). At the end of the exit ramp, turn south onto Jacaranda Boulevard and drive approximately 5.2 miles. Turn left at the “T” intersection of Jacaranda Blvd. and Englewood Road (State Road 776). Drive approximately 1.5 miles and turn west on to Manasota Beach Road, then south (left) on Bridge Street. The parking lot will be on your left.
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Plants! Animals! A Nature Walk at Red Bug Slough Preserve
Space for this walk is limited to 20.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Guide: Jeff Weber
Location: Red Bug Slough Preserve
5200 North Beneva Road, Sarasota
Pre-registration required. On-line registration is available at Sarasota County Calendar of Events at www.scgov.net.
Summary: Join Sarasota County Environmental Specialist Jeff Weber 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).
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.
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Land Management in an Urban Setting at Curry Creek Preserve
Space for this walk is limited to 20.
Friday, December 28, 2012
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Guide: Jeff Weber
Location: Curry Creek Preserve
1500 Pinebrook Rd. (East Entrance), Venice
Pre-registration required. On-line registration is available at Sarasota County Calendar of Events at www.scgov.net.
Summary: Sarasota County is offering a guided walk at Curry Creek Preserve in Venice. 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).
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.
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Birding Diversity at T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve
Space for this walk is limited to 14.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
7:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Guide: Charlie Sample
Location: T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve
1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway, Venice
Pre-registration required. Contact Charlie Sample directly via email at csample41@verizon.net or phone at 941-468-1231.
Summary: 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. You won’t be disappointed!
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To learn more about Sarasota County Natural Lands and Parks click here: www.discovernaturalsarasota.
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!
Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital status, familial status, religion, or genetic information.
