Birds, Bikes, Blueberries: Sarasota County Parks Events April 2013
| We are pleased to offer you nature events for the month of April. This is an invitation to go outside, take part in a healthy, fresh-air walk, and enjoy beautiful Sarasota County with all it has to offer. |
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Please be sure to read each event for specific dates, times, locations, directions and registration information, for they all differ. 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, and choose ‘Nature Walks’. See below*** for more info. A big thank you to our volunteer guides and staff!
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[clearboth]Camping Weekends!
Pre-registration required.
Contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000
Designated weekends through April 2013
Summary: Experience Natural Sarasota County during Camping Weekends! There is just one more weekend left in April.
- · 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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Sunrise Bird Walk at Lemon Bay Park
Space for this event is limited to 20.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Guides: Sarasota County Park volunteers
Location: Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center
570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood
Pre-registration required. Online registration at http://www.scgov.net/calendar.
Summary: Join Sarasota County Park volunteers in a sunrise birding adventure that will lead participants through pine and scrubby flatwoods with wonderful views of Lemon Bay. 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.
Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and we recommend that you bring a light jacket, a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars and a bird identification book, as well as a camera (optional).
Directions: Take 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 (1.5 mile), turn right onto Stewart Street, then stay on Stewart Street until you reach the park entrance on the left. Please meet at the amphitheater just north of the main building.
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Discovery Kayak Program at Lemon Bay Park
Program full – please inquire for future dates.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Guides: Sarasota County Parks Naturalists
Location: Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center
570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood
Pre-registration required. Contact Kenya Leonard directly via email at kleonard@scgov.net or call 941-915-1244.
Summary: Join Sarasota County Parks Naturalists as they lead a casual kayak journey along the shallow waters of beautiful Lemon Bay launching from Lemon Bay Park. Learn about Florida’s mangroves, seagrasses, and oyster beds in the area. Spy wading birds, explore meandering mangrove tunnels and perhaps catch a glimpse of a manatee or dolphin in the bay waters! The program is an “intermediate” paddle of approximately 3.5 hours in length and 2.5 miles round-trip on bay waters and narrow mangrove tunnels. Kayak program includes several on-water stops for nature interpretation.
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 320 feet) and down a stepped slope to the water’s edge.
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. Landings are wet landings therefore wet-shoes are highly recommended. For limited maneuvering in mangrove tunnels, shorter kayak and break-away/short paddle recommended.
Directions: Take 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 (1.5 mile), turn right onto Stewart Street, then stay on Stewart Street until you reach the park entrance on the left.
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Friday Fitness Walks at Lemon Bay Park
All welcome!
Fridays: April 5, April 12, April 19, April 26, 2013
8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Guides: Sarasota County Park volunteers
Location: Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center
570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood
Pre-registration required. Contact Kenya Leonard directly via email at kleonard@scgov.net or call 941-915-1244.
Summary: Join Sarasota County volunteers in a nature filled fitness walk every Friday in April, leading you through pine and scrubby flatwoods with wonderful views of Lemon Bay. This 2.5 mile walk along firebreak trails that are wide and cleared has a moderate fitness level – 20 minute mile pace. Please note that the ground surface is uneven. This event will occur every Friday in April, weather permitting: April 5, April 12, April 19, and April 26.
It is recommended that participants wear comfortable sturdy walking shoes, bring sun screen, insect repellent, and drinking water.
Directions: Take 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 (1.5 mile), turn right onto Stewart Street, then stay on Stewart Street until you reach the park entrance on the left. Please meet at the amphitheater just north of the main building.
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Birding Diversity at T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve
Space for this event is limited to 14.
Saturday, April 6, 2013
7:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Guide: Charlie Sample, Sarasota County Volunteer
Location: T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve (Carlton Reserve)
1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway, Venice
Pre-registration required. Contact Charlie Sample directly via email at csample41@verizon.net or call
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!
Future Winter/Spring Birding Diversity schedule: Saturday, April 6, 2013; Saturday, May 4, 2013; Friday, June 14, 2013.
Space for this event is very limited (14) and reservations are necessary. 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.
Please note: Registration is for the entire event – no early departures because of the distance traveled.
It is suggested that participants wear comfortable sturdy walking shoes (that can possibly get wet), hat or visor, sun screen, insect repellent, bring plenty of drinking water, and binoculars (a must!), field bird guide, camera and snack (optional).
Cancellations: Please notify the guide that you are canceling as soon as possible at 941-468-1231. The event is for beginning birders to expert; however, young children under 12 are not encouraged because of the distance covered.
Directions: 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.
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Naturalist’s Nook
All are welcome!
Monday, April 8, 2013
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Contact: Kathi Rader-Gibson, Park Naturalist
Location: Rothenbach Park
8650 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota
For information and registration: Email Kathi Rader-Gibson at krgibson@scgov.net or contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000.
Summary: Join Sarasota County Parks Naturalist for a nature topic talk in the “Naturalist’s Nook.” The nature topic talk for April is “Butterflies and Their Host Plants”.
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 1970 until its closure and final capping in 2000. The site remains under Florida Department of Environmental Protection oversight as a capped landfill.
Meet at the pavilion at Rothenbach Park. After entering the park, keep right towards the pavilion parking.
Directions: Take I -75 to Exit 207 (Bee Ridge Road). Drive east, approximately 3 miles, on Bee Ridge Road. Enter the park and stay to the right. Drive through the electric gates and park in the designated spaces adjacent to the picnic pavilion.
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“The Florida Friendly Yard Landscaping™ Recognition Program”
All are welcome!
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Presenter: Allison Turner, Coordinator, Charlotte County UF/IFAS Extension Service
Florida-Friendly Yard Landscaping Recognition Program
Location: Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center
570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood
Summary: ” The Florida Friendly Yard Landscaping™ Recognition Program” will be the topic, presented by Allison Turner at the Native Plant Society monthly meeting. What makes a garden Florida friendly? You can enjoy recognition by learning the secrets of landscaping with natives and Florida friendly plants.
A graduate of Florida Institute of Technology, Ms. Turner is coordinator for the Charlotte County UF/IFAS Extension Service Florida-Friendly Yard Landscaping Recognition Program.
Light refreshments provided. Everyone is welcome. http://mangrove.fnpschapters.
Directions: Take 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 (1.5 mile), turn right onto Stewart Street, then stay on Stewart Street until you reach the park entrance on the left.
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In Search of Wild Blueberries at Manasota Scrub Preserve
Space for this event is limited to 20.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Guides: Denny Girard and Al Squires, Sarasota County Volunteers
Location: Manasota Scrub Preserve
2695 Bridge Street, Englewood
Pre-registration required. Online registration at http://www.scgov.net/calendar.
Summary: Enjoy a leisurely nature walk looking for wild blueberries with amateur botanists and Florida Native Plant Society members, Denny and Al.
It is suggested that participants wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a light jacket, a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars (optional), camera and hand lens (optional).
Directions: Take 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. Park in the spaces immediately on your left adjacent to the preserve.
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Join the Lemon Bay F.I.S.H. Project!
Space for this walk is limited to 15.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
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. Online registration at http://www.scgov.net/calendar.
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!
Directions: Take 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 (1.5 mile), turn right onto Stewart Street, then stay on Stewart Street until you reach the park entrance on the left. Please meet at the amphitheater just north of the main building.
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Lemon Bay Park Trivia Night Benefit
All welcome!
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Trivia starts at 7:00 p.m.
Fee
Location: Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center
570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood
Pre-registration is recommended: Email friendsoflemonbaypark@gmail.
Summary: Sometimes even Mother Nature needs a little help!
You are invited to Lemon Bay Park Trivia Night Saturday, April 13 which features cash prizes, door prizes and 50/50 drawing.
Admission $10 – Includes sweet and salty snacks, one raffle ticket and a chance to win cash prizes. All Proceeds go to Friends of Lemon Bay Park to help maintain gardens, grounds and programs. Water, soda, beer, and wine available for sale.
Doors open at 6:30 pm. Trivia begins at 7:00 pm with game host Mr. Trivia, Jim Wasowski.
Team size 4 to 8. Seating is limited. Pre-registration is recommended. Email team size and name to: friendsoflemonbaypark@gmail.
Or call (941) 474-3065. No team? No worries! We will make up a group for you. Walk-ins welcomed on space available basis.
Directions: Take 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 (1.5 mile), turn right onto Stewart Street, then stay on Stewart Street until you reach the park entrance on the left. Please meet at the amphitheater just north of the main building.
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Bike the Wild T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve
Space for this event is limited to 20.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Guides: SCORR (Sarasota County Off-Road Riders) members
Location: T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve (Carlton Reserve)
1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway, Venice
Pre-registration required. Online registration at http://www.scgov.net/calendar.
Summary: Join SCORR (Sarasota County Off-Road Riders) members along with Sarasota County volunteer guides for a challenging bike excursion while enjoying the wild wilderness of a true Sarasota County gem, the beautiful T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve (Carlton Reserve) for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
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; wear closed-toed shoes; bring plenty of drinking water, sunscreen, insect repellant, sun glasses, and helmet (required for all participants). All Sarasota County nature events prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
This event is for adults and children 12 years or older along with an accompanying parent(s) or guardian(s). Routes may vary due to trail conditions and participants level of experience. Be prepared that some trails may have unexpected feral hog damage making trails quite rough.
Directions: 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.
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From Indians to Pollyanna—the History of Pocono Trail Preserve,
a VIVA Florida 500 Event
Space for this event is limited to 15.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Guide: Jeff Weber, Environmental Specialist
Location: Pocono Trail Preserve
189 Pocono Trail, Nokomis
Pre-registration required. Online registration at http://www.scgov.net/calendar.
Summary: 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. This preserve 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).
Viva Florida 500 is a significant milestone celebrating our state’s rich heritage. The following website details the plans, activities and events that will mark Florida’s 500th anniversary: http://www.visitflorida.com/
Directions: Take 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.
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Know Your Niche Nature Walk, a VIVA Florida 500 Event
All are welcome!
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Guide: Roxanne Williamson, Retired Sarasota County Park Naturalist and Sarasota County Volunteer
Location: Phillippi Estate Park
5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
For information and registration: Email Lynda Eppinger at leppinge@scgov.net or contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000.
Summary: Join Sarasota County Parks Naturalist for a nature walk along the trails at Phillippi Estate Park. 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.
The park is a scenic, 60-acre natural area 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.
Viva Florida 500 is a significant milestone celebrating our state’s rich heritage. The following website details the plans, activities and events that will mark Florida’s 500th anniversary: http://www.visitflorida.com/
Participants should wear appropriate shoes for walking on both paved and sandy trails. Recommended items to bring are camera, binoculars, drinking water, insect repellent, and sun protection.
Directions: 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 Edson Keith Mansion parking lot.
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Listen! What Frog is that? Nature Walk at Red Bug Slough Preserve
Space for this event is limited to 20.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Guide: Brian Pavlina, Environmental Specialist
Location: Red Bug Slough Preserve
5200 Beneva Rd, Sarasota
Pre-registration required. Online registration at http://www.scgov.net/calendar.
Summary: You are not going to believe how many different frog species we have that call Sarasota County home. Sarasota County Environmental Specialist and Herpetologist Brian Pavlina will teach you how to recognize their calls and identify their habitat, at Sarasota’s Red Bug Slough Preserve. As the air cools into night as Spring quickly approaches, male frogs see this as the time to breed. This interesting nature walk will lead you through a unique urban preserve that may also offer glimpses of dragonflies, birds preparing a nest and wading birds.
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).
Directions: 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 to the preserve entrance and parking area on the left.
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Plant and Wildlife Identification Nature Walk at Curry Creek Preserve
Space for this event is limited to 20.
Friday, April 19, 2013
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Guide: Jeff Weber, Environmental Specialist
Location: Curry Creek Preserve
1500 Pinebrook Rd., Venice
Pre-registration required. Online registration at http://www.scgov.net/calendar.
Summary: Jeff Weber, will introduce participants to a wide variety of plants, animals and habitats as they take a leisurely stroll along 1.5 miles of trails that wind through the preserve in a guided plant and wildlife identification walk.
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: Participants can get to the EAST entrance 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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Dragonfly Walk at Urfer Family Park
Space for this event is limited to 15.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Guides: Kathy and Don Hess, Sarasota County Volunteers
Location: Urfer Family Park
4000 Honore Avenue, Sarasota
Pre-registration required. Online registration at http://www.scgov.net/calendar.
Summary: Would you believe there are over 50 species of dragonflies and damselflies that call Sarasota County home? Join Kathy and Don Hess, amateur odonatists, in a nature walk held at Urfer Family Park to learn more about these fascinating creatures and enjoy their amazing vibrant colors and flight skills!
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).
Directions: Take I-75, Exit 207, head west approximately 1 mile on Bee Ridge Road. Turn left onto Honore Avenue. The park is located on the corner of Bee Ridge Road and Honore Avenue. The park’s entrance will be immediately on the right. Park and meet at the back of the grey historic C.B. Wilson House.
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Family Bike Adventures at the Beautiful Carlton Reserve
Space for this event is limited to 12
Sunday, April 21, 2013
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Guide: David Reynolds, Sarasota County and Carlton Reserve Volunteer
Location: T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve (Carlton Reserve)
1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway, Venice
Pre-registration required. Contact David Reynolds directly at 941-412-5575.
Summary: Got bikes? It’s perfect weather to grab the whole 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!
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.
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.)
Directions: 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.
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Finding Spring Wildflowers at Sleeping Turtles Preserve South
Space for this event is limited to 20.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Guides: Denny Girard and Al Squires, Sarasota County Volunteers
Location: Sleeping Turtles Preserve South
2800 N. River Road, Venice
2695 Bridge Street, Englewood
Pre-registration required. Online registration at http://www.scgov.net/calendar.
Summary: Explore the south end of Sleeping Turtles Preserve South enjoying the preserve’s meandering lake trails canopied by old live oaks and pines. Along the way, Al and Denny share their boundless knowledge of botany, not just identifying wildflowers, but lore of the plants as well. Take in the scenery and information about the natural lands and the plants they support.
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).
Directions: Take I -75 to Exit 191 (North River Road exit), going south on North River Road approximately 1/2 mile to the intersection and traffic light of River Rd. and Venice Ave. Meet in the parking lot near the entrance to Snook Haven.
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Native Plant Walk at Charlotte Flatwoods Environmental Park
All welcome!
Saturday, April 27, 2013
9:00 a.m.
Guide: Denny Girard, Mangrove Chapter of The Native Plant Society
Location: Charlotte Flatwoods Environmental Park
15801 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda
Registration information: Contact Denny Girard with questions at 941-474-8316 or email at dennyg29@msn.com.
Summary: Join the Mangrove Chapter of The Native Plant Society for a fun and informational slow stroll on trails of Charlotte Flatwoods Environmental Park. Everyone is welcome. http://mangrove.fnpschapters.
Wear shoes that can get wet, a sun hat, and sun lotion, and bring insect repellent and drinking water.
Directions: Take I-75 to Exit 158 toward Cape Coral/North Ft. Myers. Merge onto County Road 762/Tuckers Grade turning left onto US 41/Tamiami Trail. Park will be on your right.
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Bring your Toddler or Preschooler to Shamrock Park and Nature Center and Become a “Little Naturalist”
Space is limited!
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Guides: Sarasota County staff
Location: Shamrock Park
3900 Shamrock Drive, Venice
Pre-registration required. Online registration at http://www.scgov.net/calendar.
Summary: “Looking for an alternative to the typical playgroup?” Then bring your toddler or preschooler to connect with nature in fun, creative ways at Sarasota County Government’s exciting nature program, The Little Naturalist.
The Little Naturalist, for children ages 2 – 4, is a program that includes a short guided nature walk, a variety of hands-on nature themed activities, a snack and story. All participating children must be registered and accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.
Participants should wear comfortable weather-appropriate clothes, a jacket, walking shoes that can get wet (no flip-flops!), and bring a hat, sun screen, drinking water and camera (optional).
Directions: 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.
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Nature Walks by Bill Dunson April 2013 Schedule (For registration: email wdunson@comcast.net or call cell 276-233-6364) |
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| Date | Time | Location | Topic | Leader(s) | Sponsor | |
| Tuesday, April 9 | 8 am -10 am | Amberjack Preserve | Birding | Margaret Dunson | CHEC | |
***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. (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.
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.
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. Persons with disabilities who require assistance or alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.), or who wish to file a complaint, should contact:
Sarasota County ADA/ Civil Rights Coordinator
1660 Ringling Blvd
Sarasota, Florida 34236
Phone: 941-861-5000; TTY 7-1-1 or 1-800-955-8771
Email: adacoordinator@scgov.net
