| A monthly e-newsletter sharing our nature news and events |
Your Input is Important:
Parks, Preserves and Recreation Road Map
for the Future
Sarasota County is developing a Parks, Preserve and Recreation Master Plan in conjunction with the cities, which will become the road map for parks and environmental lands in our county. The plan will guide how the County provides park services and sets priorities.
Community input is essential to the success of the plan.
We need YOU to tell us what’s working, what is needed and what’s most important to you and your family.
Tell us your thoughts.
Go here to visit the survey or scan this QR code: 
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Demonstration Garden Tours at Shamrock Park
Master gardener volunteers will be giving free demonstration garden tours and advice on Florida gardening. Meet at the central garden area near the Nature Center.
Thursday, June 4, 9 -11 a.m. 
3900 Shamrock Dr., Venice
No registrations necessary.For information call 941-861-5000.
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You’re Invited!
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at “Walton Ranch”
Please join us as we cut the ribbon on Sarasota County’s newest preserve now open to the public. Currently called, “Walton Ranch,” the property will receive a new name in July. Enjoy nature hayrides and a nature walk while you are there.
Monday, June 8, 10 a.m.
“Walton Ranch”
7020 North Toledo Blade Blvd., North Port
All are welcome!
No registrations necessary.
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A Walk Around the Lake with Denny and Al
Join amateur botanists and Florida Native Plant Society members, Denny Girard and Al Squires as they lead you on a walk around the lakeat Scherer Thaxton Preserve. While you hike, you may encounter birds of prey; like a bald eagle or swallow tail kite soaring overhead andblooming native plants.
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Wednesday, June 10, 9-11 a.m.
13125 Honore Ave., Nokomis
Space limited to 20.
Guides: Denny Girard and Al Squires, Sarasota County volunteers
Register here for this event.
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Florida Friendly Landscape Basics:
Free Workshop
Water Conservation:
High water bill? This class will focus on the many ways that you can conserve water in the landscape with the use of native plants in Florida’s landscape. We will discuss the different water catchment systems, rain barrels, rain gardens and bioswales. Learn how to save money and water in your garden during this interactive class.
Questions? For specific program information, please call 941-861-9900, or visit UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County at sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu.
Friday, June 12, 3-4 p.m.
Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center
Environmental Classroom
570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood
To register for these or other great Sarasota County UF/IFAS workshops, check out the education line-up at Eventbrite.
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Join the Lemon Bay F.I.S.H. Project!
Calling all F.I.S.H. – Folks Interested in Submerged Habitats! Get a little wet, have a little fun and learn a lot! Join us on a search for marine life in Lemon Bay. Using hand and seine nets, you will search shallow waters and seagrass beds, observing, collecting, and discussing the natural history of many interesting fishes and other animals that inhabit the bay.
Saturday, June 13, 9:30 -11:30 a.m.
570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood
Space is unlimited.
Guide: Chuck Idelberger, American Littoral Society Biologist
To register for this event: Please call Chuck Idelberger at
941-488-8998 for details.
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Monthly Rain Barrel Workshop and Sales
Saturday, June 20, 10-11 a.m. 
1300 South River Rd, Engelwood
Contact: David Pouso, Environmental Specialist
Learn how the use of rain barrels can conserve water, save money by reducing the use of potable water in landscapes (lower utility bills), and reduce stormwater runoff by storing and diverting runoff from impervious surfaces (roofs). Practical tips on the construction and installation will be provided. Rain barrels for sale for $37 each, includes tax and spigot assembly. Cash or check accepted.
To register for this free class go to Eventbrite.
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What’s Blooming, Buzzing and Hatching
at Shamrock Park?
Ever wonder where wildflowers bloom – and when? How many kinds of butterflies and dragonflies live here? Or which eggs, like the gopher tortoise’s, may be hatching? And when do Florida scrub-jays learn to fly? Join park naturalist Brooke Elias on ‘fourth Thursday’s (endingOctober 22) on a stroll to explore the annual rhythms and cycles of Shamrock Park. Meet on the deck of the Nature Center building.
Thursday, June 25, 9 -11 a.m. 
3900 Shamrock Dr., Venice
Space limited to 20.
Guide: Brooke Elias, Sarasota County Park Naturalist
Register here for this event.
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Attention All Photographers:Do you have a beautiful bird photo to share?
Here is a deal for you!
The Herald Tribune is seeking
beautiful bird photographs
to share on their on-line gallery..
in this wonderful on-line bird gallery. |
Registration Process for Nature Events
Look for ‘View Activities’ (if you already have an account), orSIGN UP HERE (if you need to open up a
new household account).
Attached here are directions to help you set up an account to sign up for a free nature event.
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 Please remember the 3 R’s.Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle, when visiting your parks and environmental lands!
Please use appropriate containers for recycles and trash.
When visiting a preserve or environmental land where there are limited trash receptacles, please remember to ‘Pack it in. Pack it out.’ Leave nothing but your footprints. Thank you for caring.
For more information on the three R’s for your home and business, visitSarasota County Solid Waste for useful information.
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 About Us Sarasota County
Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources
1660 Ringling Boulevard
Sarasota, Florida 34236
You are receiving this email based on having previously requested to be included on our e-list for nature events. Please note, we do not share your information or email. Should you want to opt out from receiving this newsletter, just click the “Instant Removal” link at the bottom of the page and your name will be permanently removed from the list.
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 |
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