January is for Playing in Parks

Start the year off with a meteor shower! Hi thee to Phillippi Farmhouse! Explore the changes of the seasons and experience serendipity with the Friends of Sarasota County Parks!
A monthly e-newsletter sharing our nature news and events.
Quatranid Meteor Shower Viewing Event
Join Sarasota County Staff for a rare late night excursion to view the Quatranid Meteor Shower at the top of the mound at Celery Fields. Be sure to bring a flashlight, folding chair and/or blanket, insect spray and light snacks to enjoy one of nature’s nighttime spectaculars. Viewing will be at its peak on this date and time extending into the pre-dawn hours. Participants may expect to see 40+ shooting stars per hour if conditions are ideal! Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Tuesday, January 3, 8 – 10 p.m.
6893 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota
Space limited to 30.
Guide:  Sarasota County Staff 
Register here for this event.
Phillippi Farmhouse Market – 8th Season!
Sponsor: Friends of Sarasota County Parks (FOSCP)

 

It’s back! Enjoy local fruits, vegetables, herbs and plants for sale as well as local foods and artisan crafts.
Experience live music and free parking. Plenty of volunteers ready to assist you. Pets on a leash are always welcome at the market.
During market hours, enjoy FREE, narrated historical tours of the Edson Keith Mansion starting at 10 a.m. The tour includes the history of the early beginnings of the Sarasota Community.
Wednesday’s through April 26, 2017
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
5500 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
All welcome!
For more information on the Phillippi Farmhouse Market
or how to become a vendor:
 
Englewood Farmer’s Market
on Historic Dearborn Street

Sponsors: Friends of Sarasota County Parks (FOSCP) and The Englewood Community Redevelopment Area (CRA)

LOCAL & ORGANIC PRODUCE – FRESH SEAFOOD – HONEY FRESH BREAD – NEW YORK BAGELS – GLUTEN FREE BAKERY – EXOTIC PLANTS – BONSAI TREES – FRESH PASTA – FRESH HERBS – HOMEMADE GRANOLA – BEEF JERKY – HOMEMADE JAMS – ORCHIDS – FLORIDA CITRUS – HOMEMADE SALSA & GUACAMOLE – KETTLE CORN – ARTISAN CHEESES – BBQ – SPANISH PAELLA   LIVE MUSIC AND MUCH MUCH MORE!!!
Thursday’s
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Historic Dearborn Street Englewood
All welcome!
 
For more information call
Demonstration Garden Tour at Shamrock Park
Join the master gardener volunteers as they provide free demonstration garden tours and advice on Florida gardening.
Meet at the central Demonstration Garden near the Nature Center.
Thursday, January 5, 9 a.m.
Demonstration Garden area
3900 Shamrock Dr., Venice
 
No registration needed.
All welcome!
A Touch of “Fall” Colors in Mid-Winter 
You might be surprised to learn that even Southwest Florida has some fall color!! Join a Sarasota County Environmental Specialist at Curry Creek Preserve on a hike through pine and hardwood habitats in search of red maples, laurel oaks, winged sumacs and other species at the peak of fall color in mid-winter! Yes, the seasons are a little different here in paradise, but if you look closely, you’ll find a few select examples of “fall” color, Florida style!
Thursday January 5, 9 – 11 a.m.
1500 Pinebrook Rd., Venice
Space limited to 20
Guide: Sarasota County Environmental Specialist
Register here for this event. 
 
Fitness in the Park: Fit as a Fiddle for 50-plus
Looking for an opportunity to get a little fresh air, meet new people and get healthier and stronger? Join us for a walk to improve health, balance and overall fitness. Enjoy the exercise stations (especially for walkers 50-plus) along the trail. This is a gentle workout and not for advanced fitness buffs. The goal: to strengthen muscles, help minimize the risk of falls, instill a sense of well-being and quality of life through exercise and companionship. Wear comfortable athletic shoes and sun protection and/or hat and bring water. Be prepared to walk 1 – 2 miles on paved and relatively even unpaved trails.
Friday’s, January 6, 13, 20, 27  
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
4000 Honore Ave., Sarasota
Space unlimited
Guide: Sarasota County Staff
Register here for this event. 
Exploring Relationships between Plants and Animals
Join a Sarasota County Environmental Specialistat Pocono Trail Preserve to learn more about how animals and plants interact, both in favorable and unfavorable ways. We’ll explore some of nature’s mutually beneficial relationships, interesting self defense mechanisms and other tactics plants and animals use to survive and thrive. Along the way, watch for interesting wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty of our preserves.
Friday, January 6,  9 -11 am  
189 Pocono Trail East, Nokomis
Space limited to 15.
Guides: Sarasota County Environmental Specialist
 
Register here for this event. 
Exploring the South End of Deer Prairie Creek

Preserve with Denny and Al

Join Sarasota County volunteers, amateur botanists and Florida Native Plant Society members, Denny Girard and Al Squires as they lead you on a walk at the South End of Deer Prairie Creek Preserve. Along the way you will enjoy pine flatwoods, a small relic scrub, and mixed hardwood hammocks with occasional views of beautiful Deer Prairie Creek. Participants may observe wildlife and wildflowers while learning about the history and natural resources of the area.
Wednesday, January 11,  9 – 11 a.m.
10201 S Tamiami Trail, Venice
Space limited to 20.
Guides: Sarasota County Volunteers, Denny Girard and
Al Squires
Register here for this event.
Full Moon Walk at Red Bug Slough
Join a Sarasota County Environmental Specialist at Red Bug Slough Preserve from 6:15-7:45 p.m. on Thursday, January 12 on a special twilight hike to experience the mystery and intrigue of our natural areas after dark. Look and listen for the sights and sounds of early evening critters and learn about interesting legends and tales surrounding the full moon and other fascinating lunar phenomena. Please be sure to bring a flashlight and insect spray. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Thursday, January 12, 
6:15-7:45 p.m. 
5200 Beneva Road, Sarasota
Space limited to 20.
Guides: Sarasota County Environmental Specialist
 
Register here for this event. 
Seasons and Serendipity Stroll at Shamrock Park
Florida does have seasons, not just for hurricanes and warm vs. hotter weather. Join Sarasota County Volunteer Master Naturalists and Shamrock Park Staff to stroll the trails, relying on changing seasons to bring us new flowers and birds’ nests, insects and animal activity. A little serendipity will find things in unexpected places!
Friday’s January 13 & 27,  9-11 a.m.
3900 Shamrock Dr., Venice
Space limited to 20.
Guide: Sarasota County Volunteers and Park Naturalist
Register here for this event. 
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 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 seagrass beds, observing, collecting, and discussing the natural history of some of the many interesting fishes and other animals that inhabit the bay.
Saturday, January 14, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.    
570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood
Space is unlimited.
Guide:  Chuck Idelberger, American
Littoral Society Biologist
For registration, please call Chuck Idelberger directly at 941-488-8998.
Family Bike Adventures at the Beautiful Carlton Reserve
Got bikes? It’s perfect weather to grab the whole family to join Sarasota County and Carlton Reserve volunteer guides David Reynolds and Gary Vasbinder for an off-road wilderness bicycle ride through the beautiful T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve (Carlton Reserve) on Sunday, January 15 from 10 a.m. for approximately 1 to 2 hours. Expect to see lots of wildlife!
 
Sunday January 15,  10 – 11 a.m. 
1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway, Venice
Space limited to 12
Guides: Sarasota County and Carlton Reserve volunteer guides David Reynolds and Gary Vasbinder.

Contact David Reynolds at 941-412-5575 or Gary Vasbinder at 941-893-7729 directly to register and for meeting location.
Explore Celery Fields
Why is it called “Celery Fields”? Why is Celery Fields so popular? And just what is that mountain made of? Learn the answers to these questions and more as you join a Sarasota County Parks Naturalist on a guided walk through the Celery Fields. Be prepared to walk approximately two-miles along mostly unpaved and often uneven rocky or grassy surfaces, some of which will be uphill.
Wednesday, January 18, 
9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
6893 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota
Space limited to 30.
Guide:  Sarasota County Staff 
Register here for this event.
From the Manasota to Pollyanna and Beyond
Join local history buff and Sarasota County volunteer, Nancy Eaton on Thursday, January 19 from 9-11 a.m. at Pocono Trail Preserve to discover the interesting history of the preserve and the surrounding towns of Venice and Nokomis. Learn about people of the Manasota Culture, the interesting stories of local pioneers, including Dr. Fred Albee and the luxury hotel known at the Pollyanna Inn that once stood on this site. Along the way, enjoy the beautiful live oak and cabbage palm hammocks and occasional glimpses of Shakett Creek
as you learn about the history of this interesting area.
Thursday, January 19  9 -11 am
189 Pocono Trail East, Nokomis
Space limited to 20.
Guides: Sarasota County Environmental Specialist
 
Register here for this event. 
Birding Diversity at T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve
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 Reserve). Join Sarasota County volunteer guide Charlie Sample as he leads you on a birding nature journey.  Don’t miss this opportunity to help document the multitude of bird species on the Carlton Reserve. You won’t be disappointed!
Saturday January 21, 
7:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway, Venice
Space limited to 12
Guide: Sarasota County Volunteer
Charlie Sample
Register here for this event. 

Monthly Rain Barrel Workshop and Sales

 

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 will be for sale for $37 each, includes tax and spigot assembly. Cash or check accepted.

 

Saturday, January 21, 10 – 11 a.m.
3951 Woodmere Park Blvd., Venice
Contact: David Pouso, Sarasota CountyEnvironmental Specialist, 941-861-5000

 

To register for this free class go toEventbrite.
Pooches at the Preserve
Leash up your pooch and join Red Bug Slough Preserve’s staff for a fun and informative dog-friendly nature walk through the preserve from 9 – 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 24. Enjoy the shaded trails with your four-legged companion; learn about dog etiquette, dog safety in natural areas, owner responsibilities and so much more “pooch-tacular” information. For better manageability, participants are limited to two dogs per person. Please be sure to bring pet waste bags and dog treats (optional) and remember, all dogs must be on leash at all times during the walk.
Tuesday, January 24,  9 – 11 a.m. 
5200 Beneva Road, Sarasota
Space limited to 20.
Guides: Sarasota County
Environmental Specialist
 
Register here for this event. 
Exploring the Less Traveled Half of Sleeping Turtles Preserve North with Denny and Al
Explore the ‘sleepy’ side of Sleeping Turtles Preserve North with Sarasota County volunteers, amateur botanists and Florida Native Plant Society members, Denny Girard and Al Squires. During this two-hour hike, Denny and Al will share their boundless knowledge of botany, with identification and lore of the plants as well. Experience the meandering trails while learning about the natural lands and the plants they support.
Wednesday, January 25,  9 – 11 a.m.
3462 Border Road, Venice
Space limited to 20.
Guides: Sarasota County Volunteers, Denny Girard and
Al Squires
Register here for this event.
Spring is Just Around the Corner!
Join a Sarasota County Environmental Specialist at Curry Creek Preserve on a hike through pine flatwoods, scrubby flatwoods and oak hammocks in search of early signs of spring in our area. Even in “the dead of winter” you’ll be amazed at the abundance of budding signs of life. The cooler weather should make for a delightful hike as visitors experience the natural beauty of the preserve.
Monday January 30, 9 – 11 a.m.
1500 Pinebrook Rd., Venice
Space limited to 20
Guide: Sarasota County Environmental Specialist
Register here for this event. 
 
For more nature based events for you and your family, please be sure to visit the linkson the right column of this newsletter.

 

Go outside

and play!

 
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 a ‘household’ account to sign up for a free nature event.
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 and thank you for caring.

For more information on the three R’s for your home and business, visitSarasota County Solid Waste for useful information.

About Us
Sarasota County
Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources
1660 Ringling Boulevard
Sarasota, Florida 34236
941-861-5000, pthistle@scgov.net
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Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at www.scgov.net/ADA.Persons with disabilities, who require assistance or wish to file a complaint, should contact the Sarasota County ADA/Civil Rights Coordinator by mail at 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, Florida 34236 or by phone at 941-861-5000.
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A peaceful picnic area in Walton Ranch, located at 7020 North Toledo Blade Blvd., North Port
Become a
Sarasota County volunteer!
Meaningful opportunities and flexible hours available for people of all ages.
Together, we can build a better community!
Be sure to check out more activities by visiting the links below: