July events in Sarasota’s parks

Be Floridian!

This is the monthly round-up of Nature events going on in Sarasota’s parks and open lands. Did you know that we shouldn’t fertilize using nitrogen and phosphorus between June 1 and September 30 and that slow-release fertilizer is required the rest of the year? In Sarasota County, water bodies are experiencing nutrient pollution, caused by fertilizer and other nitrogen sources. Fertilizer isn’t a problem when it’s used carefully. If we use too much fertilizer or apply it at the wrong time, it can easily wash into storm drains and flow untreated into bays or streams.

Enjoy Florida. It’s where you live.

 

To learn more:

 

Fertilizer Management  

Be Floridian

Informational and fun videos

Be a Florida Scrub-jay Docent
The Florida Scrub-jay is the only species of bird endemic to Florida.
It is one of only15 species of birds endemic to the United States and it’s living right here in Sarasota County! Join a Park Naturalist at Shamrock Park to learn about our most threatened species, helping us teach others the importance of protecting them and what we all can do to help.

First Wednesday monthly from
May through October, 9-10 a.m.  
3900 Shamrock Dr., Venice
Meet under the roof of the Nature Center
 
For more information, contact Angela Kaiser atakaiser@scgov.net or call 941-861-5000
Little Naturalist Nature Program – Children Ages 2-4

“Looking for an alternative to the typical playground?” Then bring your toddler or preschool child to connect with nature in fun, creative ways atSarasota County Government’s nature program, The Little Naturalist.

All children must be separately registered and accompanied by chaperones, parents and/or adult guardians.

Tuesday, July 8, 10-11 a.m.  
5500 S. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota
Space limited to 18 children.
Guides: Sarasota County Park Naturalists

Join the Hunt for Blooming Scorpion Tail on the West Side of Manasota Scrub Preserve

Join the hunt for blooming Heliotropium angiospermum…a.k.a. scorpion tail, a long-lived perennial with showy white flowers. Denny Girard & Al Squires will show plant detectives where to find the many species thriving within the west side of the preserve. You never know what you may discover.
Wednesday, July 16, 9-11 a.m.  
2695 Bridge St., Englewood
Space limited to 20.
Guides: Denny Girard / Al Squires,  Sarasota volunteers

EVENT: Monthly Rain Barrel Workshop and Sales 

 

Saturday, July 19, 10-11 a.m.   
1300 S. River Road, Englewood
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 of rain barrels will be provided.

 

After the class, rain barrels are available for sale for $37 each, including tax and spigot assembly.  Payment can be made by cash or check.  To register for the free class, please use the IFAS link on the right hand side of this newsletter.

 

SAVE THE DATE!

Free Prescribed Fire Benefits Seminar
Join us to learn what you can do to protect your home from wildfire, how wildlife survives a fire and what the benefits are.
Thursday,  August 7, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
3900 Shamrock Dr., Venice
Sarasota County Park Naturalist and Wildland Firefighter: Angela Kaiser
 
For more information, contact Angela Kaiser at akaiser@scgov.netor call 941-861-5000.

SAVE THE DATE!

Free Guided Historic Tour of Edson Keith Mansion
Wednesday,  September 24, 10 a.m. 
Meet on the front porch of the
Edson Keith Mansion
5500 S. Tamiami Tr.,  Sarasota
Sarasota County volunteer docent
 

No reservations required. For more information about the tour, please call 941-316-1309.

About Us
Sarasota County Government
Natural Resources
1001 Sarasota Center Blvd., Sarasota, Florida 34240

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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