May Nature Events — a walk in the park, and more
We are pleased to offer you nature events for the month of May. 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. For details on how to join in and register for these activities, see below.
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May 1st – The Start of Sea Turtle Nesting Season in Sarasota County
During this special time of the year (May 1st through October 31st), there are
many things we can do to help and protect these magnificent creatures.
- · Please don’t disturb the sea turtles when they visit.
- · Remain quiet and calm and stay at a safe distance.
- · Please turn lights out at night if you live on or near the beach (no flash lights please).
- · Be sure to pick up your beach furniture, tents, umbrellas and toys by sunset.
- · Fill up the holes left from sandcastles by sunset.
- · Be sure to help us keep the beaches free of litter (dispose of in available trash cans).
Thank you for helping to make our beaches more turtle friendly!
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Share in the Celebration of Historic Preservation Month
at the Keith Farmhouse Open House, a VIVA Florida 500 event
All are welcome!
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Phillippi Estate Park
5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Open to the Public
Summary: Although the exterior of the 1916 “Keith Farmhouse” has been historically rehabilitated, the interior is a work in progress. The building will be open to the public for the first time in two years. Self-guided tours of the first floor will be expanded upon by docents in costumes of the period. Kitt Moran and Trio will be performing music of the early 1900’s for your enjoyment. Light refreshments will be served, and many of Sarasota County’s historical organizations will be present for a History in the Park Expo.
All this, in addition to the regular, weekly, Wednesday Farmers Market, filled with locally produced fruits, vegetables, seafood and prepared foods galore, as well as candles, pet foods, herbs, plants and more. FREE admission, FREE parking and FREE live music all day! For more information, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at (941) 861-5000.
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, 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.
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Friday Fitness Walks at Lemon Bay Park
All are welcome!
Fridays: May 3, May 10, May 17, May 24, and May 31, 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 is greatly appreciate: Contact Kenya Leonard 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 May, 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.
NOTE: This event will occur every Friday in May, weather permitting: May 3, May 10, May 17, May 24, and May 31.
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 on the veranda near the park office.
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Woodland Stroll at Pocono Trail Preserve
Space for this event is limited to 15.
Friday, May 3, 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 available at http://www.scgov.net/calendar.
Summary: Join Jeff 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, you 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.
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).
Directions: 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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Birding Diversity at T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve
Space for this event is limited to 14.
Saturday, May 4, 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!
Final Spring Birding Diversity schedule: Saturday, May 4, 2013; Friday, June 14, 2013.
The birding outing for beginning birders to expert 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. This excursion is perfect for persons that are limited from walking long distances. You will be able to enjoy birding at the Carlton from the comfort of the vehicle. Space for this event is very limited (14) and reservations are necessary. 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.
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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What’s Blooming at Old Miakka Preserve?
Space for this event is limited to 15.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Guides: Denny Girard and Al Squires, Sarasota County Volunteers
Location: Old Myakka Preserve
251 Myakka Road, Sarasota
Pre-registration required. Online registration at http://www.scgov.net/calendar.
Summary: Join Denny and Al! While exploring Old Miakka preserve’s network of trails, visitors may see diverse natural communities – including scrub, pine flatwoods and seasonal wetlands. Along the way, Denny and Al 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.
This 132-acre preserve is one of many public lands that are available to the public through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program. Visitors can observe gopher tortoises, swallowtail butterflies, an assortment of songbirds and wildflowers, such as, spiderwort and beautyberry.
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: From I-75, take Exit 210 (Fruitville Road). Turn east onto Fruitville Road and drive approximately 11 miles. At the stop sign, continue straight onto Fruitville Road Extension (dirt road). Drive 0.4 miles. The preserve entrance is located on the right. When parking, please do not block the driveway or extension road.
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Bike the Wild Carlton Reserve!
Space for this event is limited to 20.
Saturday, May 11, 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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Plant and Wildlife Identification Nature Walk at Pocono Trail Preserve
Space for this event is limited to 15.
Wednesday, May 15, 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: Join Jeff as he leads you on a nature hike 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 are suggested to 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: 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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‘Listen! What Frog is that?’ Nature Walk at Sleeping Turtles Preserve North
Space for this event is limited to 20.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Guide: Brian Pavlina, Environmental Specialist
Location: Sleeping Turtles Preserve North
3462 Border Road, Venice
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. Join Brian Pavlina as he teaches you how to recognize their calls and identify their habitat, at Venice’s Sleeping Turtles Preserve North. As the air cools into night, male frogs see this as the time to breed. This interesting nature walk will lead you through a unique preserve that may also offer glimpses of dragonflies, birds preparing a nest and wading birds.
This preserve is one of many that are available to the public through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program. In addition to the numerous subtropical plants, visitors may observe eagles or osprey hunting over the river corridor.
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: From northbound I-75, by taking exit 193 and then turning right on to Jacaranda Boulevard. From southbound I-75, take exit 193 and turn left on to Jacaranda Boulevard. Proceed north approximately 0.7 miles on Jacaranda Blvd. to the stop sign, and then turn right onto Border Road. Proceed approximately 2 miles east on Border Road almost to the bridge over the Myakka River. As you approach the bridge, the Sleeping Turtles Preserve North parking lot will be on the left (north side), immediately before the bridge.
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Dragonfly Walk at Woodmere Park
Space for this event is limited to 15.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Guides: Kathy and Don Hess, Sarasota County Volunteers
Location: Woodmere Park
3951 Woodmere Park Blvd., Venice
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 Venice’s Woodmere Park to learn more about these fascinating creatures and enjoy their amazing vibrant colors and flight skills!
Woodmere Park sits on 36 acres just off Jacaranda Boulevard in southeastern Venice. Being family and pet friendly, Woodmere Park provides a combination of recreational and learning opportunities which include a 2.5 acre Paw Park with fenced play areas for small and large dogs, along with comfortable places to enjoy outdoor activities featuring benches, picnic shelters, water stations; places for outdoor sports such as two outdoor tennis courts, indoor sports facility, with many educational opportunities, and indoor rental space.
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 193, (Jacaranda Boulevard), proceed toward U.S. 41 /Tamami Trail (south) at the exit taking Jacaranda Blvd. approximately 4 miles to the Woodmere Park Blvd. intersection. Turn right onto Woodmere Park Blvd. Turn right at the next driveway into the park entrance. Participants should meet at the parking lot at 10:00 am for an adventure in nature!
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Family Bike Adventures at the Beautiful Carlton Reserve
Space for this event is limited to 12
Sunday, May 19, 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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Volunteer opportunity
Jay Watch Program Needs You!
Volunteers Needed to Collect Valuable Florida Scrub-jay Family Data
Space for this event is limited to 35 participants.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Shamrock Park and Nature Center
3900 Shamrock Drive, Venice
Registration information: Registration is required and should be secured by contacting Jacqui Sulek at jsulek@audubon.org.
Summary: Since 2008 in Sarasota County, citizen scientists successfully documented local Florida Scrub-jay groups and volunteers are needed to continue the work this summer. The Florida Scrub-jay is the state’s only endemic bird – it is found nowhere else in the world. Nearly 90% of the statewide Scrub-jay population is gone.
Marianne Korosy, Jay Watch Coordinator of Audubon Florida said the research program, called Jay Watch, will continue to be helpful as long as data collection is consistent between years. “This is the most important bird citizen science project in the country,” she says.
No prior experience is necessary. Free training will be provided.
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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An Early Summer Walk at South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve
Space for this event is limited to 20.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Guides: Denny Girard and Al Squires, Sarasota County Volunteers
Location: South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve
5472 Kenisco Road, Venice
Pre-registration required. Online registration at http://www.scgov.net/calendar.
Summary: 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.
Directions: From I-75, take 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.
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All are welcome!
Saturday, May 25, 2013
9:00 a.m.
Guide: Denny Girard, Mangrove Chapter of The Native Plant Society
Location: Sleeping Turtles Preserve North
3462 Border Road, Venice
Registration information: Contact Denny Girard with questions at dennyg29@msn.com or call at 941-474-8316.
Summary: Join the Mangrove Chapter of The Native Plant Society for a fun and informational slow stroll on trails of Sleeping Turtles Preserve North – Ligon parcel. 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 193 (Jacaranda Boulevard), proceed north on Jacaranda Blvd. to the stop sign at the Border Road intersection. Turn right on Border Road and proceed approximately 3 miles east on Border Road almost to the bridge over the Myakka River. Right before the bridge, the Sleeping Turtles Preserve North entrance/parking lot will be on your left (north side of the road).
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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’.
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.
A big thank you to our volunteer guides and staff!
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
