Join avid birder, Nancy Edmondson, as you explore Manasota Scrub Preserve searching for spring migrant and resident birds, identifying many species. Gain a greater appreciation of our winged wildlife. Meet in the parking lot area.

Join respected local birders and Sarasota County volunteers in a sunrise birding adventure that will lead you through pine and scrubby flatwoods with wonderful views of Lemon Bay. Along the way you may encounter native plants and animals, a variety of shore birds (such as Anhinga’s and Snowy Egrets) and birds of prey (like Bald Eagles and Ospreys).

Wednesday, April 1, 8-10 a.m.

Bring your lunch, a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the concert located at the park gazebo area. Free admission and free parking

Good Time Groove Big Band

Thursday,  April 2, 12-1 p.m.       

No registrations needed.

FREE admission – FREE parking

Birding Diversity at the Carlton Reserve

A Walk Around the Lake with Denny and Al

Explore the south end of Sleeping Turtles Preserve South’s meandering lake trails canopied by old live oaks and pines with Florida Native Plant Society members Al Squires and Denny Girard. It’s early spring and you may find early blooming plants such as Psychotria nervosa (Wild coffee, a Florida native shrub with white blossoms), early blooming pawpaws and both kinds of Lyonia. Who knows what wildflowers will be blooming!

Woodland Stoll on the Pocono

Join Jeff Weber as he leads you on a woodland stroll from upland habitats to the shores of Shakett Creek at Pocono Trail Preserve. Along the way, participants may 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.

Two dates to choose:

Wicked Weeds:

Tired of battling weedy invaders? Learn how to accurately identify common yard invaders. Covering: lawn weeds, common invasive species, and many methods for controlling unwanted plant pests.

Walk and Talk:

Fascinating Facts about Plants on the Preserve

Did you know that sea purslane has been used to clean stagnant waters? Have you heard the legend that inspired the name of Spanish moss? Join Florida Master Naturalist Tina Sebastian for a leisurely walk while discovering fascinating facts about the plants that grow there. Two dates to choose:

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.

What’s that?!

Plant and Animal ID Hike at Pocono Trail Preserve

Join super sleuth, Jeff Weber, as he leads you on an informative fun journey of discovery through oak hammocks highlighting native and non-native plants and animals. Enjoy hiking thru the preserve (once the site of the famed Pollyanna Inn in 1922), while catching glimpses of eastern red cedars, cabbage palms, Boston ferns and views of Dona Bay.

Family Bike Adventures at the Carlton Reserve

Spring Flowers in the Park 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 from a wetland boardwalk through a scrub and pine flatwood area while exploring for spring’s flowering plants. Experience Urfer Family Park’s meandering trails while enjoying the natural lands and plants.

Join Nancy Edmondson, as she shares tools and techniques used to manage Manasota Scrub Preserve, an urban natural area site. Participants will receive insight into the decision making processes involved in developing a comprehensive management strategy for the preserve. You will see firsthand the results of various management practices that have been successfully used at the preserve.

What’s that?!

Plant and Animal ID Hike at Curry Creek Preserve

Join Sarasota County Environmental Specialist and super sleuth, Jeff Weber, as he leads you on an informative fun journey of discovery through pine flatwoods and oak hammocks highlighting both native and non-native plants and animals of the preserve.