| A monthly e-newsletter sharing our news and events |
New Registration Process for Nature Events
We are joining Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources (PRNR) Parks Online registration program for nature events. The program will enable you to register for any PRNR events in a one-stop-shop.
Choose the link on the right column to set up your new household registration account and password. Pick the “Create Account” and follow the step by step directions making sure to complete all required areas. You will be able to register yourself and/or your whole family. After a one time registration, you will be able to choose PRNR events like: summer camp, dancing, tennis leagues, Jazzercise, nature events, pickleball, seasonal events, etc., with just logging in to your account. Click here for more detailed instructions.
Call 941-861-7275 between the hours of 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday for additional help. If you contact us outside of regular business hours, please allow two business days for a reply.
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Be Floridian this Summer!
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
Follow the Flock
Informational and fun videos
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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. Help teach others the importance of protecting them and what we can all do to help.
First Wednesday – monthly until April 2015, 9-10 a.m.
3900 Shamrock Dr., Venice
Meet under the roof of the Nature Center
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A Full Moon Walk at Sleeping Turtles Preserve South
Every culture has its customs and superstitions about the moon. Learn how Native Americans and Florida’s settlers considered the moon in their daily lives while joining folklore storyteller Brooke Elias for a trail walk lit by a rising full moon.Let the intrigue and history of Sleeping Turtles Preserve Southcome alive in the moonlight while enjoying the preserve’s meandering lake trails canopied by old live oaks and pines.
Wednesday, September 8, 7 pm. 
2800 N. River Rd., Venice
Space limited to 20.
Guide: Sarasota County Park Naturalist
Brooke Elias
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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 some of the many interesting fishes and other animals that inhabit the bay.
Saturday, September 13, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 
570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood
Space is unlimited!
Guides: Sarasota County volunteerChuck Idelberger and Park Naturalists
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A Walk along the Myakka with Denny and Al
Explore Sleeping Turtles Preserve North’s meandering canopied river trails with Sarasota County volunteers and Florida Native Plant Society members Al Squires and Denny Girard. Enjoy this pleasant walk along the Wild and Scenic Myakka River awaiting surprises like Climbing Asters, Butterfly Orchids and even a myriad of small flowers growing right beneath your feet. Keep your eye out for Gopher tortoises, swallow-tailed kites, osprey, and alligators, as well as well many species of song birds and waterfowl along the way.
Wednesday, September 17, 9-11 a.m. 
3462 Border Rd., Venice
Space limited to 20.
Guides: Denny Girard / Al Squires,
Sarasota County volunteers
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EVENT: Monthly Rain Barrel Workshop and Sales
Saturday, September 20, 10-11 a.m. 
6050 Longwood Park Blvd., Sarasota
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.
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Free Guided Historic Tour of Edson Keith Mansion
Learn about this historic 1916 Italian Renaissance building and the early days of the Sarasota community.
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.
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at Arlington Park
Join us in helping to spruce up the park’s property and walking trails.
Helping Hands for America’s Lands!
Saturday, September 27, 9 a.m. – Noon 
2650 Waldemere Street, Sarasota
More information on how to register – coming soon!
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SAVE THE DATE! It’s almost here!
Phillippi Farmhouse Market’s
6th season starts Wednesday, October 1!
Phillippi Farmhouse Market specializes in local fruits, vegetables, herbs and plants as well as locally prepared foods and local artisans with their creative handicrafts. Of course, there will be live music, ample free parking, and friendly volunteers at the Welcome Tent to assist you about what’s happening in Sarasota.
Wednesdays, October thru April
9 a.m.-2 p.m. 
5500 S. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota
For more information or to become a vendor, please call 941-316-1309.
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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-newsletter for Nature Events. 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 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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Become a Sarasota County volunteer
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University of Florida/IFAS Extension Sarasota County
Fall Education Schedule
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For more information call, Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Cedar Point Environmental Park at
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