| A monthly e-newsletter sharing our news and events |
Be Floridian!
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
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Register now!
World Environment Day Community Forum
Sarasota County has been selected as the North American Host Community for World Environment Day 2014. Come celebrate this honor and join the conversation about our community’s connection to the global environment. In this free forum, local and international experts will share critical information on the opportunities and challenges facing Sarasota County and other coastal communities around the world. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, share ideas and provide feedback in a facilitated-discussion format. The forum will be moderated by Dr. Michael P. Crosby, President and CEO of Mote. The event is free to the public, but pre-registration is required. We invite you to join this important discussion on local and global actions to protect our environment.
 Thursday, June 5, 10 a.m.-noon 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
Sarasota
Space is limited, register at:
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DRAGONFLIES!
Would you believe there are over 50 species of dragonflies and damselflies that call Sarasota County home? Join Kathy and Don Hess, Sarasota County volunteers and amateur odonatists, at Venice’s Woodmere Park to learn more about these fascinating creatures and enjoy their amazing vibrant colors and flight skills!
 Saturday, June 7, 10 a.m.-noon 3951 Woodmere Park Blvd., Venice
Space limited to 15.
Guides: Don and Kathy Hess,
Sarasota County volunteers
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Little Naturalist Nature Program – Children Ages 5-10
“Looking for an alternative to the typical playground?” Then bring your school age child to connect with nature in fun, creative ways at Sarasota County Government’s nature program, The Little Naturalist.
All children must be separately registered and accompanied by chaperones, parents and/or adult guardians.
Tuesday, June 10, 10-11 a.m.
8650 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota
Space limited to 18 children.
Guides: Sarasota County Park Naturalists
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In search of flowering Loblolly Bay at Urfer Family Park
Explore Urfer Family Park, a unique piece of natural land inside the City of Sarasota, with Sarasota County volunteers and Florida Native Plant Society members Denny Girard and Al Squires. Join them as you search for the beautiful flowering Loblolly Bay while you a wetland boardwalk through scrub and pine flatwood areas. Throughout the hike, you will enjoy sharing their knowledge of botany and the natural lands and plants of our area. You never know what you may discover.
Wednesday, June 11, 9-11 a.m.
4000 Honore Ave., Sarasota
Space limited to 20.
Guides: Denny Girard / Al Squires, Sarasota volunteers
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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 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 sea grass beds, observing, collecting, and discussing the natural history of some of the many interesting fishes and other animals that inhabit the bay.
Saturday, June 14, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. 
Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center
570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood
Space limited to 15.
Guide: Chuck Idelberger, Sarasota County volunteer
Pre-Registration required by calling
Chuck Idelberger directly at 941-488-8998 or Kenya Leonard at 941-915-1244. |
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Birding Diversity
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 Charlie Sample as he leads you on a birding nature journey . Don’t miss this opportunity to help document a mulitude of bird species. You won’t be disappointed!
Sunday, June 15, 7:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Space limited to 14.
Guide: Charlie Sample, Sarasota County volunteer
Pre-registration required via email to Charlie Sample at
csample41@verizon.net.
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| EVENT: Monthly Rain Barrel Workshop and Sales
Saturday, June 21, 10-11 a.m. 
3951 Woodmere Park Blvd., Venice
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. |
Explore Caspersen Beach
Enjoy a leisurely stroll at Caspersen Beach in Venice with Sarasota County volunteers, amateur botanists and Florida Native Plant Society members, Denny and Al as they lead you on a search for summer plants along trails that meander near freshwater and saltwater marshes, mangrove areas, and tidal flats. Along the way as you search for plants in the coastal scrub area, enjoy the views of the Intracoastal Waterway.
Wednesday, June 25, 9-11 a.m.
4100 Harbor Drive, Venice
Space limited to 20.
Guides: Denny Girard and Al Squires,Sarasota County volunteers
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About Us
Sarasota County Government
Natural Resources
1001 Sarasota Center Blvd., Sarasota, Florida 34240
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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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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