There are many customs and superstitions about the moon. Learn how Native Americans and other cultures considered the moon while sharing folklore and stories with Sarasota County Park Naturalist Brooke Elias for a trail walk lit by the rising full moon. Let the intrigue of Sleeping Turtles Preserve North come alive in the moonlight while enjoying the preserve’s meandering trails that edge the beautiful Wild and Scenic Myakka River.

Tuesday, February 3, 6:30-8 p.m.

Looking for the Virginia Willow at Curry Creek Preserve

Explore with Sarasota County volunteer guides, amateur botanists and Florida Native Plant Society members, Denny Girard and Al Squires for the small native, deciduous shrub, Itea virginica, commonly known as Virginia willow. Found in swamps, stream banks, wet hammocks, or
floodplain forests, the search just may lead to other discoveries about the botany found along Curry Creek.

Join us in a sunrise birding adventure that will lead you through pine and scrubby flatwoods with wonderful views of Lemon Bay during your hike.Along the way you may encounter native plants and animals, a variety of shore birds (such as anhinga and snowy egret) and birds of prey (like bald eagle and osprey).

Wednesday, February 4, 8-10 a.m.

What’s that?! Plant and Animal ID Hike

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

Birding Diversity at the Carlton Reserve

Looking for Signs of Spring in the Longleaf Ecosystem

Take a informative journey of discovery, looking for signs of springtime in the longleaf pine flatwoods at Curry Creek Preserve, an urban natural area site. Longleaf pine habitats once covered more than 90 million acres in the southeastern U.S. but have dwindled to less than 5%. Investigate the wonders of this critically imperiled habitat, learn about the life history of the longleaf pine and discover the wide variety of plants and animals characteristic of this unique ecosystem.

Walk and Talk:

Fascinating Facts about Plants

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 and discover fascinating facts about the plants that grow there.

Family Bike Adventures at the Carlton Reserve

Exotic Plants – the Bad and the Ugly

What are nuisance, exotic plants and why do we care about them? Join Nancy Edmondson, Sarasota County Environmental Specialist to learn about out-of-control, non-native plants and what impacts they cause in our natural areas. This will be an informal talk, with plant samples displayed on picnic tables at the Carlton Reserve pavilion.

Explore meandering canopied river trails with Al Squires and Denny Girard. Enjoy this pleasant walk along the Wild and Scenic Myakka River awaiting surprises that come as warm winter eases into spring. Notice the Pepper grass, Lawn Orchids and even a few Bitterweeds which have been seen hurrying the season, while a myriad of small flowers grow right beneath your feet. Turtles and alligators are getting spring fever and should be on the move as well as many species of birds.

Wednesday, February 18, 9-11 a.m.

Exotic Plants – the Bad and the Ugly

What are nuisance, exotic plants and why do we care about them? Join Nancy Edmondson, Sarasota County Environmental Specialist to learn about out-of-control, non-native plants and what impacts they cause in our natural areas. This will be an informal talk, with plant samples displayed on picnic tables near the parking area.

2300 N. River Road, Venice

Space limited to 20.

Land Management in an Urban Setting

Join Jeff Weber as he shares tools and techniques used to manage an urban natural area site. You will get a “behind the scenes” glimpse into the decision making processes involved in developing a comprehensive management strategy. Visitors will see firsthand the results of various management practices that have been successfully used at the preserve.

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 in Nokomis. 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.

Trail Safety Day

Sarasota County Parks and Recreation, the Sheriff’s Department and The Friends of the Legacy Trail are working together on a continuing awareness program to promote safe and courteous use of our non- motorized multiple use trails. Activities will include safety displays, discussions and materials. Refreshments and helmet fitting will be provided. Free bike helmets will be given to children pledging to follow safety and courtesy guidelines. More info here.

935 E. Bay Street, Osprey

Free event for the whole family!