A monthly e-newsletter sharing our news and events
Registration Process for Nature Events
Attached here are directions to set up an account and to sign up for a free nature walk.
For additional help with account set-up, call 941-861-7275 during weekday business hours.
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Fall Walk at Curry Creek Preserve
After all the summer rains, fall wildflowers will be at their peak. Join Sarasota County volunteer guides, amateur botanists and Florida Native Plant Society members, Denny Girard and Al Squires as they lead
you on a hike through pine flatwoods and oak hammocks in search for blooms and native habitats found on the preserve.
In addition to a wide variety of native plant species, the preserve also provides habitat for gopher tortoises, bobcats and a diverse assortment of bird species.
Wednesday, November 5, 9-11 a.m. 
1500 Pinebrook Rd. (East entrance), Venice
Space limited to 20.
Guides: Denny Girard and Al Squires, Sarasota County volunteers
Register here for this event.
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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 displayed plant samples on picnic tables.Be sure to bring a lawn chair and be prepared to also enjoy the trails as you stroll through pine flatwoods and oak hammocks, with views of the Myakka River.
Thursday, November 6, 9-10 a.m. 
2300 N. River Rd., Venice
Space limited to 20.
Guide: Nancy Edmondson,
Sarasota County Environmental Specialist
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Register here for this event.
You’re Invited!
Grand Opening Celebration of the Red Bug Slough Restoration
Join us in celebration for the unveiling of the recently completed hydrological restoration project of Red Bug Slough. Sarasota Bay Estuary Program’s Jay Leverone and other guest speakers will present a general overview of the project and talk about the importance and expected benefits for wildlife and water quality within Red Bug Slough, Phillippi Creek and Sarasota Bay. Light refreshments will be served.
Saturday, November 8, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. 
5200 Beneva Road, Sarasota
For more information: Sarasota County Contact Center, 941-861-5000
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Birding Diversity at the Carlton Reserve
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 volunteer guide and local birder Charlie Sample as he leads you on a birding nature journey. Don’t miss this opportunity to help document the multitude of bird species on the Carlton Reserve outback. You won’t be disappointed!
Saturday, November 8, 7:15 a.m.-1 p.m. 
1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway, Venice
Space limited to 14.
Guide: Charlie Sample, Sarasota County Volunteer
To register for this event: Please email Charlie Sample atcsample41@verizon.net.
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Take a Woodland Stroll on the Pocono
Join Jeff Weber as he leads you on a woodland stroll from upland habitats to the shores of Shakett Creek. 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.
Friday, November 14, 9-11 a.m. 
189 Pocono Trail East, Nokomis
Space limited to 15.
Guide: Jeff Weber, Sarasota County Environmental Specialist
Register here for this event.
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Monthly Rain Barrel Workshop and Sales
Saturday, November 15, 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 this free class: Please use the IFAS link on the right hand column of this newsletter.
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Family Bike Adventures at the Carlton Reserve
Got bikes? It’s perfect weather to grab the whole family to join Carlton Reserve volunteer guide David Reynolds and Gary Vasbinder for an off-road wilderness bicycle ride through the beautiful T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve (Carlton Reserve). Expect to see lots of wildlife! Must be able to ride an off-road type bicycle.
Sunday, November 16, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway, Venice
Space limited to 12
Guides: David Reynolds and Gary Vasbinder, Sarasota County Volunteers
Looking for Climbing Aster with Denny and Al
Climbing aster is a vining wildflower found along rivers and wetlands in Florida. Join Sarasota County volunteer guides, amateur botanists and Florida Native Plant Society members, Denny Girard and Al Squires as they lead you on a hike in search for the pink and lavender flowering vines at Sleeping Turtles Preserve North. Along the way you will enjoy canopied river trails with views of the Wild and Scenic Myakka River with surprises of a myriad of small flowers growing right beneath your feet.
Wednesday, November 19, 9-11 a.m.
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3462 Border Road, Venice
Space limited to 20.
Guides: Denny Girard and Al Squires, Sarasota County volunteers
Register here for this event.
[clearboth]Be a Florida Scrub-jay DocentThe Florida Scrub-jay is the only species of bird endemic to Florida. One of only 15 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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Phillippi Farmhouse Market
Sponsored by Friends of Sarasota County Parks (FOSCP)
OPEN! Local fruits, vegetables, herbs and plants for sale as well as locally prepared foods and local artisans with their creative handicrafts. Live music, ample free parking, and friendly volunteers at the Welcome Tent to assist you about what’s happening in Sarasota.
FREE docent guided tours of Edson Keith Mansion: Meet at the front porch of the mansion at 10 am every Wednesday during market season.
Note: Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome at Phillippi Farmhouse Market and in beautiful Phillippi Estate Park.
Mark your calendars: The Market is closed Wednesday, December 24.
Wednesdays now through April 29
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
5500 S. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota
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[clearboth]Stay tuned…Surrey Rides are Coming
The Friends of the Legacy Trail (FLT) Surrey Programoffers a way for mobility challenged residents and visitors who would otherwise be unable to share in The Legacy Trail to enjoy the experienceYou will be able to sit back and enjoy the ride on a 4-passenger, 4-wheeled canopy covered bicycle while FLT volunteers provide the pedal-power.
Stay tuned for more information on this program to start in 2015.
Reservations will soon be available.
About Us
Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources
1660 Ringling Boulevard
Sarasota, Florida 34236
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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
