Poetry, plants, wild things in February’s Parks

An amazing variety of things to do in February beginning with a poet-naturalist’s tour of Lemon Bay Park, from Sarasota County’s Parks people.

 
A monthly e-newsletter sharing our nature news and events.
Poetry in the Park
Join poet and master naturalist, Robert Kinsley, for an easy walk around Lemon Bay Park, with stops to enjoy specially selected poems.
Meet at Nature Center
Wednesday, February 1, 
9 – 10:30 a.m.
570 Bay Park Rd., Englewood

 

For details and to register please contact Robert Kinsley at
What’s that?! Plant and Animal ID Hike
Join Sarasota County Environmental Specialist and super sleuth, Jeff Weber who will identify both native and non-native plants and resident wildlife inhabiting our preserves. No matter what the season, there is always something beautiful in bloom or the potential to see interesting wildlife. Explore a variety of natural habitats of 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.
Wednesday, February 1,  9 -11 am  
189 Pocono Trail East, Nokomis
Space limited to 15.
Guides: Sarasota County Environmental Specialist
 
Register here for this event. 
Demonstration Garden Tour at Shamrock Park
Join the master gardener volunteers as they provide free demonstration garden tours and advice on Florida gardening.
Meet at the central Demonstration Garden near the Nature Center.
Thursday, February 2,  9 a.m.
Demonstration Garden area
3900 Shamrock Dr., Venice
 
No registration needed.
All welcome!
“Learn to Know the Wild Things” Bird ID Class
A Four Part Bird ID Class Series on Thursday’s.
 
Bird watching is an adventure, and the fastest growing outdoor activity in America.  If you enjoy the outdoors and the final class will be outdoors to locate and identify birds in the park.  Each participant will need a field
guide and binoculars for sessions 2 thru 4. If not possible, the course leader will issue loaners. This series of classes are for beginners and those that would like a refresher. Classes will be taught by Charlie Sample, of Venice Area Audubon Society, an expert birder, with 65 years’ experience in the art of birding. The material taught in this series is best suited for adults.
Thursday’s, February 2, 9, 16 and 23 Wild Turkey at the Carlton
10:00 – Noon    
570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood
 
Reservations are required.
Please contact: Katie Balcerzak at
941-786-2738 or cerzak2@yahoo.com.
Mangroves and Coastal Landscapes ID: Walk and Talk
Join Sarasota County Environmental Specialist, Alyssa Vinson at Lemon Bay Park for a discussion about our native mangrove ecosystems. You will learn how to identify the three mangroves in Florida, discuss identification, ecological significance and trimming regulations. Be prepared to walk for the majority of the time.
Friday February 3,  9-11 a.m.
570 Bay Park Blvd.
Englewood, FL
Space limited to 20.
Guide: Sarasota County Volunteers and Park Naturalist
Register here for this event. 
Fitness in the Park: Fit as a Fiddle for 50-plus
Looking for an opportunity to get a little fresh air, meet new people and get healthier and stronger? Join us for a walk to improve health, balance and overall fitness. Enjoy the exercise stations (especially for walkers 50-plus) along the trail. This is a gentle workout and not for advanced fitness buffs. The goal: to strengthen muscles, help minimize the risk of falls, instill a sense of well-being and quality of life through exercise and companionship. Wear comfortable athletic shoes and sun protection and/or hat and bring water. Be prepared to walk 1 – 2 miles on paved and relatively even unpaved trails.
Friday’s, February  3, 10, 17, 24  
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
4000 Honore Ave., Sarasota
Space unlimited
Guide: Sarasota County Staff
Register here for this event. 
The Importance of Fire in Florida Ecosystems
Join a Sarasota County Environmental Specialist at Old Miakka Preserve for a guided hike during ‘Prescribed Fire Awareness Week’ at this rural eastern Sarasota County site. Participants will learn about the history of fire in Florida and how Sarasota County uses prescribed burning to manage many of our natural area parks and preserves. Explore recently-burned areas at Old Miakka Preserve and learn about how fire-dependent habitats and wildlife species have evolved to coexist with periodic fires and see, firsthand, how they respond and thrive after an area is burned.
Friday, February 3,  9 -11 am  
251 Myakka Road, Sarasota
Space limited to 20.
Guides: Sarasota County Environmental Specialist
 
Register here for this event. 
Phillippi Farmhouse Market – 8th Season!
Sponsor: Friends of Sarasota County Parks (FOSCP)

 

It’s back! Enjoy local fruits, vegetables, herbs and plants for sale as well as local foods and artisan crafts.
Experience live music and free parking. Plenty of volunteers ready to assist you. Pets on a leash are always welcome at the market.
During market hours, enjoy FREE, narrated historical tours of the Edson Keith Mansion starting at 10 a.m. The tour includes the history of the early beginnings of the Sarasota Community.
Wednesday’s through April 26, 2017
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
5500 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
All welcome!
For more information on the Phillippi Farmhouse Market
or how to become a vendor:
 
Englewood Farmer’s Market
on Historic Dearborn Street

Sponsors: Friends of Sarasota County Parks (FOSCP) and The Englewood Community Redevelopment Area (CRA)

LOCAL & ORGANIC PRODUCE – FRESH SEAFOOD – HONEY FRESH BREAD – NEW YORK BAGELS – GLUTEN FREE BAKERY – EXOTIC PLANTS – BONSAI TREES – FRESH PASTA – FRESH HERBS – HOMEMADE GRANOLA – BEEF JERKY – HOMEMADE JAMS – ORCHIDS – FLORIDA CITRUS – HOMEMADE SALSA & GUACAMOLE – KETTLE CORN – ARTISAN CHEESES – BBQ – SPANISH PAELLA   LIVE MUSIC AND MUCH MUCH MORE!!!
Thursday’s
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Historic Dearborn Street Englewood
All welcome!
 
For more information call

Sarasota County’s Fire Fest! at T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve

FIRE FEST! provides a first-hand look at how prescribed burns protect our communities and property from wildfires, as well as maintain Florida’s natural ecosystems for present and future generations. A part of Prescribed Fire Awareness Week, FIRE FEST! is a fun opportunity for the whole family to learn how fire is used carefully and effectively on our natural lands, right here in Sarasota County.  All Welcome!
Saturday February 4, 
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway, Venice
Games for Kids, Helicopter Water Drops,
Guided Nature Walks, Free Food and More!
Birding Diversity at T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial 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 Sarasota County volunteer guide 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. You won’t be disappointed!
 
Sunday February 5, 
7:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway, Venice
Space limited to 12
Guide: Sarasota County Volunteer
Charlie Sample
Register here for this event. 
So We Can’t Burn…Now What?
Join a Sarasota County Environmental Specialist at Red Bug Slough Preserve to hear about creative and innovative strategies land managers use when the suburbs are our neighbors. Learn about special management practices and some of the unique challenges involved with managing these sites. Participants will learn about methods used to manage fire dependent habitats, techniques to mitigate wildfire danger and how staff protects rare species and habitats while balancing the needs of public recreation.
Monday, February 6, 
9:00 -11:00 a.m. 
5200 Beneva Road, Sarasota
Space limited to 20.
Guides: Sarasota County Environmental Specialist
 
Register here for this event. 
Backyard Wildlife Gardening Workshop
Join Dr. Bill Dunson, retired Penn State University biology professor, and a long-time resident of the area, for a PowerPoint presentation describing how he has modified his yard on Manasota Key over the past 22 years to improve the habitat for birds, reptiles, butterflies and other wildlife. Over 160 species of plants and 140 species of birds have been reported from this lot. A mixture of native and non-invasive exotic plants has been planted to provide an appropriate selection of flowers, fruits and leaves for consumption and use as refuges by animals.
Afterwards, the group will walk the park to identify good plants for wildlife habitat.
Free to all. For more information:
http://lemonbayconservancy.org/news-blog/nature-notes-by-bill-dunson/
Tuesday, February 7, 9 – 11 a.m.
570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood, FL
Sponsored by Sarasota County and the Lemon Bay Conservancy.
 
Register here for this event.
Hike the Unique Circus Hammock with

Denny and Al

Join Sarasota County volunteers, amateur botanists and Florida Native Plant Society members, Denny Girard and Al Squires as they walk Sarasota’s Circus Hammock leading you on a hike through a unique urban preserve under a canopy of oaks, red maple, hackberry, and American elm.
Wednesday, February 8,  9 – 11 a.m.
4572 17th St., Sarasota
Space limited to 20.
Guides: Sarasota County Volunteers, Denny Girard and
Al Squires
Register here for this event.
Winter Woods Hike at Pinecraft Park
Join Ray Vinson, Sarasota County Parks Naturalist,to explore the mixed hardwood forest at Pinecraft Park. Winter time at Pinecraft Park differs from most of Sarasota County forests due to the large number of deciduous trees. The canopy and understory open up as leaves fall during our brief winter season.
Wednesday, February 8,  9 -11 am  
1420 Gilbert Ave., Sarasota
Space limited to 20.
Guides: Sarasota County Environmental Specialist
 
Register here for this event. 
Seasons and Serendipity Stroll at Shamrock Park
Florida does have seasons, not just for hurricanes and warm vs. hotter weather. Join Sarasota County Volunteer Master Naturalists and Shamrock Park Staff to stroll the trails, relying on changing seasons to bring us new flowers and birds’ nests, insects and animal activity. A little serendipity will find things in unexpected places!
Friday’s February 10 & 24,  9-11 a.m.
3900 Shamrock Dr., Venice
Space limited to 20.
Guide: Sarasota County Volunteers and Park Naturalist
Register here for this event. 
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 seagrass beds, observing, collecting, and discussing the natural history of some of the many interesting fishes and other animals that inhabit the bay.
Saturday, February 11, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.   
570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood
Space is unlimited.
Guide:  Chuck Idelberger, American
Littoral Society Biologist
For registration, please call Chuck Idelberger directly at 941-488-8998.
Valentine’s Day Walk
Join a Sarasota County Environmental Specialist for a special Valentine’s Day stroll through the shady woodlands at Pocono Trail Preserve. Along the way, learn about native plant lore associated with love as we search for early blooms that may greet us along the way. Enjoy the beautiful live oak and cabbage palm hammocks as we celebrate love and share our admiration of nature’s timeless beauty.
 
Tuesday, February 14.  9 -11 am
189 Pocono Trail East, Nokomis
Space limited to 20.
Guides: Sarasota County Environmental Specialist
 
Register here for this event. 
So We Can’t Burn…Now What?
Join a Sarasota County Environmental Specialist at Curry Creek Preserve to hear about creative and innovative strategies land managers use when the suburbs are our neighbors. Learn about special management practices and some of the unique challenges involved with managing these sites. Participants will learn about methods used to manage fire dependent habitats, techniques to mitigate wildfire danger and how staff protects rare species and habitats while balancing the needs of public recreation.
Wednesday February 15, 9 – 11 a.m.
1500 Pinebrook Rd., Venice
Space limited to 20
Guide: Sarasota County Environmental Specialist
Register here for this event. 
 

Monthly Rain Barrel Workshop and Sales

 

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 will be provided. Rain barrels will be for sale for $37 each, includes tax and spigot assembly. Cash or check accepted.

 

Saturday, February 18, 10 – 11 a.m.
3951 Woodmere Park Blvd., Venice
Contact: David Pouso, Sarasota CountyEnvironmental Specialist, 941-861-5000

 

To register for this free class go toEventbrite.
Family Bike Adventures at the Beautiful Carlton Reserve
Got bikes? It’s perfect weather to grab the whole family to join Sarasota County and Carlton Reserve volunteer guides David Reynolds and Gary Vasbinder for an off-road wilderness bicycle ride through the beautiful T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve (Carlton Reserve) on Sunday, January 15 from 10 a.m. for approximately 1 to 2 hours. Expect to see lots of wildlife!
 
Sunday February 19,  10 – 11 a.m. 
1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway, Venice
Space limited to 12
Guides: Sarasota County and Carlton Reserve volunteer guides David Reynolds and Gary Vasbinder.

Contact David Reynolds at 941-412-5575 or Gary Vasbinder at 941-893-7729 directly to register and for meeting location.
Explore Celery Fields
Why is it called “Celery Fields”? Why is Celery Fields so popular? And just what is that mountain made of? Learn the answers to these questions and more as you join a Sarasota County Parks Naturalist on a guided walk through the Celery Fields. Be prepared to walk approximately two-miles along mostly unpaved and often uneven rocky or grassy surfaces, some of which will be uphill.
Tuesday, February 21, 
9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
6893 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota
Space limited to 30.
Guide:  Sarasota County Staff 
Register here for this event.
What’s that?! Plant and Animal ID Hike
Join Sarasota County Environmental Specialist and super sleuth, Jeff Weber at Red Bug Slough Preserve, an urban natural area site, from 9 – 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 22 as he leads you on an exploratory fun, journey through pine flatwoods, and oak hammocks highlighting both native and non-native plants and animals of the preserve. No matter what the season, there is always something beautiful in bloom or the potential to see interesting wildlife.
Wednesday, February 22,  9 -11 am  
5200 Beneva Road,  Sarasota
Space limited to 20.
Guides: Sarasota County Environmental Specialist
 
Register here for this event. 
Invasive Exotic Plants – Identification Walk and Talk

with Denny and Al

Join Sarasota County volunteer guides and Florida Native Plant Society members Al Squires and Denny Girard, for a walk and talk on Jelks Preserve to discover invasive plants. Along the way, participants will learn how to identify some of the most common invasive plant species, learn how these species are managed and find out about how you can help. Samples of local invasive exotic plants and a free publication will be available to you during the event.
Wednesday, February 22,  9 – 11 a.m.
2300 North River Road, Venice
Space limited to 20.
Guides: Sarasota County Volunteers, Denny Girard and
Al Squires
Register here for this event.
What’s that?! Plant and Animal ID Hike at Curry Creek Preserve
Join Sarasota County Environmental Specialist and super sleuth, Jeff Weber at Curry Creek Preserve, an urban natural area site, as he leads participants on an explorative journey of discovery through pine flatwoods and oak hammocks highlighting both native and non-native plants and animals of the preserve. No matter what the season, there is always something beautiful in bloom or the potential to see interesting wildlife.
Tuesday February 28,  9 – 11 a.m.
1500 Pinebrook Rd., Venice
Space limited to 20
Guide: Sarasota County Environmental Specialist
Register here for this event. 
 
For more nature based events for you and your family, please be sure to visit the links on the right column of this newsletter.

 

Go outside

and play!

 
Registration Process for Nature Events

 

Look for ‘View Activities’ (if you already have an account), orSIGN UP HERE (if you need to open up a

new household account).

 

Attached here are directions to help you set up a ‘household’ account to sign up for a free nature event.
Please remember the 3 R’s.
Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle, when visiting your parks and environmental lands!

Please use appropriate containers for recycles and trash.

When visiting a preserve or environmental land where there are limited trash receptacles, please remember to ‘Pack it in. Pack it out.’

Leave nothing but your footprints and thank you for caring.

For more information on the three R’s for your home and business, visitSarasota County Solid Waste for useful information.

About Us
Sarasota County
Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources
1660 Ringling Boulevard
Sarasota, Florida 34236
941-861-5000, pthistle@scgov.net
You are receiving this email based on having previously requested to be included on our e-list for nature events. Please note, we do not share your information or email. 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 bepermanently removed from the list.
Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at www.scgov.net/ADA.Persons with disabilities, who require assistance or wish to file a complaint, should contact the Sarasota County ADA/Civil Rights Coordinator by mail at 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, Florida 34236 or by phone at 941-861-5000.
.
A peaceful picnic area in Walton Ranch, located at 7020 North Toledo Blade Blvd., North Port
Become a
Sarasota County volunteer!
Meaningful opportunities and flexible hours available for people of all ages.
Together, we can build a better community!
Be sure to check out more activities by visiting the links below:
 
Check out Park’s happenings!
University of Florida/IFAS Extension Sarasota County
Education Schedule
FNPS/Mangrove Chapter Events!
 For more information on the Florida Native Plant Society/Mangrove Chapter email fnpsmangrovechapter@yahoo.com
or call 941-769-3633.
Sarasota Bay EstuaryProgram Events!
 For more information on nature outings click here.
Charlotte HarborEnvironmental CenterEvents!
 For more information call Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC), Cedar Point Environmental Park at