Sarasota County Nature Events — November 2012
| We are pleased to offer you nature events for the month of November. Fall is here! This month we offer you events to entice you outdoors-the weather is perfect for an outing. |
| Please read each event for specific dates, times, locations, directions and registration information, for they all differ.A big thank you to our volunteer guides and staff!
Pre-registration is required for all of the listed activities unless otherwise specified. FOR ON-LINE REGISTRATION – Go to www.scgov.net. Click Calendar on the left. Click the ‘All Events’ drop down list, choose ‘Nature Walks’ and ‘go’.
If you are having problems with on-line registration, please contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources. To help us provide quality programming, we would appreciate your feedback on this program. A post-event survey will be emailed to all program participants.
To learn more about Sarasota County Natural Lands and Parks click here: www.discovernaturalsarasota.
Remember to respect our fellow participants, animals, lands and air space. To further enhance the experience at Sarasota County’s natural lands, please help us by picking up and properly disposing of litter, respecting others experience with no cell phone usage, no pets, and please, no smoking. Thank you!
(Please note: Your registration information will not be shared and will be used only for contact purposes in the event of inclement weather or walk cancelation.) If you received this email in error or do not wish to receive this email e-alert, please email dzeilman@scgov.net or call 941-650-0696 to be removed. Thank you.
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They’re back! Camping Weekends!
Pre-registration required. Contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000
Designated weekends in November 2012 through April 2013
Summary: Experience Natural Sarasota County during Camping Weekends! These select weekends listed below provide a unique outdoor experience for you, your family and friends.
Choose from the following weekends:
• November 2 – 4, 2012
• November 30 – December 2, 2012
• February 1 – 3, 2013
• March 1 – 3, 2013
• April 5 – 7, 2013
Camping Weekends! take place at three select county parks as follows:
– T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve, Venice, FL;
– Knight Trail Park, Nokomis, FL; and,
– Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park, North Port, FL.
Campsites vary by location and are either ‘primitive’ or ‘primitive backcountry.’ The ‘primitive’ campsites are within a short walking distance to parking, restrooms and potable water, offering a relaxing way to reconnect with nature – plan a casual day hiking and wildlife watching. The ‘primitive backcountry’ campsites are located from 0.5 to 8 miles from parking and amenities, offering a backpacking, hiking or biking adventure into the wilderness – perfect for those seeking nature and solitude.
Campsites are $5 per person per night. Camping is by reservation and permit only. For more information, or to make a reservation, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and let them know of your interest.
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Land Management in an Urban Setting at Red Bug Slough Preserve
Monday, November 5, 2012
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Red Bug Slough Preserve
5200 Beneva Road, Sarasota
Pre-registration is required. On-line registration is available at Sarasota County Calendar of Events at www.scgov.net.
Summary: Sarasota County is offering a guided walk at Red Bug Slough Preserve in Sarasota from 9 – 11 a.m. on Monday, November 5, 2012. Join Jeff Weber, Sarasota County Environmental Specialist, as he shares tools and techniques used to manage Red Bug Slough Preserve, an urban natural area site. Participants will get a “behind the scenes” glimpse into the decision making processes involved in developing a comprehensive management strategy for this site. Visitors will see firsthand the results of various management practices that have been used at the preserve.
Red Bug Slough Preserve is one of many natural areas available through the county’s environmental lands program. In addition to a wide variety of native plant species, the preserve is home to bobcats, an occasional river otter, and an assortment of bird species, including red-shouldered hawks, osprey, barred owls and wood ducks.
Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars (optional), camera and a hand lens or magnifying glass (optional). All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
To get to Red Bug Slough Preserve at 5200 Beneva Road, Sarasota, take I -75 to Exit 205 (S.R. 72 or Clark Road). Go west on Clark Road to Beneva Road and turn right onto Beneva. Continue north on Beneva Road until you reach the preserve parking lot, located west of Beneva Road. Turn left and park in designated spaces.
Space for this walk is limited to 20.
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Finding Fall Wildflowers at Sleeping Turtles Preserve North
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Sleeping Turtles Preserve North
3462 Border Road, Venice
Pre-registration is required. On-line registration is available at Sarasota County Calendar of Events at www.scgov.net.
Summary: 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 on Wednesday, November 7, 2012 from 9 – 11 AM. Along the way, look for fall wildflowers blooming. Al and Denny will share their boundless knowledge of botany, not just identification, but lore of the plants as well. Take in the scenery and information about the natural lands and the plants they support.
This preserve is one of many that are available to the public through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program. In addition to the numerous subtropical plants, visitors may observe eagles or osprey hunting over the river corridor.
Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket, a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars (optional), camera and hand lens (optional).
Participants can reach the Sleeping Turtles Preserve North, 3462 Border Road, Venice from northbound I-75, by taking exit 193 and then turning right on to Jacaranda Boulevard. From southbound I-75, take exit 193 and turn left on to Jacaranda Boulevard. Proceed north approximately 0.7 miles on Jacaranda Blvd. to the stop sign and turn right onto Border Road. Proceed approximately 2 miles east on Border Road to the bridge over the Myakka River. As you approach the bridge, the Sleeping Turtles Preserve North parking lot will be on the left (north side), immediately before the bridge.
Space for this walk is limited to 20.
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Lemon Bay Park Sunrise Bird Walk
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Location: Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center
570 Bay Park Blvd, Englewood
Pre-registration is required. On-line registration is available at Sarasota County Calendar of Events at www.scgov.net.
Summary: Join Sarasota County Park Naturalist and volunteers in a sunrise birding adventure that will lead participants to Englewood’s Lemon Bay Park through pine and scrubby flatwoods with wonderful views of Lemon Bay during your hike on Wednesday, November 7, 2012 from 8 – 10 a.m. Along the way you may encounter native plants and animals and a variety of shore birds such as anhinga and snowy egret and a variety of birds of prey like bald eagle and osprey all in their natural surroundings.
Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center is tucked in an urban location providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and environmental education.
Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket, a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars and bird identification book are recommended, as well as a camera (optional). All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
To reach Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center, 570 Bay Park Blvd, Englewood, from the North, take I-75 South to Exit 200, SR 681 South toward Venice traveling approximately 3 miles to South Tamiami Trail/US 41. When SR 681 splits, head left to merge southbound on Tamiami Trail for approximately 2.7 miles to the Venice 41-Bypass. At the 41-Bypass split, keep left onto the 41-Bypass continuing South for another 5.1 miles. Merge right onto FL-776/Englewood Rd and continue on FL-776 for 4.8 miles. Turn right onto Old Englewood Rd for 1 mile. Take slight right onto Kilbourne Ave. Take the 1st right onto Morrison Ave. Take the 1st left onto Curtis Blvd. Take the 1st right onto Brengle Ave, and turn Right into Lemon Bay Park. Please meet at the amphitheater just north of the main building.
Space for this walk is limited to 20.
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Plant and Wildlife Identification Walk at Pocono Trail Preserve
Thursday, November 8, 2012
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Pocono Trail Preserve
189 Pocono Trail, Nokomis
Pre-registration is required. On-line registration is available at Sarasota County Calendar of Events at www.scgov.net.
Summary: Join Sarasota County Environmental Specialist Jeff Weber on Thursday, November 8, 2012 from 9 – 11 a.m. as he leads participants on a nature hike from upland habitats to the shores of Shakett Creek at Pocono Trail Preserve in Nokomis. Along the way, participants will 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.
Pocono Trail Preserve is one of many natural areas available through the county’s environmental lands program. The site contains forested hammocks, pine flatwoods and shoreline along Shakett Creek that provide habitat for osprey, migrating songbirds and wading birds.
Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a light jacket, a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars, camera and hand lens (optional). All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
Participants can reach Pocono Trail Preserve, 189 Pocono Trail, Nokomis by taking I-75 south to exit 200 (S.R. 681) toward Venice/Osprey. Merge onto U.S. 41 (south) and travel 2.2 miles to Colonia Lane. Turn left (east) onto Colonia Lane for 0.2 miles to Pocono Trail. Turn left (west) onto Pocono Trail and proceed past Bittner Boulevard and parallel park anywhere along the road shoulder alongside the wood mortise fence.
From the southern portion of Sarasota County, take I-75 north to exit 195 (Laurel Road) and travel west toward U.S. 41. Turn left onto U.S. 41 and drive 1.5 miles south toward Venice. Turn left (east) onto Colonia Lane for 0.2 miles to Pocono Trail. Turn left (west) onto Pocono Trail and proceed past Bittner Boulevard and parallel park anywhere along the road shoulder alongside the wood mortise fence.
Space for this walk is limited to 15.
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“Discovering Insects and Their Ways” – A guided insect identification walk at Curry Creek Preserve
Friday, November 9, 2012
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Curry Creek Preserve
1500 Pinebrook Road (EAST entrance), Venice
Pre-registration is required. On-line registration is available at Sarasota County Calendar of Events at www.scgov.net.
Summary: Sarasota County is offering a guided insect identification nature walk at Curry Creek Preserve in Venice from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. on Friday, November 9, 2012. Sarasota County Volunteer and retired entomologist, Dr. Fred Santana, will lead participants through pine flatwoods and oak hammocks describing the little known insect denizens of the preserve and introducing them to the insect diversity of nature and the role insects play in our environment.
Curry Creek Preserve is one of many natural areas available through the county’s environmental lands program. In addition to a wide variety of native plant species, the preserve also provides habitat for gopher tortoises, bobcats and a wide variety of bird species.
Participants should wear long pants, comfortable walking shoes, and bring a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars (optional), camera and a hand lens or magnifying glass (optional). All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
Participants can get to the 1500 Pinebrook Road EAST entrance to Curry Creek Preserve by taking I -75 to Exit 195 (Laurel Road). Go west on Laurel Road for approximately 0.3 miles and turn left at the traffic light onto Pinebrook Road heading south. Go 1.5 miles passing the traffic light at Edmondson Road and look for the preserve sign on the right. Just before you get to the preserve sign, turn right into the driveway directly across from Water Street and then bear left onto preserve property. Park on the grass to the south of the preserve sign and entrance. Participants will gather for the walk at the cable gate entrance.
Space for this walk is limited to 20.
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Storm Water Management and Wetlands Restoration Presentation at the Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society Meeting
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Presented by: Adam Pablo, Aquatic Consulting, Inc.
Location: Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center
570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood
Summary: A lesson on home-owner association and golf course water-related regulations and management techniques. Owner/operator of Venice based Aquatic Consulting, Inc. organized in 2003, Mr. Pablo is a graduate of USF and a 3rd generation Floridian.
Light refreshments provided.
Board of Directors meeting prior at 5:30 pm. All are welcome!
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Little Naturalist Field Trips for Youth Groups
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve
1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway, Venice
Pre-registration is required. On-line registration is available at Sarasota County Calendar of Events at www.scgov.net.
Summary: “Looking for an outdoor education field trip for your class, scout troop or civic club?” Then bring your youth to connect with nature in fun, creative ways at Sarasota County Government’s youth nature program, The Little Naturalist.
The Little Naturalist field trip is from 10 – 11 AM on Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at the T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve. The field trip is available for preschool-age OR elementary-age groups. This program includes a variety of hands-on nature themed activities, a snack and story. All groups must be registered and accompanied by camp counselors, chaperones, parents and/or adult guardians.
The T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve located at 1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway in Venice was purchased in the 1980’s for public water supply source and for conservation/ recreation purposes.
Participants should wear comfortable weather-appropriate clothes, a jacket, walking shoes that can get wet (no flip-flops!), and bring a hat, sun screen, drinking water and camera (optional). All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
To reach the reserve located at 1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway in Venice, drive south from Sarasota along I-75 to Exit 193 (Jacaranda Boulevard). Turn left (North) at the exit and then right at the next intersection (Border Road). Drive ~2 miles, drive across the bridge over the river and turn left at the stop sign at South Moon Drive. Turn left into the Carlton Reserve’s entrance. Follow signs to parking lot.
Please register YOUR NAME and the NAME OF THE YOUTH GROUP. In the NOTES section at the bottom of the registration form, please also provide the age range of the participating children and include the names of the supervising adults accompanying the group. The available time slots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The program minimum is 5 children. Space for this program is limited to no more than 18 children.
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The Ecology of Freshwater Wetlands and Pine Flatwoods at Manasota Scrub Preserve
Thursday, November 15, 2012
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Manasota Scrub Preserve
2695 Bridge Street, Englewood
Pre-registration is required. On-line registration is available at Sarasota County Calendar of Events at www.scgov.net.
Summary: Explore Manasota Scrub Preserve with retired Penn State biology professor and Sarasota County volunteer, Dr. Bill Dunson. This walk is part of a series of nature walks exploring wetlands on various Sarasota County lands. Dr. Dunson will compare the plants and animals of each to discover unique features of the habitat. The walk and discussion will occur from 9 – 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 15, 2012.
Manasota Scrub Preserve is one of many environmental lands that are available to the public through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program. In addition to the numerous subtropical plants, the preserve supports a variety of resident and migratory birds, mammals and gopher tortoises.
Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes (that can get wet), sunscreen and a hat, and bring a light jacket, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars (optional), camera and hand lens (optional).
Participants can reach Manasota Scrub Preserve, 2695 Bridge Street, Englewood by taking I -75 to Exit 193 (Jacaranda Boulevard), then traveling south 5.3 miles to Englewood Road. Take Englewood Road south to Manasota Beach Road and turn west (right), then south (left) on Bridge Street.
Space for this walk is limited to 20.
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“Discovering Insects and Their Ways” – A guided insect identification walk at Manasota Scrub Preserve
Friday, November 16, 2012
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Manasota Scrub Preserve
2695 Bridge Street, Englewood
Pre-registration is required. On-line registration is available at Sarasota County Calendar of Events at www.scgov.net.
Summary: Sarasota County is offering a guided insect identification nature walk at Manasota Scrub Preserve in Englewood from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. on Friday, November 16, 2012. Sarasota County Volunteer and retired entomologist, Dr. Fred Santana, will lead participants through pine flatwoods, oak scrub and other habitats found on site.
The preserve is one of many public lands that are available through Sarasota County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program. In addition to numerous subtropical plants, visitors may hear the great-horned owl or northern quail, or view coasting eagles and red-tailed hawks overhead.
Participants should wear long pants, comfortable walking shoes, and bring a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars (optional), camera and a hand lens or magnifying glass (optional). All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
Directions to Manasota Scrub Preserve, 2695 Bridge Street, Englewood: Take I -75 to Exit 193 (Jacaranda Boulevard). At the end of the exit ramp, turn south onto Jacaranda Boulevard and drive approximately 5.2 miles. At the “T” intersection of Jacaranda Blvd. and Englewood Road (State Road 776), turn left (south). Drive approximately 1.5 miles and turn west on to Manasota Beach Road,then south (left) on Bridge Street. The parking lot will be on your left.
Space for this walk is limited to 20.
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Sarasota Bay Water Festival
Saturday, November 17, 2012
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: City Island at Ken Thompson Park
1700 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota
Visit our website. http://
Summary: The inaugural all-ages festival features live music, food trucks, beer & wine garden, paddle board & kayak demos, kids activities, science and education displays, gifts and festival merchandise, Frisbee sports, and vintage boats. Please consider all of our transportation options when planning your trip (free water taxi, carpool, SCAT bus or LBK trolley, free bike valet, free kayak & canoe valet, boat drop off, and even Segway). Free admission and free parking on site at Ken Thompson Park. Our goal is to celebrate the importance of Sarasota Bay to our region’s environment, economy and quality of life. Enjoy the Bay!
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Birding Diversity at T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve
Sunday, November 18, 2012
7:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Guide: Charlie Sample
Location: T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve
1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway, Venice
Pre-registration required. Contact Charlie Sample directly via email at csample41@verizon.net or phone at 941-468-1231.
Summary: 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). Join Sarasota County Volunteer Charlie Sample as he leads you on a birding nature journey starting on Sunday, November 18, 2012 from 7:15 am – 1:00 pm. You won’t be disappointed!
Fall/Winter/Spring Birding Diversity schedule:
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Saturday, December 29, 2012 |
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| Saturday, January 5, 2013; | Sunday, February 10, 2013; | Sunday, March 17, 2013; |
| Saturday, April 6, 2013; | Saturday, May 4, 2013; | Friday, June 14, 2013 |
The Carlton Reserve, located at 1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway in Venice, was purchased in the 1980’s for public water supply source and for conservation/ recreation purposes.
Space for this event is very limited (14) and reservations are necessary. To register, contact Charlie Sample directly via email at csample41@verizon.net or phone at 941-468-1231.
The birding outing consists of a short walk around the Park area followed by a carpool trek into the Carlton backcountry with stops along the way to locate birds.
Please note: Registration is for the entire event – no early departures because of the distance traveled. CANCELLATIONS: Please notify the guide that you are canceling as soon as possible at941-468-1231. The event is for beginning birders to expert; however, young children under 12 are not encouraged because of the distance covered.
It is suggested that participants wear comfortable sturdy walking shoes (that can possibly get wet), hat or visor, sun screen, insect repellent, plenty of drinking water, and binoculars (a must!), field bird guide, camera and snack (optional).
To reach the reserve located at 1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway in Venice, take I-75 to Exit 193 (Jacaranda Boulevard). Turn (North) at the exit and then right at the next intersection (Border Road). Drive 2 ½ miles, across the bridge, over the river and turning left at the stop sign (South Moon Drive) and entering the Mabry Carlton Parkway, then turn right into the Carlton Reserve’s parking entrance. Follow signs to the parking lot. Participants should meet at the parking lot at 7:15 am for an adventure in nature!
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Family Bike Adventures at the Beautiful Carlton Reserve
Sunday, November 18, 2012
10:00 a.m.
Location: T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve (Carlton Reserve)
1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway, Venice
Pre-registration is required and should be secured by calling David Reynolds at 941-412-5575 for meeting location.
Summary: Got bikes? It’s perfect weather to grab the whole family to join Sarasota County and Carlton Reserve volunteer David Reynolds and family for an off road wilderness bicycle ridethrough the beautiful T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve (Carlton Reserve) on Sunday, November 18, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. for approximately 1 to 2 hours. Expect to see lots of wildlife!
The Carlton Reserve, located at 1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway in Venice, was purchased in the 1980’s for public water supply source and for conservation/recreation purposes.
Participants should bring their own bicycle suitable for off road riding – wide tires (Mountain bikes preferred, but not required), wear clothing applicable to riding bicycle on bumpy trails through the woods, closed-toed shoes, plenty of drinking water, sunscreen, insect repellant, sun glasses, helmet (required for all participants), padded bike gloves and binoculars (optional), and snacks/lunch (optional, but encouraged). All Sarasota County nature events prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
To reach the Carlton Reserve at 1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway in Venice, take I-75 to Exit 193 (Jacaranda Boulevard) or from US 41, Tamiami Trail, drive north on Jacaranda Boulevard. Drive north from Exit 193 and then right at the next intersection (Border Road). Drive 2 ½ miles to the stop sign at South Moon Drive, turn left at the stop sign onto the Mabry Carlton Parkway, then turn right at the sign into the Carlton Reserve’s parking entrance. Follow parking signs to the parking lot which is on the right.
Pre-registration is required and should be secured by calling David Reynolds at 941-412-5575 for meeting location. Space for this event is limited to 12 participants. If you don’t have an off-road type bike, bike rental information may be obtained from David at the time of registration. Must be able to ride an off road bicycle. Children must be accompanied by parent(s). Routes will vary depending on trail conditions and group participants on the day of the ride. (Be prepared that some trails may have unexpected feral hog damage making trails quite rough.)
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From Indians to Pollyanna: The History of Pocono Trail Preserve
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Pocono Trail Preserve
189 Pocono Trail, Nokomis
Pre-registration is required. On-line registration is available at Sarasota County Calendar of Events at www.scgov.net.
Summary: Join Sarasota County Environmental Specialist, Jeff Weber on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 from 9 – 11 a.m. as he leads participants on a guided walk through Pocono Trail Preserve in Nokomis. Stroll through shady oak hammocks to the south shore of Shakett Creek, once the site of the historic Pollyanna Inn. Learn about some of the earliest inhabitants from the Paleo-Indian Period and Manasota Culture who once inhabited the area and early pioneers instrumental in the development of Nokomis and Venice.
Pocono Trail Preserve is one of many natural areas available through the county’s environmental lands program. The site contains forested hammocks, pine flatwoods and shoreline along Shakett Creek that provide habitat for osprey, migrating songbirds and wading birds.
Participants should wear long pants, comfortable walking shoes, and bring a light jacket, a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars, camera and hand lens (optional). All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
Participants can reach Pocono Trail Preserve, 189 Pocono Trail, Nokomis by taking I-75 south to exit 200 (S.R. 681) toward Venice/Osprey. Merge onto U.S. 41 (south) and travel 2.2 miles to Colonia Lane. Turn left (east) onto Colonia Lane for 0.2 miles to Pocono Trail. Turn left (west) onto Pocono Trail and proceed past Bittner Boulevard and parallel park anywhere along the road shoulder alongside the wood mortise fence.
From the southern portion of Sarasota County, take I-75 north to exit 195 (Laurel Road) and travel west toward U.S. 41. Turn left onto U.S. 41 and drive 1.5 miles south toward Venice. Turn left (east) onto Colonia Lane and drive 0.2 miles to Pocono Trail. Turn left (west) onto Pocono Trail and proceed past Bittner Boulevard and parallel park anywhere along the road shoulder alongside the wood mortise fence.
Space for this walk is limited to 15.
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Native Plant Walk at Manasota Scrub Preserve
Saturday, November 24, 2012
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Manasota Scrub Preserve
2695 Bridge Street, Englewood
Pre-registration is required. On-line registration is available at Sarasota County Calendar of Events at www.scgov.net.
Summary: Enjoy a leisurely walk on the west side of Manasota Scrub Preserve exploring regions seldom traveled by the regular visitors. It’s a nature walk at Manasota Scrub Preserve, in Englewood, Saturday, November 24, 2012 from 9-11 a.m., when amateur botanists and Florida Native Plant Society members Denny Girard & Al Squires will show plant detectives where to find the wildflowers thriving within the preserve.
The preserve is one of many public lands that are available through Sarasota County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program. In addition to numerous subtropical plants, visitors may hear the great-horned owl or northern quail, or view coasting eagles and red-tailed hawks overhead.
Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket, a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars (optional), camera and hand lens (optional).
Participants can reach Manasota Scrub Preserve, 2695 Bridge St., Englewood by taking I -75 to Exit 193 (Jacaranda Boulevard). At the end of the exit ramp, turn south onto Jacaranda Boulevard and drive approximately 5.2 miles. Turn left at the “T” intersection of Jacaranda Blvd. and Englewood Road (State Road 776). Drive approximately 1.5 miles and turn west on to Manasota Beach Road, then south (left) on Bridge Street. The parking lot will be on your left.
Space for this walk is limited to 20.
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Finding Fall Wildflowers at Sleeping Turtles Preserve South
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Sleeping Turtles Preserve South
2800 N. River Road, Venice
Pre-registration is required. On-line registration is available at Sarasota County Calendar of Events at www.scgov.net.
Summary: Explore Sleeping Turtles Preserve South with Sarasota County volunteers and Florida Native Plant Society members Al Squires and Denny Girard from 9 – 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 27, 2012. Enjoy the preserve’s meandering lake trails canopied by old live oaks and pines. Along the way, Al and Denny share their boundless knowledge of botany, not just identifying wildflowers, but lore of the plants as well. Take in the scenery and information about the natural lands and the plants they support.
This parcel is one of many public lands that are available to the public through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program. In addition to the numerous subtropical plants, visitors may observe eagles or osprey hunting or see evidence of bobcat and gopher tortoise.
Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket, a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars (optional), camera and hand lens (optional).
Participants can reach Sleeping Turtles Preserve South, 2800 N. River Road, Venice, by taking I -75 to Exit 191 (North River Road exit), go south on North River Road approximately 1/4 mile and turn east (left). Park near the gate on the road shoulder. From Venice, take E. Venice Avenue to North River Road. Go north on North River Road. The preserve is on the east side of North River Road. Park and meet at the north gate.
Space for this walk is limited to 20. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plant and Wildlife Identification Walk at Red Bug Slough Preserve
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Red Bug Slough Preserve
5200 Beneva Road, Sarasota
Pre-registration is required. On-line registration is available at Sarasota County Calendar of Events at www.scgov.net.
Summary: Join Sarasota County Environmental Specialist Jeff Weber on Wednesday, November 28, 2012 from 9 – 11 a.m. as he leads participants on a nature hike through pine flatwoods and oak hammocks describing the plants and wildlife of Red Bug Slough Preserve.
Red Bug Slough Preserve is one of many natural areas available through the county’s environmental lands program. In addition to a wide variety of native plant species, the preserve is home to bobcats, an occasional river otter, and an assortment of bird species, including red-shouldered hawks, osprey, barred owls and wood ducks.
Participants should wear long pants, comfortable walking shoes, and bring a light jacket, a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars, camera and hand lens (optional). All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
To get to Red Bug Slough Preserve at 5200 Beneva Road, Sarasota, take I -75 to Exit 205 (S.R. 72 or Clark Road). Go west on Clark Road to Beneva Road and turn right onto Beneva. Continue north on Beneva Road until you reach the preserve parking lot, located west of Beneva Road. Turn left and park in designated spaces.
Space for this walk is limited to 20.
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Plant and Wildlife Identification Walk at Curry Creek Preserve
Thursday, November 29, 2012
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Curry Creek Preserve
1500 Pinebrook Road (EAST entrance), Venice
Pre-registration is required. On-line registration is available at Sarasota County Calendar of Events at www.scgov.net.
Summary: Sarasota County is offering a guided plant and wildlife identification walk at Curry Creek Preserve in Venice from 9 – 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 29, 2012. Sarasota County Environmental Specialist, Jeff Weber, will introduce participants to a wide variety of plants, animals and habitats as they take a leisurely stroll along 1.5 miles of trails that wind through the preserve.
Curry Creek Preserve is one of many natural areas available through the county’s environmental lands program. 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.
Participants should wear long pants, comfortable walking shoes, and bring a light jacket, a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars, camera and hand lens (optional). All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
Participants can get to the 1500 Pinebrook Road EAST entrance to Curry Creek Preserve, 1500 Pinebrook Rd., Venice, by taking I -75 to Exit 195 (Laurel Road). Go west on Laurel Road for approximately 0.3 miles and turn left at the traffic light onto Pinebrook Road heading south. Go 1.5 miles passing the traffic light at Edmondson Road and look for the preserve sign on the right. Slightly before you get to the preserve sign, turn right into the driveway directly across from Water Street and then bear left onto preserve property. Park on the grass to the south of the preserve sign and entrance. Participants will gather for the walk at the cable gate entrance.
Space for this walk is limited to 20. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
