September Nature Events in our Parks

National Public Lands Day is Sept. 30 – calling all Volunteers! 

 
  A monthly e-newsletter sharing our nature news and events.
 

WEB SITE
UNDER CONSTRUCTION!
 
The Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources portion of the Sarasota County web site is under construction at this time. We apologize if you are experiencing trouble accessing parks pages. Please be patient. New pages with park information, amenities and maps are coming soon! Thank you.
Demonstration Garden Tour at Shamrock Park
Join the master gardener volunteers as they provide free demonstration garden tours and advice on Florida gardening. Plan on 1 to 2 hours for this event, depending on weather and other factors. Meet at the central Demonstration Garden near the Nature Center.
Thursday, September 7,  9 a.m.
Shamrock Park and Nature Center
Demonstration Garden area
3900 Shamrock Dr., Venice
 
No registration needed.
All welcome! 
Dr. C.B. Wilson Open House
Docents are available to answer your questions as you tour the first floor of the historic Dr. C.B. Wilson House. Learn about Dr. Wilson and other fascinating historical aspects of Sarasota County. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. These free open house tours are available Saturdays through October 2017.
Saturdays, September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Urfer Family Park
4000 Honore Ave, Sarasota
 
No registration needed. 
Growing Up Wild – For Young Naturalists at Shamrock Park
Join ‘Project Wild’ facilitator Janie Ewell to explore Florida wildlife through engaging activities, exhibits and outdoor exploration.
Young naturalists will love wild Florida!
Saturday, September 9,  
10-11:30 a.m.
Shamrock Park and Nature Center
3900 Shamrock Dr., Venice

Ages 6-12 Families Welcome
Parent/Guardian must accompany children.
 
Call 941-404-6336 to Register 
Seasons and Serendipity Stroll at Shamrock Park
Join Sarasota County Volunteers, Master Naturalists and Shamrock Park Staff to stroll the trails of Shamrock Park. Learn how Florida’s changing seasons bring us new flowers and birds’ nests, insects and animal activity. A little serendipity will find things in unexpected places! Plan on 1 to 2 hours for this event depending on weather and other factors.
Friday, September 8,  8 a.m.
Shamrock Park and Nature Center
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, September 9  9:30 – 11:30 a.m.     
Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center
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.

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, September 16, 10 – 11 a.m.
Longwood Park
6050 Longwood Blvd, Sarasota
Contact: David Pouso,
Sarasota County Environmental Specialist, 941-861-5000

 

To register for this free class go toEventbrite.
A Walk to the Depression Marsh with Denny and Al at Manasota Scrub
Join Sarasota County volunteers, and  amateur botanists and Florida Plant Society members, Denny Girard and Al Squires as they lead you on an informative walk and talk through beautiful Manasota Scrub East.  This preserve’s wetland habitats are home to gopher tortoises, northern quail, swallowtail butterflies and many species of wildflowers.
Wednesday, September 20,  9-11 a.m.  
Manasota Scrub Preserve 
2695 Bridge St.. Englewood
Space limited to 20
Guide: Sarasota County Volunteers
Register here for this event. 
 
Meditation in Nature at Red Bug Slough
Many traditions use some form of meditation, focus, contemplation, reflection or breathwork to quiet the mind and center the body and spirit.  Research indicates being in nature increases brain alpha waves, improves concentration along with many other benefits. Join us for an exploration of finding peace in nature.
Recommend comfortable clothes, water and a portable chair or blanket to sit upon.
Saturday, September 23,  9 – 10 a.m.
Red Bug Slough Preserve
5200 Beneva Rd., Sarasota
Ages: 15 and up
Guide: Dr. Katherine Clements, Ecology and Natural Resources Educator, 
Sarasota County
UF/IFAS
Register here for this event. 
Explore Nature With Your Toddler
Bring your toddler and connect with nature in fun and creative ways.
This program includes a nature walk, hands-on activities and group play as well as storytime, finger plays or songs. Wear comfortable shoes, bring hat, water, sunscreen insect repellent and blanket to sit on for story time.
Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Space is limited. 
Thursday, September 28
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Urfer Family Park
4000 Honore Ave, Sarasota

 

Meet at Pavilion
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 September 29 
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Urfer Family Park
4000 Honore Ave., Sarasota
Space unlimited
Guide: Sarasota County Staff
No registration needed.

VOLUNTEER FOR THIS SPECIAL EVENT!

National Public Lands Day
Alligator Creek at Woodmere Park

Get outdoors with family and friends for a good cause!

This event will focus on:

– Beautification of trail and park

– Litter pickup

– Removal of invasive plants and exotic vegetation, improving the habitat and park features.

Saturday, September 30, 
8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Woodmere Park 
3951 Woodmmere Park, Venice
 
Pre-registration is highly encouraged

 
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!

 
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.
About Us
Sarasota County
Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources
1660 Ringling Boulevard
Sarasota, Florida 34236
941-861-5000, pthistle@scgov.net
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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.