Full Moon Walk at Pocono Trail Preserve

Join Sarasota County Environmental Specialist, Jeff Weber, on a special moonlit hike at Pocono Trail Preserve to experience the mystery and intrigue of our natural areas after dark. Look and listen for twilight sights and sounds and learn about customs, superstitions and natural phenomena related to the moon. Be sure to bring a flashlight and insect spray. Note: Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

When: Friday, May 20, 8:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Website: Pocono Trail Preserve
Location: 189 Pocono Trail East, Nokomis
Limited Space: 15 people
Guide: Jeff Weber, Sarasota County Environmental Specialist
Registration  Click Here

‘Crayola Critters’ — A Little Naturalist Event

Bring your pre-school child (ages 3-5 years) to connect with nature in fun, creative ways at Sarasota County’s youth nature program, the Little Naturalist.

Join Sarasota County Volunteer and Master Naturalist, Eileen Teel, for Crayola Critters at Shamrock Park and Nature Center. Although not colorful themselves, gopher tortoises create homes for other colorful creatures, like red and blue indigo snakes and their lemon-yellow babies. Your little naturalist will learn about these important tortoises, what makes a reptile a reptile, create a craft and hike to look for a live gopher tortoise! If you like, bring a snack to enjoy afterwards.

When: Friday, May 20, 2 – 3 p.m.
Website: Shamrock Park and Nature Center
Location: Nature Center, 3900 Shamrock Dr., Venice
Guide: Eileen Teal, Sarasota County Volunteer
Registration: Advance registration is required — Call Park Naturalist, Brooke Elias at (941) 404-6336 to register.

Full Moon Walk at Shamrock Park

Join Sarasota County Volunteer and Master Naturalist, Gail Deterra, to walk Shamrock Park’s trails lit by a rising full moon. Discover creatures that are attracted to moonlight and flowers that only bloom at night. Remember your flashlight!

When: Saturday, May 21, 8 – 9 p.m.
Website:  Shamrock Park and Nature Center
Location: 3900 Shamrock Dr., Venice
Limited Space: 20 people
Guide: Gail Deterra, Sarasota County Volunteer and Master Naturalist
Registration: Click Here

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 for sale for $37 each, includes tax and spigot assembly. Cash or check accepted.

When: Saturday, May 21, 10 – 11 a.m.
Website:  Twin Lakes Park
Location: Green Meeting Room, 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota
Contact: David Pouso, Sarasota County Environmental Specialist, 941-861-5000
Registration: Click Here

Bee Aware: Pollinator ID and Safety

Join UF/IFAS Extension Staff for this stroll through the Red Bug Slough Preserve as they discuss identification of common pollinator species, protection of pollinator habitat and pesticide safety. This informative journey of discovery will lead you through beautiful pine flatwoods, and oak hammocks of the preserve. Be prepared to walk or stand for the duration of the program.

When: Monday, May 23, 9 – 11:30 a.m.
Website: Red Bug Slough Preserve
Location: 5200 Beneva Road, Sarasota
Contact: UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County at 941-861-9900 or sarasota@ifas.ufl.edu
Registration: Click Here

Exploring North Lemon Bay Park

Join Sarasota County volunteer guides, amateur botanists and Florida Native Plant Society members, Denny Girard and Al Squires as they lead you on a walk over the bridge to the north section of Englewood’s Lemon Bay Park. You may also encounter native plants and animals like; a variety of shore birds, such as snowy egret; and birds of prey, like bald eagle and osprey.

When: Wednesday, May 25, 9 – 11 a.m.
Website: Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center
Location: 570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood
Guides: Sarasota County volunteers and Florida Native Plant Society members Al Squires and Denny Girard
Registration: Click Here