Be Floridian!
Did you know that we shouldn’t fertilize using nitrogen and phosphorus between June 1 and September 30 and that slow-release fertilizer is required the rest of the year? In Sarasota County, water bodies are experiencing nutrient pollution, caused by fertilizer and other nitrogen sources.Fertilizer isn’t a problem when it’s used carefully. If we use too much fertilizer or apply it at the wrong time, it can easily wash into storm drains and flow untreated into bays or streams.
Enjoy Florida. It’s where you live.
To learn more: 
Fertilizer Management
Be Floridian
Informational and fun videos
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Be a Florida Scrub-jay Docent
The Florida Scrub-jay is the only species of bird endemic to Florida.
It is one of only15 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 from
May through October, 9-10 a.m.
3900 Shamrock Dr., Venice
Meet under the roof of the Nature Center
For more information, contact Angela Kaiser at akaiser@scgov.net or call 941-861-5000.
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You are Invited!
Free ‘Prescribed Fire Benefits’ Seminar
Join us to learn what you can do to protect your home from wildfire, how wildlife survives a fire and what the benefits are.
Thursday, August 7, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
3900 Shamrock Dr., Venice
Sarasota County Park Naturalist and Wildland Firefighter: Angela Kaiser
For more information, contact Angela Kaiser atakaiser@scgov.net or call 941-861-5000.
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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 us 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, August 9, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood
Space is unlimited!
Guides: Sarasota County volunteerChuck Idelberger and Park Naturalists
To register for this event, please call Chuck Idelberger at 941-488-8998 or Kenya Leonard at 941-915-1244.
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Little Naturalist Nature Program
for Children Ages 5-10
Looking for an alternative to the typical playground? Then bring your school age child to connect with nature in fun, creative ways at Sarasota County Government’s nature program, “The Little Naturalist.”
All children must be separately registered and accompanied by chaperones, parents and/or adult guardians.

Tuesday, August 12, 10-11 a.m.
4000 Honore Ave., Sarasota
Space limited to 18 children.
Guides: Sarasota County Park Naturalists
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Enjoy a Shore Walk at Lemon Bay Park
Join Sarasota County volunteers and Florida Native Plant Society members Denny Girard and Al Squires as they lead you on a shore walk at Englewood’s Lemon Bay Park. As you hike you will enjoy pine and scrubby flatwoods, a black mangrove forest and a mangrove fringe with wonderful views of Lemon Bay. You may also encounter a variety of shore birds, such as anhinga and snowy egret; and birds of prey, such as bald eagle and osprey.
Wednesday, August 13, 9-11 a.m.
570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood
Space limited to 20.
Guides: Denny Girard / Al Squires,
Sarasota volunteers
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EVENT: Monthly Rain Barrel Workshop and Sales
Saturday, August 16, 10-11 a.m.
6700 Clark Road, Sarasota
Contact: David Pouso, Environmental Specialist
941-232-8397
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 the free class, please use the IFAS link on the right hand side of this newsletter.
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Free Guided Historic Tour of Edson Keith Mansion
Wednesday, September 24, 10 a.m. 
Meet on the front porch of the
Edson Keith Mansion
5500 S. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota
Sarasota County volunteer docent
No reservations required. For more information about the tour, please call 941-316-1309.
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About Us
Sarasota County Government
1001 Sarasota Center Blvd., Sarasota, Florida 34240
You are receiving this email based on having previously requested to be included on our e-newsletter for Nature Events. 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 be removed from the list.
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
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