What’s Happening in Sarasota’s Parks: January 2013
Sarasota County Nature Events
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| Happy New Year! Enjoy the weather — just the right temp for a trek outdoors. |
| Please be sure to read each event for specific dates, times, locations, directions and registration information, for they all differ.Pre-registration is required for all of the listed activities unless otherwise specified. FOR ON-LINE REGISTRATION – Go to Sarasota County’s Calendar of Events www.scgov.net. Click the ‘All Events’ drop down list, and choose ‘Nature Walks’.
To learn more about Sarasota County Natural Lands and Parks click here: www.discovernaturalsarasota.
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[clearboth]Camping Weekends!
Pre-registration required. Contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000
Designated weekends February 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:
• 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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Sunrise Bird Walk at Lemon Bay Park
Space for this walk is limited to 20.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Guide: Sarasota County Park Naturalist and Volunteers
Location: Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center
570 Bay Park Blvd, Englewood
Pre-registration required. Online registration at http://www.scgov.net/calendar.
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. 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.
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.
Directions: 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.
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Bring your School Age Children to Pocono Trail Preserve and Become a “Little Naturalist”
Space for this walk is limited to 18.
Friday, January 4, 2013
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Guide: Sarasota County Staff
Location: Pocono Trail Preserve
189 Pocono Trail, Nokomis
Pre-registration required. Online registration at http://www.scgov.net/calendar.
Summary: “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.
The Little Naturalist, for children ages 5 – 10, is from 10:00 – 11:00 AM on Friday, January 4, 2013 at Pocono Trail Preserve in Nokomis. This program includes a short guided nature walk, a variety of hands-on nature themed activities, a snack and story. All participating children must be registered and accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.
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.
Please register separately each participating child’s first and last name. Please also include the child’s age in the NOTES section of the registration form! The program minimum is 5 children. Space for this walk is limited to no more than 18 children.
Directions: From the North: Take 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 South: 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.
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Birding Diversity at T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve
Space for this walk is limited to 14.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
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. You won’t be disappointed!
Winter/Spring Birding Diversity schedule: Sunday, February 10, 2013; Sunday, March 17, 2013; Saturday, April 6, 2013; Saturday, May 4, 2013; Friday, June 14, 2013.
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.
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).
Cancellations: Please notify the guide that you are canceling as soon as possible at 941-468-1231. The event is for beginning birders to expert; however, young children under 12 are not encouraged because of the distance covered.
Directions: 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.
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Land Management in an Urban Setting at Red Bug Slough Preserve
Space for this walk is limited to 20.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Guide: Jeff Weber
Location: Red Bug Slough Preserve
5200 North Beneva Road, Sarasota
Pre-registration required. Online registration at http://www.scgov.net/calendar.
Summary: 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.
Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars (optional), camera and a hand lens or magnifying glass (optional).
Directions: 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.
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Explore From Flatwoods to Tidal Marsh at Curry Creek Preserve
Space for this walk is limited to 20.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Guide: Jeff Weber
Location: Curry Creek Preserve
1500 Pinebrook Rd. (East Entrance), Venice
Pre-registration required. Online registration at http://www.scgov.net/calendar.
Summary: 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, bring a light jacket, a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars, camera and hand lens (optional).
Directions: Pinebrook Road EAST entrance Take 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.
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Explore Life in Sarasota Bay With Us!
Space for this walk is limited to 10.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Guide: American Littoral Society Biologist Chuck Idelberger
Location: Bird Key Park
200 John Ringling Causeway, Sarasota
Pre-registration required. Online registration at http://www.scgov.net/calendar.
Summary: 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 Sarasota Bay. Using hand and seine nets, you will search shallow waters and sea grass beds, observing, collecting, and discussing the natural history of some of the many interesting fishes and other animals that inhabit Sarasota Bay.
Participants should wear wading type shoes, a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, and bring a towel and drinking water. Prepare to get wet and muddy! All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
Directions: Take I -75 to Exit 210 (Fruitville Road/SR780) toward Sarasota/St. Armands/Mote Aquarium/Gulf Beaches turning left onto US 41/North Tamiami Trail. Take 2nd right onto SR 789/North Gulfstream Avenue toward John Ringling Bridge. Immediately after crossing the John Ringling Bridge the park, parking and launch area is located to the right. Meet in the parking area.
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Bike the Wild T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve
Space for this event is limited to 20
Sunday, January 13, 2013
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Guides: Sarasota County volunteers and SCORR (Sarasota County Off-Road Riders) members
Location: T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve (Carlton Reserve)
1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway, Venice
Pre-registration required. Online registration at http://www.scgov.net/calendar.
Summary: Join SCORR (Sarasota County Off-Road Riders) members along with Sarasota County volunteer guides for a challenging bike excursion while enjoying the wild wilderness of a true Sarasota County gem, the beautiful T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve (Carlton Reserve) for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
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; wear closed-toed shoes; bring plenty of drinking water, sunscreen, insect repellant, sun glasses, and helmet (required for all participants). All Sarasota County nature events prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
This event is for adults and children 12 years or older along with an accompanying parent(s) or guardian(s). Routes may vary due to trail conditions and participants level of experience. Be prepared that some trails may have unexpected feral hog damage making trails quite rough.
Directions: 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.
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Plants! Animals! An ID Nature Walk at Pocono Trail Preserve
Space for this walk is limited to 15.
Monday, January 14, 2013
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Guide: Jeff Weber
Location: Pocono Trail Preserve
189 Pocono Trail, Nokomis
Pre-registration required. Online registration at http://www.scgov.net/calendar.
Summary: Join Sarasota County Environmental Specialist Jeff Weber on Monday, January 14, 2013 from 9:00 am – 11:00 am 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.
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).
Directions: From the North: Take 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 South: 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.
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Plants! Animals! An ID Nature Walk at Red Bug Slough Preserve
Space for this walk is limited to 20.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Guide: Jeff Weber
Location: Red Bug Slough Preserve
5200 North Beneva Road, Sarasota
Pre-registration required. Online registration at http://www.scgov.net/calendar.
Summary: Join Sarasota County Environmental Specialist Jeff Weber 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).
Directions: 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.
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Family Bike Adventures at the Beautiful Carlton Reserve
Space for this event is limited to 12
Sunday, January 20, 2013
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Guide: Sarasota County and Carlton Reserve volunteer David Reynolds
Location: T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve (Carlton Reserve)
1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway, Venice
Pre-registration required. Call David Reynolds at 941-412-5575.
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 ride through the beautiful T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve (Carlton Reserve) for approximately 1 to 2 hours. Expect to see lots of wildlife!
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.
Pre-registration is required and should be secured by calling David Reynolds at 941-412-5575 for meeting location. 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.)
Directions: 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.
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From Gulf to Lagoon
Space for this event is limited to 15
January 21st and February 18th, 2013
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Guide: Bruce Dayton
Location: Blind Pass Beach Park
6725 Manasota Key Road, Manasota Key
Pre-registration required. Contact Bruce Dayton directly at 941-493-5087 or email at brucedayton1@verizon.net
Summary: Nature walk from the Gulf shore to a lagoon off Lemon Bay led by ecologist Bruce Dayton at Blind Pass Beach. Mr. Dayton will discuss how water, wind, sand and living things interact to create our beautiful barrier islands (keys as we call them). The biological emphasis will be on habitats which include: beaches, dunes, coastal hammocks and mangroves. It is a fairly easy two hour stroll on beach, boardwalk, and a short trail. We will meet by the Blind Pass sign across from the parking area.
To register, call Bruce Dayton at 941-493-5087 or email brucedayton1@verizon.net. This program fills up quickly!
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Land Management in an Urban Setting at Curry Creek Preserve
Space for this walk is limited to 20.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Guide: Jeff Weber
Location: Curry Creek Preserve
1500 Pinebrook Rd. (East Entrance), Venice
Pre-registration required. Online registration at http://www.scgov.net/calendar.
Summary: Join Jeff Weber, Sarasota County Environmental Specialist, as he shares tools and techniques used to manage Curry Creek 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.
Participants should wear long pants, comfortable walking shoes, bring a light jacket, a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars, camera and hand lens (optional).
Directions: Pinebrook Road EAST entrance Take 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.
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Presentations:
State of Florida’s Conservation Presentation
at the Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society Meeting
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Presenter: Becky Ayech, ECOSWF
Location: Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center
570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood
Summary: A presentation on the work of various environmental groups and the status of conservation in Florida. Since 199, Ms. Ayech has been affiliated with the Environmental Confederation of Southwest Florida (ECOSWF), an umbrella organization for a myriad of environmental organizations that address wide-ranging issues.
Light refreshments provided.
Board of Directors meeting prior at 5:30 pm. All are welcome!
http://mangrove.fnpschapters.
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A big <<<thank-you>>> to our volunteer guides and staff!
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!
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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.
(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.
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.
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
