We are pleased to offer our nature events for the month of June. We have a wonderful assortment of events for you below.
Each press release has specific dates, times, locations, directions and registration information, therefore please read each one carefully for instructions. AND Thank you to our volunteer guides and staff!
ON-LINE REGISTRATION - Go to www.scgov.net
Please, remember to respect our fellow participants, animals, lands and air space. To further enhance the experience at Sarasota County's environmentally sensitive lands, please help us with picking up and properly disposing of litter, respecting others experience with no cell phone usage, no pets, and please, no smoking. Thank you!
If you do not wish to receive this email, please contact me at dzeilman@scgov.net
Enjoy the experience!
scgovEVENTS
Sarasota County Communications scgov.net • 941-861-5000 • Comcast 19/Verizon 32
Media Contact: Deborah Zeilman 941-650-0696
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Traverse Trails and Wild Land along the Myakka River at Sleeping Turtles Preserve North
Explore the Sleeping Turtles Preserve North with Sarasota County volunteers and Florida Native Plant Society members Al Squires and Denny Girard on Wednesday, June 1, 2011 from 9 – 11 AM. Enjoy the preserve’s meandering river trails canopied by old live oaks and pines. Along the way, Al and Denny 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 bring binoculars, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water and camera (optional), wear comfortable walking shoes and a hat. All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
Directions to reach 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.
Register on-line at www.scgov.net
Your feedback on our performance is an important and valued part of our improvement process and would greatly appreciate your participation in a brief post event survey regarding the nature program you attended. The survey will be emailed to you on the following week.
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DRAGONFLIES! at Woodmere Park in Venice
Would you believe there are over 40 species of dragonflies and 12 species of damselflies that call Sarasota County home? Their vibrant colors and aerial antics can’t help but inspire our fascination. On Saturday, June 4, 2011, from 10 AM to noon, join Kathy and Don Hess, amateur odonatists, at Woodmere Park on a journey to learn more about dragonfly and damselfly evolution, mating habits, life cycles and behavior, the specific local varieties and the magic that has enthralled human cultures for ages.
Woodmere Park, located at 3951 Woodmere Park Blvd., Venice sits on 36 acres just off Jacaranda Boulevard in southeastern Venice.
Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes fit for a possible muddy trail; a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars (Short focal length recommended), and camera with a zoom lens (optional). All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
To reach Woodmere Park, take I-75 to Exit 193 (Jacaranda Blvd.). Turn south at the exit taking Jacaranda Blvd. approximately 4 miles to the Woodmere Park Blvd. intersection . Turn right onto Woodmere Park Blvd. Turn right at the next driveway into the park entrance. Participants should meet at the parking lot at 9:30 am for an adventure in nature!
Register on-line at www.scgov.net
Your feedback on our performance is an important and valued part of our improvement process and would greatly appreciate your participation in a brief post event survey regarding the nature program you attended. The survey will be emailed to you on the following week.
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Little Naturalist Field Trips for Youth Groups
“Looking for an outdoor education field trip for your summer camp, scout troop or civic club?” Then bring your youth to connect with nature in fun, creative ways at Sarasota County Government’s exciting NEW nature program, The Little Naturalist.
The Little Naturalist field trips are available from 9:30 – 10:30 AM, 11 AM – Noon or 1:30 – 2:30 PM on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at Red Bug Slough Preserve. The field trips are available for preschool-age and elementary-age groups. This program includes a short guided nature walk and strolling scavenger hunt followed by hands-on activities at four nature-themed Exploration Stations. The hour-long program will close with a theme snack and story. All groups must be registered and accompanied by camp counselors, chaperones, parents and/or adult guardians.
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 also provides habitat for river otters, bobcats and various species of wading birds.
Participants should wear comfortable weather-appropriate clothes, walking shoes that can get wet (no flip-flops!), a hat, sun screen, drinking water and camera (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.
To view the Little Naturalist Program’s summer calendar, go to www.scgov.net
To register for one of the available Little Naturalist Program summer field trips, please register on-line at www.scgov.net
For more information and details about the Little Naturalist Program summer field trips, please contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources. To view the entire Little Naturalist Program’s summer calendar, go to www.scgov.net
Your feedback on our performance is an important and valued part of our improvement process and would greatly appreciate your participation in a brief post event survey regarding the nature program you attended. The survey will be emailed to you on the following week.
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“Discovering Insects and Their Ways” – A guided insect identification walk at Sleeping Turtles Preserve North
Sarasota County is offering a guided insect identification nature walk at Sleeping Turtles Preserve North in Venice from 9:00 – 11:00 AM on Friday, June 10, 2011. Sarasota County Extension Entomologist Dr. Fred Santana will lead participants through pine flatwoods, oak scrub and other habitats found on site.
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 long pants, comfortable walking shoes, 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.
You can reach Sleeping Turtles Preserve North from northbound I-75, take exit 193 and turn right. From southbound I-75 take exit 193 and turn left. Proceed north 1/2 mile on Jacaranda Blvd. to the stop sign and turn right onto Border Road. Proceed approximately 3 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.
Register on-line at www.scgov.net
Your feedback on our performance is an important and valued part of our improvement process and would greatly appreciate your participation in a brief post event survey regarding the nature program you attended. The survey will be emailed to you on the following week.
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Explore Life in Lemon Bay With Us!
Get a little wet, have a little fun and learn a lot! Join American Littoral Society Biologist Chuck Idelberger on Saturday, June 11 from 9 - 11 AM on a search for marine life in Lemon 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 Lemon Bay. This event runs the second Saturday of each month this summer.
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.
You may reach Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center, 570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood by taking I -75 to Exit 193 (Jacaranda Boulevard), turn toward CR 765/Englewood/Venice, and traveling south 5.3 miles to Englewood Road (SR 776). Turn left on Englewood Road (SR 776) (4.1 miles), turning right onto Old Englewood Road (1 mile), turning a slight right onto Kilbourne Avenue to the first right onto Morrison Avenue then the first left onto Curtis Boulevard, then the first right onto Brengle Avenue and the park entrance will be straight ahead.
Register on-line at www.scgov.net
Your feedback on our performance is an important and valued part of our improvement process and would greatly appreciate your participation in a brief post event survey regarding the nature program you attended. The survey will be emailed to you on the following week.
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"Discovering Insects and Their Ways" – A guided insect identification walk at Curry Creek Preserve
Sarasota County is offering a guided insect identification nature walk at Curry Creek Preserve in Venice from 9 - 11 AM on Friday, June 24, 2011. Sarasota County Extension 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, 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 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. 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.
Register on-line at www.scgov.net
Your feedback on our performance is an important and valued part of our improvement process and would greatly appreciate your participation in a brief post event survey regarding the nature program you attended. The survey will be emailed to you on the following week.
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DRAGONFLIES! at Deer Prairie Creek Preserve
Would you believe there are over 40 species of dragonflies and 12 species of damselflies that call Sarasota County home? Their vibrant colors and aerial antics can’t help but inspire our fascination. On Saturday, June 25, 2011, from 10 AM to noon, join Kathy and Don Hess, amateur odonatists, at Deer Prairie Creek Preserve (south entrance) in Venice on a journey to learn more about dragonfly and damselfly evolution, mating habits, life cycles and behavior, the specific local varieties and the magic that has enthralled human cultures for ages.
Deer Prairie Creek Preserve, a 6,439-acre preserve along the wild and scenic Myakka River, was purchased through a partnership between Sarasota County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program and the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The preserve is one of many public preserves that have been made available to the public through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program.
Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes fit for a possible muddy trail; a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars (Short focal length recommended), and camera with a zoom lens (optional). All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
To reach the preserve located at 10201 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, drive south from Sarasota along I-75 to Exit 191 toward US-41 / State College of Florida-Venice / North Port / Englewood / Gulf Beaches. Merge onto North River Road. Drive 5 ½ miles to Tamiami Trail South / US-41 S / FL-45 S, turn left on US-41. Drive 1.2 miles to turn around road. Make a u-turn here. You will see the sign and gate on your right at 10201 Tamiami Trail S, Venice. You may drive through this gate approximately 1 mile to the large parking lot near the lake.
Register on-line at www.scgov.net
Your feedback on our performance is an important and valued part of our improvement process and would greatly appreciate your participation in a brief post event survey regarding the nature program you attended. The survey will be emailed to you on the following week.
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Become a “Little Naturalist” at Pocono Trail Preserve in a NEW Nature Program for Toddlers
“Looking for an alternative to the typical playgroup?” Then bring your toddler to connect with nature in fun, creative ways at Sarasota County Government’s exciting NEW nature program, The Little Naturalist.
The Little Naturalist, for children ages 18 – 36 months, is from 9:30 – 10:30 AM on Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at Pocono Trail Preserve. This program includes a short guided nature walk and strolling scavenger hunt followed by hands-on activities at three nature-themed Exploration Stations. The hour-long program will close with a theme snack and story. All participating children must be registered and accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.
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 weather-appropriate clothes, walking shoes that can get wet (no flip-flops!), bring a hat, sun screen, drinking water and camera (optional). All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
Directions to Pocono Trail Preserve, 189 Pocono Trail, Nokomis: Take I-75 south to exit 200 (S.R. 681) toward Venice/Osprey. Merge onto U.S. 41 and travel 2.2 miles to Colonia Lane. Turn left on Colonia and left again onto Nash Avenue. Drive one block to Pocono Trail and park along the north road shoulder.
From the southern portion of the county, take I-75 north to exit 195 (Laurel Road) and travel west toward Laurel. Turn left onto U.S. 41 and drive south toward Venice. Turn left onto Colonia Lane and left again onto Nash Ave. Drive one block to Pocono Trail and park along the north road shoulder.
Register on-line at www.scgov.net
Your feedback on our performance is an important and valued part of our improvement process and would greatly appreciate your participation in a brief post event survey regarding the nature program you attended. The survey will be emailed to you on the following week.
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Become a “Little Naturalist” at Pocono Trail Preserve in a NEW Nature Program for Preschoolers
“Looking for an alternative to the typical playgroup?” Then bring your preschooler to connect with nature in fun, creative ways at Sarasota County Government’s exciting NEW nature program, The Little Naturalist.
The Little Naturalist, for children ages 3 - 4 years old, is from 11 AM – Noon on Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at Pocono Trail Preserve. This program includes a short guided nature walk and strolling scavenger hunt followed by hands-on activities at four nature-themed Exploration Stations. The hour-long program will close with a theme snack and story. All participating children must be registered and accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.
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 weather-appropriate clothes, walking shoes that can get wet (no flip-flops!), bring a hat, sun screen, drinking water and camera (optional). All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
Directions to Pocono Trail Preserve, 189 Pocono Trail, Nokomis: Take I-75 south to exit 200 (S.R. 681) toward Venice/Osprey. Merge onto U.S. 41 and travel 2.2 miles to Colonia Lane. Turn left on Colonia and left again onto Nash Avenue. Drive one block to Pocono Trail and park along the north road shoulder.
From the southern portion of the county, take I-75 north to exit 195 (Laurel Road) and travel west toward Laurel. Turn left onto U.S. 41 and drive south toward Venice. Turn left onto Colonia Lane and left again onto Nash Ave. Drive one block to Pocono Trail and park along the north road shoulder.
Register on-line at www.scgov.net
Your feedback on our performance is an important and valued part of our improvement process and would greatly appreciate your participation in a brief post event survey regarding the nature program you attended. The survey will be emailed to you on the following week.
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Become a “Little Naturalist” at Pocono Trail Preserve in a NEW Nature Program for School Age Children
“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 exciting NEW nature program, The Little Naturalist.
The Little Naturalist, for children ages 5 - 9, is from 1:30 – 2:30 PM on Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at Pocono Trail Preserve. This program includes a short guided nature walk and strolling scavenger hunt followed by hands-on activities at three nature-themed Exploration Stations. The hour-long program will close with a theme snack and story. All participating children must be registered and accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.
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 weather-appropriate clothes, walking shoes that can get wet (no flip-flops!), a hat, sun screen, drinking water and camera (optional). All Sarasota County nature walks prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets.
Directions to Pocono Trail Preserve, 189 Pocono Trail, Nokomis: Take I-75 south to exit 200 (S.R. 681) toward Venice/Osprey. Merge onto U.S. 41 and travel 2.2 miles to Colonia Lane. Turn left on Colonia and left again onto Nash Avenue. Drive one block to Pocono Trail and park along the north road shoulder.
From the southern portion of the county, take I-75 north to exit 195 (Laurel Road) and travel west toward Laurel. Turn left onto U.S. 41 and drive south toward Venice. Turn left onto Colonia Lane and left again onto Nash Ave. Drive one block to Pocono Trail and park along the north road shoulder.
Register on-line at www.scgov.net
Your feedback on our performance is an important and valued part of our improvement process and would greatly appreciate your participation in a brief post event survey regarding the nature program you attended. The survey will be emailed to you on the following week.
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Join the Friends of The Legacy Trail for
National Trails Day at Shamrock Park
· Bicycle ride or walk on the trails of the park.
· Indoor nature walk starts at 9:00 where children learn about and make gopher tortoises, scrub jays, alligators and many other trail animals.
· The Friends of the Legacy Trail and other Friends of Sarasota County Parks will share information.
· Take a surrey ride.
· Everything is free including trail snacks!
Directions from Hwy 41 Tamiami Trail Venice Florida Go West on Shamrock Drive 1.5 miles Park entrance is on the right. For more info call 941-486-2706.
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From the UF/IFAS Sarasota County Extension Office
Free Rain Barrel workshops
All workshops will be from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
2011 Dates Location
June 18 North Sarasota Library
July 16 Twin Lakes Park
August 20 Woodmere Community Park
& Recreation Center
September 17 Twin Lakes Park
October 15 Englewood Sports Complex
November 19 Twin Lakes Park
December 17 North Sarasota Library
Locations
Englewood Sports Complex, 1300 South River Road, Englewood, FL 34223
North Sarasota Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34234
Woodmere Community Park & Recreation Center, 3951 Woodmere Park Blvd., Venice, FL 34293
Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL 34241
Sarasota County Environmental Services will sell rain barrels after the class for $37
each, including tax. Payment may be made by check or cash (exact change only).
Online registration required. Please register at sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu.
For questions regarding registration, please call the UF/IFAS Sarasota County Extension Office at 941.861.9900.
An Equal Opportunity Institution. Extension Service, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Millie Ferrer-Chancy, Interim Director.
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Living Smart
Starts at UF/IFAS Sarasota County Extension
• Fun and fascinating classes on Horticulture, Agriculture, Sustainability, Smart Growth, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Natural Resources
• Most classes are free!
• Offered at Twin Lakes Park, Phillippi Estate Park, and other locations throughout the county
For the latest class listing and to register, visit: sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu
Questions? Call 941.861.5000 and ask for Sarasota County Extension
Date Time Subject Place
June 2 2 PM Florida Snakes Shamrock Park
June 7 1 PM Florida Buggy Critters Twin Lakes Park
June 15 10 AM Alternatives to Turf Twin Lakes Park
June 15 1 PM Irrigation 101 Twin Lakes Park
June 15 4 PM Life on Scarlet Milkweed Twin Lakes Park
June 16 2 PM Butterfly Predators Shamrock Park
June 18 10 AM Rain Barrels North Sarasota Library
June 22 10 AM Hurricane Preparedness Twin Lakes Park
June 22 1 PM Storm Protection – Hurricane Shutters Twin Lakes Park
June 22 4 PM Partnering with Pollinators Twin Lakes Park
June 29 10 AM Landscape Design Twin Lakes Park
June 29 1 PM Chinch Bugs and White Grubs Twin Lakes Park
Registration is required.
For class description and online registration: http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu.
Click on Education Calendar or call 941.861.9900 for assistance.
Englewood Sports Complex: 1300 S. River Road, Englewood
Lauderbach Farm: 8315 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota
North Port Library: 13800 S. Tamiami Trail, North Port
North Sarasota Library: 2801 Newtown Blvd., Sarasota
Phillippi Estate Park Mansion: 5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Twin Lakes Park: 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota
Shamrock Park: 3900 W. Shamrock Drive, Venice
Extension programs are open to all persons without regard to race, color, sex, age, disability, religion or national origin. All Extension Service events comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Individuals with disabilities requiring special accommodations, please inform the contact person for each event at least 72 hours prior to the event date.
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Deborah Zeilman
Program Specialist
Sarasota County Government
Environmental Resource Management
Natural Resources
1001 Sarasota Center Boulevard
Sarasota International Trade Center area
(Off of Fruitville Road, East of I-75)
Sarasota, FL 34240
Phone 941-650-0696 Fax 941-861-6267
dzeilman@scgov.net
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