Thursday, August 25, 2011

Nature Walks in September

We are pleased to offer nature events for the month of September.

I am detecting a very slight cooling in the am hours, although very brief. Sadly, sweltering heat is still here plus a lot of rain, but happy to note that the events are starting to pick up and get into full swing for the approaching fall season.

Please be sure to review each press release for specific dates, times, locations, directions and registration information.


Thank you to our volunteer and staff guides!


FOR ON-LINE REGISTRATION - Go to www.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left. Click the 'All Events' drop down, choose 'Nature Walks' and click 'go'. Scan the calendar for the event and date of your choice and click. Towards the bottom of each nature event news release is a bolded area for you to click for registration. Please supply information with an asterisks (*), which is your name, email and phone number. (Please note: Your registration information will not be shared and will be used only for contact purposes for the event of inclement weather or walk cancelation.)

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 by 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 received this email in error or do not wish to receive this email, please contact me atdzeilman@scgov.net or call 941-650-0696 to be removed. Thanks!

scgovEVENTS

Sarasota County Communications scgov.net | 941-861-5000 | Comcast 19/Verizon 32

From Scrub to Swamp at Manasota Scrub Preserve

Explore the scrub and maple swamp (if we have enough time!) of Manasota Scrub Preserve on Saturday, September 10, 2011 from 8 – 10:30 AM. Walk the less traveled paths with Nancy Edmondson, Environmental Specialist with Sarasota County Natural Resources.Guests will enjoy a limited opportunity to visit the rosemary scrub on the west side of Bridge Street along with gazing at lavender blazing stars, scrub spurges, creamy jointweeds and golden Indian grasses, just to name a few of the many plants and fall wildflowers one may see.

The preserve is one of many public lands that are available through Sarasota County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program. In addition to numerous subtropical plants, visitors may hear the great-horned owl or northern quail, or view coasting eagles and red-tailed hawks overhead.

Participants should wear long pants, comfortable walking shoes, and bring 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.


Directions to Manasota Scrub Preserve, 2695 Bridge Street, Englewood: Take I -75 to Exit 193 (Jacaranda Boulevard). At the end of the exit ramp, turn south onto Jacaranda Boulevard and drive approximately 5.2 miles. At the “T” intersection of Jacaranda Blvd. and Englewood Road (State Road 776), turn left (south). Drive approximately 1.5 miles and turn west on to Manasota Beach Road, then south (left) on Bridge Street. The parking lot will be on your left.


Register on-line at www.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left. Click the 'All Events' drop down list, choose 'Nature Walks', click ‘Go’ and choose your event. Follow the directions for registration. Space for this walk is limited to 20.


If you are having problems with on-line registration, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources. Learn more about Sarasota County Natural Lands at http://www.discovernaturalsarasota.org.


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.

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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 American Littoral Society Biologist Chuck Idelberger on Saturday, September 10 from 9:30 – 11:00 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 which is held at the Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center runs the second Saturday of each month.

Participants should meet at the park amphitheater, north of the main building near the canoe launch. 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. Click Calendar of Events on the left. Click the 'All Events' drop down list, choose 'Nature Walks' and click 'go'. On the bottom of each nature walk is an area that states 'Click here for registration.' Space for this walk is limited to 15.

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. Learn more about Sarasota County Natural Lands at http://www.discovernaturalsarasota.org.

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.

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Celebrate National Public Lands Day with volunteers at Sleeping Turtles Preserve North

Volunteers needed!

Sarasota County has more than 106,000 acres of natural land that is home to hundreds of protected and endangered species of animals and plants. Natural lands in Sarasota County offer residents and visitors the opportunity to interact with nature, witness wildlife in its natural habitat, and enjoy outdoor recreation.


Sarasota County staff invites residents and visitors to help celebrate the 18th Annual National Public Lands Day 9 a.m. - noon, Saturday, Sept. 24 by volunteering to help improve Sleeping Turtles Preserve North, 3462 Border Road, Venice. Planned activities include planting native plants, removing invasive plants, trimming trees and installing signs. Scott Moranda, an Environmental Specialist with Sarasota County and the Land Manager for Sleeping Turtles Preserve North, is excited to have volunteers contribute to the preserve’s majestic beauty by giving it some TLC and sweat equity. He states that “this event is an excellent opportunity to give the Preserve a facelift by enhancing existing and installing new public use features.”


National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance America’s public lands. During last year’s National Public Lands Day, nearly 170,000 volunteers nationwide built trails and bridges, planted trees and plants, and removed trash and invasive plants. This effort contributed an estimated $15 million to improve public lands across the country.


Volunteers should register in advance of the event. Participants should bring water, bug spray, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses. If participants have loppers, clippers and shears, they should bring them. Volunteers should wear closed-toe, closed-heel shoes such as hiking boots or old sneakers and comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor work.

Register on-line at www.scgov.net. Select the Calendar of Events tab on the left. Select ‘September’ from the drop down list and click ‘go.’ Then choose ‘National Public Lands Day’ on September 24. Follow the directions for registration. Space for this volunteer event is limited to 25.

For more information, please contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.

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Little Naturalist Program for Toddlers at Sleeping Turtles Preserve North

“Looking for an alternative to the typical playgroup?” Then bring your toddler to connect with nature in fun, creative ways at the Little Naturalist Program.

The Little Naturalist, for children ages 18 – 35 months, is from 9:30 – 10:30 AM on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at Sleeping Turtles Preserve North. 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.

Directions to Sleeping Turtles Preserve North at 3462 Border Road, Venice: Take I-75, exit 193 (Jacaranda Blvd.) Turn north onto Jacaranda Blvd. Proceed north for 0.5 miles 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. Park in the designated fenced in parking area.


Register on-line at www.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left. Click the 'All Events' drop down list, choose 'Nature Walks' and click 'go'. On the bottom of each nature walk is an area that states 'Register for Little Naturalist Program for Preschoolers at Sleeping Turtles Preserve North.' Please register the participating child’s first and last name. Please also include the child’s age in the NOTES section of the registration form! Space for this program is limited to a maximum of 15 children.


For more information and details about the Little Naturalist Program, please contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask to speak with the Little Naturalist Program staff. To view the entire Little Naturalist Program’s calendar, go to www.scgov.net.


Select ‘County A to Z’ on the left. Click the letter ‘N’ in the alphabet header and then select “Nature’s Classroom.’

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.

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Little Naturalist Program for Preschoolers at Sleeping Turtles Preserve North

“Looking for an alternative to the typical playgroup?” Then bring your preschooler to connect with nature in fun, creative ways at the Little Naturalist Program.


The Little Naturalist, for children ages 3 – 4, is from 11 AM - noon on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at Sleeping Turtles Preserve North. 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.

Directions to Sleeping Turtles Preserve North at 3462 Border Road, Venice: Take I-75, exit 193 (Jacaranda Blvd.) Turn north onto Jacaranda Blvd. Proceed north for 0.5 miles 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. Park in the designated fenced in parking area.


Register on-line at www.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left. Click the 'All Events' drop down list, choose 'Nature Walks' and click 'go'. On the bottom of each nature walk is an area that states 'Register for Little Naturalist Program for Preschoolers at Sleeping Turtles Preserve North.' Please register the participating child’s first and last name. Please also include the child’s age in the NOTES section of the registration form! Space for this program is limited to a maximum of 15 children.


For more information and details about the Little Naturalist Program, please contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask to speak with the Little Naturalist Program staff. To view the entire Little Naturalist Program’s calendar, go to www.scgov.net.


Select ‘County A to Z’ on the left. Click the letter ‘N’ in the alphabet header and then select “Nature’s Classroom.’

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.

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Little Naturalist Program for School Age Youth at Sleeping Turtles Preserve North

“Looking for an alternative to the typical playground?” Then bring your school age child to connect with nature in fun, creative ways at the Little Naturalist Program.

The Little Naturalist, for children ages 5 - 10, is from 1:30 – 2:30 PM on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at Sleeping Turtles Preserve North. 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.

Directions to Sleeping Turtles Preserve North at 3462 Border Road, Venice: Take I-75, exit 193 (Jacaranda Blvd.) Turn north onto Jacaranda Blvd. Proceed north for 0.5 miles 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. Park in the designated fenced in parking area.


Register on-line at www.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left. Click the 'All Events' drop down list, choose 'Nature Walks' and click 'go'. On the bottom of each nature walk is an area that states 'Register for Little Naturalist Program for Preschoolers at Sleeping Turtles Preserve North.' Please register the participating child’s first and last name. Please also include the child’s age in the NOTES section of the registration form! Space for this program is limited to a maximum of 15 children.


For more information and details about the Little Naturalist Program, please contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask to speak with the Little Naturalist Program staff. To view the entire Little Naturalist Program’s calendar, go to www.scgov.net.


Select ‘County A to Z’ on the left. Click the letter ‘N’ in the alphabet header and then select “Nature’s Classroom.’

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.

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Enjoy the Last of the Summer Season's Flowers at Sleeping Turtles Preserve North

Explore Sleeping Turtles Preserve North with Sarasota County Volunteers Al Squires and Denny Girard on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 from 9 – 11 a.m. Enjoy the preserve’s meandering trails canopied by old live oaks and pines. Along the way, discover what’s remaining in bloom from the summer season while 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 wear long pants, comfortable walking shoes, and bring 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 reach the 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. Click Calendar of Events on the left. Click the 'All Events' drop down list, choose 'Nature Walks', click ‘Go’ and choose your event. Follow the directions for registration. Space for this walk is limited to 20.


If you are having problems with on-line registration, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.

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.

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More events!

** Know Your Niche Nature Walk – Phillippi Estate Park **

Date: 9/20/2011;

Time: 8 – 9:30 a.m. (third Tuesday of each month year-round)

Location: Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

Description: Join Sarasota County Parks Naturalist for a nature walk along the trails at Phillippi Estate Park. Stroll along the shoreline then venture into the coastal hammock to learn about mangroves, epiphytes and the effects of exotic plants on native ecosystems.

Meet at the Fishing Pier trailhead on the northeast side of the front parking lot at Phillippi Estate Park.

We recommend participants wear appropriate shoes for walking paved and uneven shell trails.

Additional recommended items to bring are camera, binoculars, bird and/or Florida field guide, water, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Contact Jennifer Rogers (jrogers@scgov.net, 941-861-5000) to register.

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** Discovery Kayak – Lemon Bay Park **

Date: 9/23/2011;

Time: 8:30 a.m. – noon

Location: Lemon Bay Park, 570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood

Description: Join Sarasota County Parks Naturalists as they lead a casual kayak journey along the shallow waters of beautiful Lemon Bay. Learn about the coastal mangroves, seagrasses, and oyster beds in the area. Spy wading birds, explore meandering mangrove tunnels, and perhaps catch a glimpse of a manatee or dolphin in the bay waters!

The program is an "intermediate" paddle of approximately 3.5 hours in length, 2.5 miles round-trip on bay waters and mangrove tunnels, and includes an interpretative landing on the Lemon Bay Park Addition.


Pre-registration is required. Space is limited and other requirements apply.

Participants must bring their own kayak, paddle, and safety gear as required by the U.S. Coast Guard. Participants must be able to portage kayak to the kayak/canoe launch (a distance of approximately 320 feet) and down a stepped slope to the water's edge.


We recommend paddlers wear a hat, clothes and shoes that can get wet and muddy; and bring camera, binoculars, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, snacks and plenty of drinking water.


Contact Kenya Leonard (kleonard@scgov.net, 941-861-5000) to register.

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** Photo Safari – Urfer Family Park **

Date: 9/2/2011;

Time: 9 – 11 a.m. (first Friday of each month year-round)

Location: Urfer Family Park, 4000 Honore Ave. (Corner of Bee Ridge and Honore), Sarasota

Description: Join Parks Naturalists on a leisurely two hour nature walk through Urfer Family Park. Learn tips about nature photography, and how to spot photo opportunities in a natural setting. Visit pine flatwoods, two distinctly different wetlands, and a cattle pasture with a working windmill right in the middle of town! The trail is approximately 1 1/2 miles and is relatively flat. Wear walking shoes and sun protection and bring your camera or binoculars. Don't forget to bring water!


Contact Lynda Eppinger (leppinge@scgov.net, 941-861-5000) to register.

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September’s Education Calendar

From the UF/IFAS Sarasota County Extension Office

http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu/

Growing Citrus in Your Home Landscape

Event Type: Environmental & Gardening Programs
Age Group(s): Adults

Date: 9/7/2011

Start Time: 10:00 AM

End Time: 11:00 AM

Description:

Learn how to grow citrus in Sarasota County. This program will discuss pest and problem identification as well as the nutritional requirements for growing citrus in the urban landscape.

Location: Twin Lakes Park - 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota
Contact: Patricia Porchey pporchey@scgov.net

Contact Number: 861-9801

Presenter: Patricia Porchey

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Chickens 101

Event Type: Environmental & Gardening Programs

Age Group(s): All Ages

Date: 9/10/2011

Start Time: 8:30 AM

End Time: 12:00 PM

Description:

Chickens 101 is an introductory, hands-on workshop on the fundamentals of raising chickens such as: local laws and resources, benefits of chickens, the basics (breeds, housing, feeding, health, chicken development), biosecurity, and getting started. $15.00 fee for this class. Register on line and pay by credit card at the link below.

http://chickens1010911.eventbrite.com/

Children under 16 are admitted free but must be accompanied by an adult.

Location: Lauterbach Farm - 8315 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota

Contact: Dr. Robert Kluson rkluson@scgov.net

Contact Number: 861-9900

Presenter: Dr. Robert Kluson

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Healthy Eating for a Healthy Planet

Event Type: Health and Human Services

Age Group(s): Adults

Date: 9/14/2011

Start Time: 2:00 PM

End Time: 3:30 PM

Description:

Learn how your food choices not only affect your household budget, but how it also affects our environment. Learn ways to save money, eat healthier and be friendlier to the world we share.

Location: Twin Lakes Park - 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota

Contact: Dr. Maria Portelos-Rometo mrometo@scgov.net

Contact Number: 861-9900

Presenter: Maria Portelos-Rometo

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Invasive Insects

Event Type: Environmental & Gardening Programs
Age Group(s): Adults

Date: 9/15/2011

Start Time: 1:00 PM

End Time: 2:30 PM

Description:

Learn about invading insect pests, plus a few other animals that pose a significant problem to Florida. Its attractive climate and proximity to the Caribbean make it a Mecca for pests. More than 90% of all the live propagated plants and animals enter the continental U.S. through the port of Miami. On average one new pest species per month becomes established in Florida. Over 1100 non-native insect species have become established in Florida. Dr. Fred Santana, Sarasota County Entomologist, will discuss a number of the more recent invasive insects and efforts being made to control them.

Location: Shamrock Park - 3900 Shamrock Drive, Venice

Contact: Dr. Fred Santana fsantana@scgov.net

Contact Number: 861-9900

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Rain Barrel Workshop

Event Type: Environmental & Gardening Programs
Age Group(s): Adults

Date: 9/17/2011

Start Time: 10:00 AM

End Time: 11:00 AM

Description:

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.

Note: After the class Sarasota County Government will sell rain barrels for $37 each, including tax and spigot assembly. Payment must be made by cash (exact change only) or check. Check payable to: Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners.

Location: Twin Lakes Park - 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota

Contact: Email jdwillia@scgov.net

Contact Number: 861-9900

Presenter: Extension Staff and Volunteers

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Meet the Pollinators

Event Type: Environmental & Gardening Programs
Age Group(s): Adults

Date: 9/21/2011

Start Time: 2:00 PM

End Time: 3:30 PM

Description:

This presentation will help you to identify and understand some of the more abundant and important pollinators in the Sarasota County area. Learn about some of nature’s most important and hardest working creatures. We all know about pollinators and pollination, but other than the honey bee, don’t really know the many bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, moths and beetles that routinely carry out this important function for plants. Dr. Santana will show images of pollinators, mainly focusing on native bees, wasps, and flies, and why you should care about their conservation.

Location: Twin Lakes Park - 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota

Contact: Dr. Fred Santana fsantana@scgov.net

Contact Number: 861-9900

Presenter: Dr. Fred Santana

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Green Cleaning at Home

Event Type: Health and Human Services

Age Group(s): Adults

Date: 9/28/2011

Start Time: 2:00 PM

End Time: 3:30 PM

Description:

Learn about how you can make your home more sustainable by making your own cleaning supplies. Discover easy tips that you can do to save money and be kind to our environment.

Location: Twin Lakes Park - 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota

Contact: Dr. Maria Portelos-Rometo mrometo@scgov.net

Contact Number: 861-9900

Presenter: Dr. Maria Portelos-Rometo

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Composting

Event Type: Educational Programs

Age Group(s): Adults

Date: 9/29/2011

Start Time: 2:00 PM

End Time: 3:00 PM

Description:

Learn how to eliminate vegetation pickup by the waste management company and instead use your clippings to create your own soil amendments. Your soil will retain nutrients and moisture and your plants will thrive.

Location: Elsie Quirk Library - 100 W. Dearborn St, Englewood

Contact: For more information email jdwillia@scgov.net

Contact Number: 861-9900

Presenter: Extension Staff and Volunteers

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Coming soon in October – Look for the:

**Nature Explorers Club- Urfer Family Park**

Date: 10/28/2011; Time: 9:30-10:30 a.m. (4th Saturday of each month from October through May, except December)

Location: Urfer Family Park, 4000 Honore Avenue, Sarasota

Description: Join a Parks Naturalist at Urfer Family Park for a chance to see and learn about nature. This program is geared for children ages 6-12. Enjoy a different activity each month. Activities may include nature walks, swamp walks, nature photography, nature journaling, learning to identify birds or frogs by the sounds they make, and even getting the chance to see live animals up close and personal! During this short one-hour program, parents or guardians are required to remain in the park, but do not have to join us for activities. Participants should wear closed-toed shoes and sun protection and should bring water to drink. Registration is limited to 15 each month, so contact Lynda Eppinger (leppinge@scgov.net ; 941-861-5000) to register.

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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
·`·. . `·..·`·.}><(((*> .·`·..}><(((*>`·..·`·.}><(((*>
"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks."

- John Muir

Learn more at http://www.discovernaturalsarasota.org

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Friday, August 12, 2011

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Little Naturalist Program Expanding


Looking for an alternative to the typical kids’ activity or an exciting outdoor field trip? Then bring your child or students to connect with nature in fun, creative ways at Sarasota County Government’s exciting NEW nature program, The Little Naturalist.

The Little Naturalist Program has expanded and now offers programming for schools, summer camps, scout troops and youth civic groups! Below is the 2011 Summer Schedule and the 2011-2012 School Year Schedule. Online registration is required for all program dates.

2011-2012 Youth Group Schedule

8-3-2011

Little Naturalist Group Program – Coastal

Pocono Trail Preserve

9:30-10:30 a.m.

8-3-2011

Little Naturalist Group Program – Coastal

Pocono Trail Preserve

11 a.m.- noon

8-3-2011

Little Naturalist Group Program – Coastal

Pocono Trail Preserve

1:30-2:30 p.m.

10-12-2011

Little Naturalist Group Program – Plants

Rothenbach Park

9:30-10:30 a.m.

10-12-2011

Little Naturalist Group Program – Plants

Rothenbach Park

11 a.m.-noon

10-12-2011

Little Naturalist Group Program – Plants

Rothenbach Park

1:30-2:30 p.m.

2-8-2012

Little Naturalist Group Program – Birds

Celery Fields

9:30-10:30 a.m.

2-8-2012

Little Naturalist Group Program – Birds

Celery Fields

11 a.m.-noon.

2-8-2012

Little Naturalist Group Program – Birds

Celery Fields

1:30-2:30 p.m.

5-9-2012

Little Naturalist Group Program

Curry Creek Preserve

9:30-10:30 a.m.

5-9-2012

Little Naturalist Group Program

Curry Creek Preserve

11 a.m.-noon.

5-9-2012

Little Naturalist Group Program

Curry Creek Preserve

1:30-2:30 p.m.