Natural Resources Nature Events for December 2010

Posted by: "Deborah J. Zeilman" dzeilman@scgov.net

Wed Nov 24, 2010 5:59 am (PST)

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

Please read each press release below for the date, time, location, directions and registration information.

Thank you volunteer guides and staff!

ON-LINE REGISTRATION - Go to www.scgov.net<http://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 walk event is information with either a bolded area to click for on-line registration, supplying your name, email and phone number or a contact person and phone number to call for registration. (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 only.)

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, and please, no smoking. Thank you!

If you do not wish to receive this email, please contact Natural Resources at 861-6230 to be removed. Thanks!

Enjoy the experience!

scgovEVENTS

Sarasota County Communications scgov.net * 941-861-5000 * TV

Media Contact: Debby Zeilman, 861-6222, dzeilman@scgov.net<mailto:dzeilman@scgov.net>

A Study of Wetlands along Ainger Creek

Explore Ainger Creek Trails with retired Penn State biology professor and Sarasota County volunteer, Dr. Bill Dunson from 9 - 11 AM on Thursday, December 2, 2010. This walk is part of a series of nature walks exploring the differences between natural and created wetlands on various Sarasota County lands. During this two-hour walk, Dr. Dunson will engage participants in lively discussions of the ecological interactions in this unique wetland system along Ainger Creek. Hikers will pass through flatwoods, oak scrub and other habitats found on site. Various explanations will be considered about the conditions which lead to prevalence of one community type over another.

Ainger Creek Trails is one of many public preserves available through Sarasota County's Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program. It is home to a mosaic of marshes, tidal strands, tidal swamp, the brackish creek, pine flatwoods and oak hammocks, and provides habitat to the gopher tortoise and other wildlife.

Participants may bring binoculars, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water and camera (optional), wear comfortable walking shoes for sandy soil and a hat.

Participants can reach Ainger Creek Trails by taking I-75 to Exit 191 (N. River Road), travel south to Tamiami Trail, continue south across the Trail onto South River Road, travel South River Road to the second stop light which is Pine St., turn left onto Pine St., once on Pine St. take a left on Morningside Dr., take Morningside all the way down to the dead end past the white board fence (on each side of road), park in the grass west of the Ainger Creek Trails fence and please do not block the private gate at end of road or the horse step-over.

If you are having problems with on-line registration, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.

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Strenuous Bike Hikes at the T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve Led by Larry Robbins

Looking for experienced adult off-road bicyclists that are physically fit! Not for the faint of heart! Larry Robbins from Friends of the Carlton Reserve will lead you on a strenuous bike adventure through the beautiful but rugged T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve on Sunday, December 5, 2010 from 8:00 am for approximately 3 to 5 hours. Expect to see lots of wildlife!

The T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve was purchased in the 1980's for public water supply source and for conservation/ recreation purposes.

Participants should bring their own (Off road/mountain trail type) bicycle with wide tires, spare tube, bike helmet (required for all participants), sun glasses, sun screen, insect repellent, snack, and plenty of drinking water.

You MUST be an experienced ADULT off-road bicyclist and physically fit! NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART! Rain or shine, mud or sand, Larry is ready to go! Space for this walk is limited to 6 participants. Reservations are required and should be secured by calling Larry Robbins at 941-544-0555. He will also provide you the area to meet.

If you would like more information regarding the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP) and/or the T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve, please go to www.scgov.net<http://www.scgov.net>, County A to Z, Natural Lands, or contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.

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Take a Walk on the West Side of Manasota Scrub Preserve

Plants, animals? Rosemary scrub! Learn why it's named Manasota Scrub Preserve. Enjoy a leisurely walk on the west side of the preserve exploring regions seldom traveled by the regular visitor. It's a nature walk at Manasota Scrub Preserve, in Englewood, Wednesday, December 8, 2010 from 9-11 a.m., when amateur botanists and Florida Native Plant Society members Denny Girard & Al Squires will show plant detectives where to find the rosemary thriving within the preserve.

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 comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket, a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars (optional), camera and hand lens (optional).

Participants can reach Manasota Scrub Preserve, 2695 Bridge St., Englewood by taking 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. Turn left at the "T" intersection of Jacaranda Blvd. and Englewood Road (State Road 776). 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<http://www.scgov.net>. Click Calendar of Events on the left. Click the 'All Events' drop down list, choose 'Nature Walks', and choose your event. Follow the instructions within the registration form. Space for this walk is limited to 20.

If you are having problems with on-line registration, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.

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Winter Bird Walk at Curry Creek Preserve

Sarasota County is offering a birding nature walk at Curry Creek Preserve in Venice (west entrance) on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 from 9 - 11 AM. Audubon Society members Tom and Connie Plaskett will lead participants on a guided bird walk through the oak hammocks and along the edge of tidal marsh areas found on site.

Curry Creek Preserve is one of many natural areas available through Sarasota County's Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection 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 light jacket, sunscreen and a hat, and bring insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars (optional), camera and hand lens (optional).

Participants can reach Curry Creek Preserve's WEST ENTRANCE OFF ALBEE FARM ROAD by taking I -75 to Exit 195 (Laurel Road). Go west on Laurel Road approximately 1.5 miles and turn left on to Albee Farm Road. Head south on Albee Farm Road approximately 1.4 miles to the preserve entrance located on the left at 1075 Albee Farm Road. Pass the entrance and make a U-turn at the following median cut. Park in the preserve's designated parking lot.

For more information on this or future nature walks please contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.

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"What Bug is THAT?" - A guided insect identification walk at the Jelks Preserve

Sarasota County is offering a guided insect identification nature walk at the Jelks Preserve from 9:30 - 11:30 AM on Thursday, December 9, 2010. Retired Sarasota County Entomologist Dr. Fred Santana will lead participants through pine flatwoods and oak hammocks describing the good, the bad and the very interesting insects found in nature.

The preserve is one of many public lands that are available through Sarasota County's Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program. The preserve is home to numerous subtropical plants, as well as various animals in the river as the American alligator, peninsula cooter and West Indian manatee.

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).

Meet at the entrance/parking area of the Jelks Preserve at 2300 North River Road. Take I-75 to Exit 191 (North River Road); go south approximately 1.5 miles to the entrance of the preserve which is on the left (east) side of the North River Road. From Venice, take E. Venice Avenue east to North River Road. Turn right (south) onto North River Road. Follow the sign to the entrance of the preserve which is on the left (east).

If you are having problems with on-line registration, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.

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Experience the ultimate in birding diversity at the T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve

Calling all birding enthusiasts! Join Charlie Sample, Venice Audubon Society and Friends of the Carlton member, as he leads you on a birding nature walk adventure on Sunday, December 12, from 7:30 am - noon. Be amazed by the vast array of bird species and nature found at the beautiful T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve. You won't be disappointed! 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.

The T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve located at 1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway in Venice was purchased in the 1980's for public water supply source and for conservation/ recreation purposes.

Participants should 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 and camera (optional).

To reach the reserve, drive south from Sarasota along I-75 to Exit 193 (Jacaranda Boulevard). Turn left (North) at the exit and then right again at the next intersection (Border Road). Drive 2 ½ miles to the next intersection and turn left at the Carlton Reserve's entrance. Follow signs to parking lot. Participants should meet at the parking lot at 7:30 am for an adventure in nature!

Space for this walk is unlimited and no reservations are necessary. For beginning birders to expert, however, young children under 12 are not encouraged because of the distance covered.

If you would like more information regarding the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP) and/or the T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve, please go to www.scgov.net<http://www.scgov.net>, County A to Z, choose Natural Lands, or contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.

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Calling All Night Owls: See the Geminid Meteor Shower at Red Bug Slough Preserve

Sarasota County invites you to join Environmental Specialist Jeff Weber for a late night viewing of the Geminid Meteor Shower at Sarasota's Red Bug Slough Preserve from 12:00 - 1:30 AM, during the overnight hours on Monday, December 13 into Tuesday, December 14, 2010. Bring a blanket or a folding chair to enjoy one of nature's nighttime spectaculars. Viewing will be at its peak on this date during this time period, when participants can expect to see several dozen shooting stars per hour!

Red Bug Slough Preserve is one of many natural areas available through the county's environmental lands program. Come join us for a rare late night excursion as we look to the heavens and enjoy nature's chorus of frogs and crickets and possibly even a barred owl or two.

Participants should dress appropriately for cool and damp late night conditions and bring a light jacket if weather is cool. Be sure to bring a flashlight, a folding lawn/lounge chair, insect repellent, and light snacks or refreshments if you'd like.

Participants can reach Red Bug Slough Preserve, 5200 North Beneva Road by taking I -75 to Exit 205 (S.R. 72 or Clark Road). Go west on Clark Road and turn right onto Beneva Road. Continue north to the preserve entrance and parking area. From the parking area we will hike approximately ¼ mile to the open grassy viewing area near the lake.

Register on-line at www.scgov.net<http://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.' Please be sure to provide a telephone number where you can be reached between 6:00 - 8:00 PM on December 13th in case it becomes necessary to cancel due to cloud cover or inclement weather. Space for this outing is limited to 20.

If you are having problems with on-line registration, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.

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A study of wetlands at Manasota Scrub Preserve

Explore Manasota Scrub Preserve with retired Penn State biology professor and Sarasota County volunteer, Dr. Bill Dunson. This walk is part of a series of nature walks exploring the differences between natural and created wetlands on various Sarasota County lands. Dr. Dunson will compare the plants and animals of each to discover unique features distinguishing the wetlands. The walk and discussion will occur from 9 - 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 16, 2010.

Manasota Scrub Preserve is one of many environmental lands that are available to the public through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program. In addition to the numerous subtropical plants, the preserve supports a variety of resident and migratory birds, mammals and gopher tortoises.

Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes (that can get wet), sunscreen and a hat, and bring a light jacket, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars (optional), camera and hand lens (optional).

Participants can reach Manasota Scrub Preserve, 2695 Bridge Street, Englewood by taking I -75 to Exit 193 (Jacaranda Boulevard), then traveling south 5.3 miles to Englewood Road. Take Englewood Road south to Manasota Beach Road and turn west (right), then south (left) on Bridge Street.

If you are having problems with on-line registration, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.

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Kayak Adventures from the T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve

Sarasota County volunteer and Friends of the Carlton Reserve member, Larry Robbins will lead you on a kayak adventure on the beautiful Myakka River that runs along the boundaries of the rugged T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve at 8:00 am, Saturday, December 18, 2010 for approximately 2 to 5 hours. Expect to see lots of wildlife!

The T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve was purchased in the 1980's for public water supply source and for conservation/ recreation purposes.

Participants should wear a hat, clothes and shoes that can get wet and muddy; and bring sun glasses, sun screen, insect repellent, snacks, and plenty of drinking water. It is also suggested to bring a towel and a change of clothes and shoes for afterwards (Please leave in your vehicle).

To reach the reserve located at 1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway in Venice, drive south from Sarasota along I-75 to Exit 193 (Jacaranda Boulevard). Turn left (North) at the exit and then right again at the next intersection (Border Road). Drive ~1.8 miles, drive across the bridge over the river and turn left into the "canoe launch" area - park on right hand side. For those needing the restroom before kayaking, drive 2 ½ miles to the next intersection and turn left at the Carlton Reserve's entrance. Follow signs to parking lot and restroom, then drive back to the "canoe" launch. Please be on time!

You must be able to help with portage of kayaks to the water's edge. Experienced kayakers only. The minimum age is 10 years old. (Please note: All children must be accompanied by a parent.) Suggested donation = $40.00 per person (All proceeds go to the Friends of the Carlton Reserve.) Donation includes: Guide(s) and equipment (kayak, paddle, whistle/personal floatation device). Reservations are required and should be secured by calling Larry Robbins at 941-544-0555. Space for this adventure is limited to 6 participants.

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Family Bike Adventures at the T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve

Got bikes? Then grab the whole family to join Sarasota County volunteer and Friends of the Carlton Reserve member David Reynolds and his family for an off road wilderness bicycle ride through the beautiful T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve on Sunday, December 19, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. for approximately 1 to 2 hours. Expect to see lots of wildlife! If you are too busy for this one, don't fret! This great family bike adventure series runs every third Sunday of the month now through May 2011.

The T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve located at 1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway in Venice was purchased in the 1980's for public water supply source and for conservation/ recreation purposes.

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).

Space for this event is limited to 10 participants. Pre-registration is required. Reservations should be secured by calling David Reynolds at 941-412-5575 for registration and 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.)

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Enjoy a casual nature walk through Curry Creek Preserve

Lee Ann Harling, Sarasota County Volunteer and certified Florida Master Naturalist, will lead an enjoyable winter nature walk from 9 -11 a.m., Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at Curry Creek Preserve. She will share some history of the site and information about the local wildlife and vegetation.

Participants should wear long pants, comfortable walking shoes (that can get wet), a light jacket, sunscreen and a hat, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars (optional), camera, and hand lens (optional).

Participants can reach Curry Creek Preserve's EAST ENTRANCE OFF PINEBROOK ROAD 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 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.

If you are having problems with on-line registration, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.

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Become a "Little Naturalist" - a NEW Nature Program for Children

"Looking for an alternative to the typical family activity?" Then bring your school-age children 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 6 - 9, is from 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Tuesday, December 28, 2010 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, story, and/or song. 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 clothes, walking shoes that can get wet (not flip-flops!), and bring a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water and camera (optional).

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 Sarasota 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.

If you are having problems with on-line registration, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.

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Strolling 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, December 29, 2010 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.

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.

If you are having problems with on-line registration, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.

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Phillippi Farmhouse market has re-opened for its second season.

The market occurs on Wednesdays from November through April (the SouthWest Florida growing season). Market hours at 9 am until 2 pm. There are over 50 vendors, featuring local growers of fruits and vegetables, herbs and landscape plants. There are organic and hydroponic produce. The market also features locally prepared foods to eat picnic-style at the market while enjoying live music or to take home for an easy and delicious meal. There are delicious locally baked goods as well as local handicrafts and specialty and sustainable goods.

Phillippi Farmhouse Market has ample parking, handicap accessibility and public restrooms. For more information, please call 941-861-5000.

Phillippi Estate Park

5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231

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Deborah Zeilman

Program Specialist

Sarasota County Government

Environmental Resource Management

Natural Resources

1301 Cattlemen Rd., Bldg A, 2nd Floor

Sarasota, FL 34232

Phone 941-861-6222 Fax 941-861-6280

dzeilman@scgov.net<mailto:dzeilman@scgov.net>