Nature Walks and Talks for October in Sarasota County
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, October 3, 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.
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 2 ½ miles to the next intersection and turn left at the Carlton Reserve's entrance. Follow signs to parking lot.
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.
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Fall Wildflowers are in Bloom at South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve
Explore South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve with Sarasota County volunteers and Florida Native Plant Society members Al Squires and Denny Girard on Wednesday, October 6, 2010 from 9 - 11 AM. Denny and Al will introduce you to fall wildflowers while sharing information about native vegetation. You will pass through a brackish water wetland, a high salinity mangrove area, scrub, flatwoods, and coastal woodlands bordering Lemon Bay.
South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve is one of many public lands that are available to the public through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program. In addition to the numerous subtropical plants, the preserve supports nesting bald eagles, Florida scrub jays and gopher tortoises, all protected animal species.
Participants may bring binoculars, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water and camera (optional), and wear a hat and comfortable walking shoes for wet and sandy soil conditions.
You may reach South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve by taking I -75 to Exit 193 (Jacaranda Blvd.). 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. Continue about a mile until the road curves left. At the curve turn right onto Belvidere Road. Next turn right onto Pheasant Road, then left onto Macon Road, and right on Osprey Road. Turn left onto Ocelot Road and park near the end of the street. Meet at the intersection of Ocelot and Phorus Roads.
Register on-line at www.scgov.net<http://www.
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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Nature in the Watershed hike at Myakka Islands Point in Pt. Charlotte
The public is invited to participate in a guided hike at Myakka Islands Point in Pt. Charlotte on Friday, October 8 at 9 am. This 2+ mile hike will take visitors through pine flatwoods and along the beautiful Myakka River. While exploring this environmental jewel, participants may observe species such as American kestrels and swallow-tailed kites, as well as a variety of wading birds, amphibians and various wetland plants. The natural communities in this unique preserve are the Myakka River, tidal salt marsh, tidal mangrove swamp, scrubby pine flatwoods, tropical hammock and slash pine flatwoods.
This 100-acre preserve was purchased by Sarasota County in 2006 with the
assistance of the Florida Communities Trust. The region has historic associations with fishing, navigable waterways and Native American culture.
Guided hikes are organized and conducted by the Charlotte Harbor Environmental
Center (CHEC), a non-profit organization serving the community with environmental
education, recreation, research and preservation. Funding for this hike is provided by the
Manasota and Peace River Basin Boards of the Southwest Florida Water Management
District.
Further information, directions and registration can be obtained by calling (941)
475-0769.
Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc.
Cedar Point Environmental Park, PO Box 5197, Englewood, FL 34224, (941) 475-0769
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"What Bug is THAT?" - 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, October 22, 2010. Retired Sarasota County 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, and bring a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars (optional), camera and a hand lens or magnifying glass (optional).
Participants can reach the 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<http://www.
If you are having problems with on-line registration, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pine Flatwoods Guided hike at Deer Prairie Creek Preserve in Venice
The public is invited to participate in a guided hike at Deer Prairie Creek Preserve in Venice on Friday, October 22 at 9 am. This 2 to 3 mile hike will take visitors through pine flatwoods, a small relic scrub, and mixed hardwood hammocks to the beautiful Myakka River. Participants may observe wildlife and wildflowers while learning about the history and natural resources of the area.
This 6,400-acre preserve is a part of a joint acquisition between Southwest Florida Water Management District and Sarasota County. The depression marshes and wetlands provide essential habitat while improving water quality.
This guided hike is organized and conducted by the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC), a non-profit organization serving the community with environmental education, recreation, research and preservation. Funding for this hike is provided by the Manasota and Peace River Basin Boards of the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
Further information, directions and registration can be obtained by calling (941) 475-0769.
Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc.
Cedar Point Environmental Park, PO Box 5197, Englewood, FL 34224, (941) 475-0769
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Experience birding diversity at the T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve with Charlie Sample
Calling all birding enthusiasts! Join Venice Audubon Society and Friends of the Carlton member Charlie Sample as he leads you on a birding nature walk adventure on Saturday, October 23, 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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Insects Out There - What Bug is THAT?" Insect ID walk at Red Bug Slough Preserve
Sarasota County is offering a guided insect identification nature walk at Red Bug Slough Preserve from 9:00 - 11:00 AM on Friday, October 29, 2010. Retired Sarasota County Entomologist Dr. Fred Santana will lead participants through pine flatwoods, oak hammock and other habitats found on site.
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 long pants, comfortable walking shoes that can get wet, and bring a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars (optional), camera and a hand lens or magnifying glass, if possible.
To get to Red Bug Slough Preserve, 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.
Register on-line at www.scgov.net<http://www.
If you are having problems with on-line registration, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.
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, October 3, 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.
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 2 ½ miles to the next intersection and turn left at the Carlton Reserve's entrance. Follow signs to parking lot.
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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fall Wildflowers are in Bloom at South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve
Explore South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve with Sarasota County volunteers and Florida Native Plant Society members Al Squires and Denny Girard on Wednesday, October 6, 2010 from 9 - 11 AM. Denny and Al will introduce you to fall wildflowers while sharing information about native vegetation. You will pass through a brackish water wetland, a high salinity mangrove area, scrub, flatwoods, and coastal woodlands bordering Lemon Bay.
South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve is one of many public lands that are available to the public through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program. In addition to the numerous subtropical plants, the preserve supports nesting bald eagles, Florida scrub jays and gopher tortoises, all protected animal species.
Participants may bring binoculars, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water and camera (optional), and wear a hat and comfortable walking shoes for wet and sandy soil conditions.
You may reach South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve by taking I -75 to Exit 193 (Jacaranda Blvd.). 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. Continue about a mile until the road curves left. At the curve turn right onto Belvidere Road. Next turn right onto Pheasant Road, then left onto Macon Road, and right on Osprey Road. Turn left onto Ocelot Road and park near the end of the street. Meet at the intersection of Ocelot and Phorus Roads.
Register on-line at www.scgov.net<http://www.
If you are having problems with on-line registration, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nature in the Watershed hike at Myakka Islands Point in Pt. Charlotte
The public is invited to participate in a guided hike at Myakka Islands Point in Pt. Charlotte on Friday, October 8 at 9 am. This 2+ mile hike will take visitors through pine flatwoods and along the beautiful Myakka River. While exploring this environmental jewel, participants may observe species such as American kestrels and swallow-tailed kites, as well as a variety of wading birds, amphibians and various wetland plants. The natural communities in this unique preserve are the Myakka River, tidal salt marsh, tidal mangrove swamp, scrubby pine flatwoods, tropical hammock and slash pine flatwoods.
This 100-acre preserve was purchased by Sarasota County in 2006 with the
assistance of the Florida Communities Trust. The region has historic associations with fishing, navigable waterways and Native American culture.
Guided hikes are organized and conducted by the Charlotte Harbor Environmental
Center (CHEC), a non-profit organization serving the community with environmental
education, recreation, research and preservation. Funding for this hike is provided by the
Manasota and Peace River Basin Boards of the Southwest Florida Water Management
District.
Further information, directions and registration can be obtained by calling (941)
475-0769.
Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc.
Cedar Point Environmental Park, PO Box 5197, Englewood, FL 34224, (941) 475-0769
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"What Bug is THAT?" - 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, October 22, 2010. Retired Sarasota County 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, and bring a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars (optional), camera and a hand lens or magnifying glass (optional).
Participants can reach the 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<http://www.
If you are having problems with on-line registration, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pine Flatwoods Guided hike at Deer Prairie Creek Preserve in Venice
The public is invited to participate in a guided hike at Deer Prairie Creek Preserve in Venice on Friday, October 22 at 9 am. This 2 to 3 mile hike will take visitors through pine flatwoods, a small relic scrub, and mixed hardwood hammocks to the beautiful Myakka River. Participants may observe wildlife and wildflowers while learning about the history and natural resources of the area.
This 6,400-acre preserve is a part of a joint acquisition between Southwest Florida Water Management District and Sarasota County. The depression marshes and wetlands provide essential habitat while improving water quality.
This guided hike is organized and conducted by the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC), a non-profit organization serving the community with environmental education, recreation, research and preservation. Funding for this hike is provided by the Manasota and Peace River Basin Boards of the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
Further information, directions and registration can be obtained by calling (941) 475-0769.
Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc.
Cedar Point Environmental Park, PO Box 5197, Englewood, FL 34224, (941) 475-0769
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Experience birding diversity at the T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve with Charlie Sample
Calling all birding enthusiasts! Join Venice Audubon Society and Friends of the Carlton member Charlie Sample as he leads you on a birding nature walk adventure on Saturday, October 23, 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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Insects Out There - What Bug is THAT?" Insect ID walk at Red Bug Slough Preserve
Sarasota County is offering a guided insect identification nature walk at Red Bug Slough Preserve from 9:00 - 11:00 AM on Friday, October 29, 2010. Retired Sarasota County Entomologist Dr. Fred Santana will lead participants through pine flatwoods, oak hammock and other habitats found on site.
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 long pants, comfortable walking shoes that can get wet, and bring a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars (optional), camera and a hand lens or magnifying glass, if possible.
To get to Red Bug Slough Preserve, 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.
Register on-line at www.scgov.net<http://www.
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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