September Nature Events

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We are pleased to offer our nature events for the month of September. Please read each press release below for the date, time, location, directions and registration information.
Thank you volunteer guides and staff! Stay safe and stay cool!
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 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@...
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, September 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.
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, 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 visitors. It’s a nature walk at Manasota Scrub Preserve, in Englewood, Wednesday, September 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. 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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“What Bug is THAT?” – 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 Wednesday, September 8, 2010. Retired Sarasota County Entomologist Dr. Fred Santana will lead participants through pine flatwoods, oak scrub and other habitats found on site.
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 large assortment of bird species.
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 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. Click Calendar of Events on the left. Click the 'All Events' drop down list, choose 'Nature Walks', and choose your event. Follow the instructions 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 at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.
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Enjoy Fall’s Splendor at Manasota Scrub Preserve
September is great time of year to observe the variety of wildflowers and grasses in their fall splendor. On Wednesday, September 22 from 9 – 11 AM, come explore the less traveled paths of Manasota Scrub Preserve 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 we expect to see.
Manasota Scrub 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 a variety of resident and migratory birds, mammals and gopher tortoises.
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. Click Calendar of Events on the left. Click the 'All Events' drop down list, choose 'Nature Walks', and choose your event. Follow the instructions 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 at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.
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Fall Bird Walk at Curry Creek Preserve
Sarasota County is offering a birding nature walk at Curry Creek Preserve in Venice (west entrance) on Saturday, September 25, 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 ROADby 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.
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 choose your event. Follow the instructions 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 at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.
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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 Sunday, September 26, from 7:30 am – noon. Be tantalized and wowed 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, 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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Here is your opportunity to give back to Sarasota County's
 beautiful lands that you visit and enjoy. 
Volunteers are needed

for the 17th Annual National Public Lands Day

Saturday, September 25, 2010 
9 a.m. - noon 
Sarasota County is celebrating the 17th Annual National Public Lands Day on Saturday, September 25th. We are looking for volunteers to participate and lead the work force to remove exotic plant species, collect debris and paint a concrete wall. Below is information regarding the site and activities. To learn more about NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY, read below or visit www.publiclandsday.org or www.npld.com.

Interested in volunteering?
Please call 941-861-5000 to register.
Where: Indian Mound Park
Address:  210 Winson Ave., Englewood, FL 34223
Date: Saturday, September 25, 2010
Time:  9 AM – Noon (arrive no later than 8:45 AM)
What: To improve trails, remove nuisance invasive plants and collect debris from river's edge
Wear: field appropriate clothes, closed-toe and closed-heel shoes such as hiking boots or old sneakers that may get wet, sunblock, hat (optional), sunglasses (optional).
Bring: Gardening gloves and water will be provided. Participants should bring their own hand tools, such as clippers and shears extra water and bug spray.

National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands American’s enjoy. In 2009, more than 150,000 volunteers across the country built bridges and trails, improved habitat for wildlife, planted trees, removed invasive plants that threaten fragile natives, protected natural, historic and cultural resources …and much more. Volunteers worked in parks and forests, at rivers, lakes, and wetlands, at cultural and historic sites and in their own neighborhoods.
This year, thousands of volunteers in every state will put their hands to work in a coast-to-coast effort to improve and enhance our treasured lands. From Plymouth Rock to the Golden Gate, the Rockies, the Gulf shores, the Everglades …volunteers will join this national day of caring for their lands.
National Public Lands Day:

*         Educates Americans about critical environmental and natural resources issues and the need for shared stewardship of these valued, irreplaceable lands;
*         Builds partnerships between the public sector and the local community based upon mutual interests in the enhancement and restoration of America's public lands;
*         Improves public lands for outdoor recreation, with volunteers assisting land managers in hands-on work.

One out of every three acres of America's land - 600 million acres - is public land. And when you get your hands dirty on National Public Lands Day you help spruce up your beautiful lands. This year's national goal is to have 170,000 volunteers at 2,300 public land sites. 1/3 of America's land is yours. Consider spending 1/365 of your time preserving it.
Thanks in advance for your time and support!
 Hope to see you at Indian Mound Park on National Public Lands Day!
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2010 International Coastal Cleanup
VOLUNTEERS WANTED
To register for the 2010 Sarasota County Coastal Cleanup:
Deadline Tuesday, Sept. 7,
Please contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask about the Coastal Cleanup. There are several cleanup locations to choose from.
Saturday, Sept. 25
Rain date: Saturday, Oct. 2
8 a.m.-noon
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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@...
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"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks."
           - John Muir

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