Lunch & Learn at Manasota Beach Club
Join this annual “lunch and learn” series at Manasota Beach Club, 7660 Manasota Key Road, to learn about our local ecology and history, and the impacts of recent hurricanes on our environment. Presentations will be held outside, from noon to 1:30pm, on the following Mondays: April 14, Dr. Jose Leal, National Shell Museum, “Gulf Coast Shells and a Post-Hurricane Museum Update;” April 21, Jim Beever, Naturalist (retired), “Mangrove Ecology of Southwest Florida;” April 28, Sydney Buffy Crampton, “Manasota Beach Club National Historic Registry Update: What’s Ahead.” The cost is $15 plus taxes/gratuity for talk and a food truck will be onsite. Reservations are required due to limited seating. For additional information and reservations, contact Manasota Beach Club at 941•218•3616 or visit ManasotaBeachClub.com.
Cedar Point Volunteer Monthly Meeting is Monday, April 14, 10am to 1pm, at Cedar Point Environmental Park, 2300 Placida Road. This month’s meeting will include a park cleanup in coordination with Keep Charlotte Beautiful as part of the “Greatest American Cleanup” campaign. All cleanup equipment will be provided. Upcoming programs and volunteer opportunities at Cedar Point will also be shared. Bring water, insect repellent, sunscreen, closed toe shoes, and protective clothing. Snacks and coffee will be offered. First twenty to register get a T-shirt! To register, please call 941•475•0769 or email Tome@ChecFlorida.org.
Scrub Jay Shenanigans: Nature’s Clever Tricksters
Englewood Charlotte Library, 3450 North Access Road, hosts a fascinating program all about scrub jays, some of the smartest birds in nature, on Thursday, April 17, 2 to 3pm. Learn how these vibrant blue songbirds use incredible memory skills to hide and find food, help forests grow, and even outwit other animals. Perfect for nature lovers of all ages, this informative session will include fun facts and a chance to discover how you can spot these clever birds in the wild! To learn more visit CharlotteCountyFL.libcal.com or call 941•687•3736.
EcoWalk at Sleeping Turtles South
Join UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County for an EcoWalk: Unique Preserves on Tuesday, April 29 from 9 to 11am at Sleeping Turtles Preserve South, 2800 N. River Rd., Venice. This guided walk offers a chance to explore one of Sarasota County’s most environmentally sensitive lands while learning about native ecosystems, plant and animal life, water conservation, and land management practices. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Registration is required at ufsarasotaext.eventbrite.com. For more information or special accommodations, call 941•861•9900 or email sarasota@ifas.ufl.edu.
Shark Reproduction Webinar
Dive into the fascinating world of sharks during the Shark Reproduction webinar on Thursday, May 1 from 4 to 5pm. Hosted online by UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County, this free program explores the unique reproductive adaptations that have helped sharks survive for over 400 million years. Part of the Marine and Coastal (Sea Grant) collection, the webinar is led by Florida Sea Grant agent Armando J. Ubeda. Register early at ufsarasotaext.eventbrite.com. For more information, contact aubeda@ufl.edu or call 941•861•9900.
The Englewood CRA and Florida Forest Service teamed up once again for a community Tree Giveaway on April 4 at Pioneer Park on Dearborn Street. Richard Larsen of the Forest Service was on hand to share planting and care tips for the variety of species offered. A total of 200 trees were distributed, adding to the 70 given away at a previous event. PHOTO: Richard Larsen offers care tips to a resident receiving a seagrape tree.
EcoWalk: Mangroves at Lemon Bay Park
On Tuesday, May 13 from 8:30 to 10:30am, join UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County for an EcoWalk exploring the fascinating world of mangroves at Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center, 570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood. Learn about mangrove ecology, species identification, and wildlife in this coastal habitat during a guided walk through one of Englewood’s most scenic natural areas. Trail conditions vary and may include crushed shell paths, grassy trails, and boardwalks. Some areas may be impacted by tides or weather. Accessibility features include an environmental center, butterfly garden, and accessible trails. Space is limited and registration is required at ufsarasotaext.eventbrite.com. For questions or special accommodations, call 941•861•9900 or email sarasota@ifas.ufl.edu.
Rain Barrel Workshop at Englewood Sports Complex
Join UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County on Saturday, May 17 from 10 to 11am for a Rain Barrel Workshop at the Englewood Sports Complex, 1300 S. River Rd., Englewood. Learn how to conserve water, lower utility bills, and reduce stormwater runoff using a rain barrel. Participants will receive practical tips on rain barrel construction and installation, followed by a Q&A with a Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ educator and a Sarasota County Air & Water Quality representative. Rain barrels made from recycled, food-grade plastic (55-gallon capacity) are available for purchase online through Eventbrite before the workshop. Pre-purchased barrels can be picked up until 11:30am the day of the event. For details, call 941•861•5000 or email sarasota@ifas.ufl.edu.
Master Gardeners
Visit the Englewood Charlotte Library, 3450 N. Access Road, on Tuesdays from 10am to noon if you have a gardening or agricultural question, to get an answer from a Master Gardener! The Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program is a citizen-driven program that benefits UF/IFAS Extension and the residents of Florida. The program relies on dedicated volunteers who have an interest in gardening and in giving back to their communities. To learn more visit CharlotteCountyFL.libcal.com or call 941•681•3736.
On Saturday, April 26, 10am to 2pm, Cedar Point Environmental Park, 2300 Placida Road, will be hosting Lemon Bay Earth Day. This free family-friendly event will feature local conservation efforts, live animals, guided walks, interactive activities, native plant giveaways, food, and more. Every featured organization has an interactive and engaging activity or game that is centered around a conservation project they are working on in 2025. Each station will include a presentation of the accomplishments of the project so far. Event participants who complete all stations will win a free native plant! Overflow parking at Oyster Creek Environmental Park. For more information visit ChecFlorida.org or call 941•475•0769.
Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC) Activities
On these casual walks with CHEC volunteers, you will search for and learn about plants, animals, fungi and more, that live in Charlotte County preserves. Prepare for each walk with plenty of water, insect repellent, sunscreen, and clothing that will protect you from insects and plants. Advance registration is required. Go to CHECflorida.org for a complete program calendar and registration links. For more information on programs, please call 941•475•0769 or email tome@checflorida.org.
Alligator Creek Preserve Walk
A CHEC naturalist will lead a hike around Alligator Creek Preserve on Tuesdays from 9 to 11am at the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, 10941 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda. Learn about the diverse ecosystems, plants and animals that can be found at this preserve. To register, call 941•575•5435.
Seagrass Wading Trip
Join CHEC for a free wading adventure on Friday, April 18, 9–11am, at Cedar Point Environmental Center, 2300 Placida Road, through the seagrass beds of Lemon Bay! On these guided programs with local experts, you’ll experience a short, half-mile walk through various ecosystems of the park, wade into the shallow waters of Lemon Bay, and use dip nets to observe all the incredible wildlife that lives within the seagrass meadows. Participants will meet at the visitor center and need to wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that may get wet during the trip. Participants are also encouraged to wear sunscreen and insect repellent, to bring plenty of drinking water and a change of clothes. Advance registration required at tome@checflorida.org or 941•475•0769.
Amberjack Nature Walk
Join CHEC on a guided walk Wednesday, April 16 from 9 to 10am through the scrub and pine flatwoods of the 225-acre Amberjack Environmental Park. Meet at 6250 Gasparilla Pines Blvd., where the street dead ends. To register, fill out the form online at ChecFlorida.org or call 941•475•0769.
Oyster Creek Nature Walk
Join CHEC on a guided walk through the old-growth pine flatwoods, scrub habitat and mangrove fringe of 135-acre Oyster Creek Environmental Park on Saturday, April 19, 9 to 10am. Meet at the park entrance at 2333 Placida Road. To register, fill out the form online at ChecFlorida.org or call 941•475•0769.
Tippecanoe Nature Walk
Go on a walk through the 380-acre Tippecanoe Environmental Park with a CHEC guide on Monday April 21, 9 to 10am. Habitats include scrub, pine flatwoods, marsh and wetlands. Meet behind the Charlotte County Sports Park at 2400 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte. To register, fill out the form online at ChecFlorida.org or call 941•475•0769.
Tippecanoe II Mitigation Preserve
Join CHEC on Wednesday, April 30, 9 to 10am for a guided walk through Tippecanoe II Mitigation Preserve, 16259 Joppa Avenue, Port Charlotte. This 182-acre preserve is home to several families of the threatened Florida scrub jay. Meet in the parking lot. To register, fill out the form online at ChecFlorida.org or call 941•475•0769.
Fishing in Old Town Englewood
On Friday, April 11 from 10:30am to noon, the Lemon Bay Historical Society will share the story and history of fishermen in Englewood through the years and paint a picture of how Englewood became such a central fishing and marine research town. This event is held at the visitor’s center in Cedar Point Environmental Park, 2300 Placida Road. Tickets are $10. Seating is limited, so register today! For more information and to register visit ChecFlorida.org or call 941•475•0769.
Ann & Chuck Dever Park Walk
Join CHEC on a guided walk through the old-growth pine flatwoods and mangrove fringe of 137-acre Ann & Chuck Dever Regional Park on Saturday, April 12, 9 to 10am. Meet at the entrance located at 6791 San Casa Drive. To register, fill out the form online at ChecFlorida.org or call 941•475•0769.
Bill Coy Preserve
Join CHEC on a guided walk through the 81-acre Bill Coy Preserve on Mondays, April 14 & 28 and Wednesday, April 23, 9 to 10am. The scrubby flatwoods and mangrove swamp border Buck Creek, which flows into Lemon Bay. Meet in the parking lot at 5350 Placida Road. To register, fill out the form online with the calendar entry at ChecFlorida.org or call 941•475•0769.
Mangrove Chapter FNPS Activities
The mission of the Florida Native Plant Society (FNPS) is to promote the preservation, conservation and restoration of the native plants and native plant communities of Florida. The Mangrove Chapter serves Charlotte County and southern Sarasota County. Visit them online at mangrove.fnpschapters.org. For more information, contact them at mangrovechapter@fnps.org.
Nature Walk at Oscar Sherer
Join the Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and member Dr. Mary Davis on Friday, April 18, 9 to 11am, for a walk at the Oscar Sherer State Park, 1843 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey. Mary will discuss the endemic Florida Scrub Jay and managing for its habitat. Meet at the Nature Center at the end of the road. This event is free, and all are welcome to participate. For more information, contact mangrovechapter@fnps.org.
Guided Nature Walk at Manasota Scrub Preserve
Join the Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, and members Charlie and Jane Woodruff, on Tuesday, April 22, 10 to 11:30am, as they lead a guided nature walk at Manasota Scrub Preserve, 2695 Bridge Street. Learn more about the native birds and plants that inhabit this preserve. Meet at the parking area/entrance. Pack a lunch if you wish to chat with others after the walk as picnic facilities are near-by, and bring water, a hat, and sunscreen. This event is free, and all are welcome to participate. For more information contact MangroveChapter@fnps.org.
Nature Walk at Sleeping Turtle Preserve
Join the Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, and UF/IFAS Sarasota Extension Service, on Tuesday, April 29, 9 to 11am, as member Dr. Mary Davis leads a guided nature walk at the Sleeping Turtle Preserve South, 2800 State Route 777, Venice. Learn more about our amazing and unique Florida ecosystems as you explore the mosaic of plant communities that occur along and help protect the Myakka River. Meet at the preserve kiosk. NOTE: Check for a change of location in case this park is still closed at this date. This event is free, and all are welcome to participate. For more information, contact mangrovechapter@fnps.org.
Venice Audubon Society News
The Venice Area Audubon Society serves south Sarasota County and offers activities, educational programs, birding field trips and provides support for birds and wildlife with a pollinator garden and native plants at the Venice Area Audubon Rookery Park, located at 4002 S. Tamiami Trail via Annex Road, Venice. New members are welcome. Learn more at VeniceAudubon.org or email info@VeniceAudubon.org.
Sunset Rookery Walk
The next Sunset Rookery Walk will be Friday, April 11 at 7pm at the Venice Audubon Rookery Park, 4006 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice. Meet the group at the pavilion before heading over to the pond and a short trail/path walk around the pond (approximately 1/3 mile). The walk will feature nesting Great Blue Herons, Double-crested Cormorants, Anhinga, White Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Green Heron, Purple Martins and more. As the walk ends, you can watch the park’s resident bats leave their bat houses to begin their nightly feeding. Additional walks are scheduled on Fridays, April 18 & 23. To learn more visit VeniceAudubon.org.
Grand Lake at Wellen Park Field Trip
Join Pattie Haynes and Bob Clark on Friday, April 11 at 8am, for a walk around the Grand Lake at Wellen Park, 19795 Wellen Park Blvd., Venice, to see wading birds, ducks, fly-overs and possibly least bitterns. The path is easy to walk because it is packed shell or paved. Meet out in front of Foxtail Coffee House in downtown Wellen Park at 8am. After the walk