Nature Calls

Waterway Warrior Clean-Up
Keep Charlotte Beautiful & SUP Englewood invite you to join them for the Waterway Warrior Clean-Up on Saturday, December 14, 10am to 2pm at Don Pedro Island State Park, 8450 Placida Road. Your help is needed to help restore this park, both on land and on the water. Water volunteers must be experienced kayakers and equipment is available for use by seasoned paddlers. Clean-up supplies will be provided, but it is suggested you bring a reusable water bottle, insect repellent, weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen & sunglasses. To RSVP and for questions, call 941•265•2925.

Intro to Birding Course
Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC) is offering a beginning birding course taught by Mike Weisensee on Saturdays, January 11th through February 15th. You will explore birding hotspots, learn how to identify and observe the multitude of bird species that fly through Charlotte County during the five-week course. The first class meets from 10am to 12:30pm on Saturday, January 11 at Cedar Point Environmental Park, 2300 Placida Road, and then from 8 to 10:30am on the remaining Saturdays. Cost is $97.38 and you can register at ChecFlorida.org or call 941•475•0769.
Shorebirds, Seabirds & Sea Turtles
Learn more about the shorebirds, seabirds and sea turtles that nest on Charlotte County’s beaches during a free lecture on Friday, January 24, 10:30am to noon at Cedar Point Environmental Park, 2300 Placida Road. Presenter Alexandria Grant, Coastal Environmental Specialist with Charlotte County Community Services, will discuss how to share their beach and help ensure they have a safe and successful nesting season. Space is limited so registration is required at ChecFlorida.org or call 941•475•0769.

Learn about Gopher tortoises at a free lecture on Friday, January 10, 10:30am to noon at Cedar Point Environmental Park, 2300 Placida Road. This reptile species burrows underground, has a tough shell and munches on vegetation all day long. Yet, the Gopher tortoise is one of the most important species in Florida Upland ecosystems – find out why it is a keystone species. Presenter is Kalvin Bernard, Land Management Specialist with Charlotte County Natural Resources Department. Registration is required at ChecFlorida.org or call 941•475•0769.

Name Change for Conservation Foundation
The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is excited to re-introduce themselves as Big Waters Land Trust! “We thought long and hard, and we knew the time for a new name had come,” comments Christine P. Johnson, president of Big Waters Land Trust. “As we explored potential new names, we wanted to celebrate what makes Southwest Florida so very special. Looking at our service area, which covers from South Tampa Bay to the Everglades, we realized it is water that defines our region.” The region’s only accredited land trust, Big Waters’ service area includes Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, Lee, and Collier Counties, and encompasses three national estuaries – Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay, and Charlotte Harbor – and four significant rivers – Manatee, Myakka, Peace, and Caloosahatchee. To date, Big Waters has protected over 20,000 acres across 60 different properties in their five-county service area. Learn more at BigWatersLandTrust.org.

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.
Tippecanoe II Nature Walk
Join CHEC on a guided walk on Saturday, December 14, 9 to 10am through Tippecanoe II Mitigation Preserve. This 182-acre preserve is home to several families of the threatened Florida scrub jay. Meet in the parking lot at 16259 Joppa Avenue, Port Charlotte. 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, December 16, 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.
Amberjack Nature Walk
Join CHEC on a guided walk on Wednesday, December 18, 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, December 21, 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.
Amberjack Nature Walk
Join CHEC on a guided walk on Monday, December 23, 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.
Tippecanoe II Nature Walk
Join CHEC on a guided walk on Saturday, December 28, 9 to 10am through Tippecanoe II Mitigation Preserve. This 182-acre preserve is home to several families of the threatened Florida scrub jay. Meet in the parking lot at 16259 Joppa Avenue, Port Charlotte. 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 Monday, December 30, 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.
Seagrass Wading Adventure
Join CHEC for a free wading adventure through the seagrass beds of Lemon Bay on Monday, December 30, 9 to 11am at Cedar Point Environmental Park, 2300 Placida Road. You will walk about 1/2 mile from the visitors center to Lemon Bay where you will wade into the shallow water and use dip nets to sample all the marine life that lives in the seagrass flats. Please wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that may get wet. Insect repellent and water also advised. Trips fill up fast so advance registration is required at ChecFlorida.org or call 941•475•0769. Also offered Friday, January 17, 9 to 11am.
Nighttime Wading Trip
Discover nocturnal marine life on a Seagrass Wading Adventure with CHEC on Tuesday, December 31 at 5:45pm at Cedar Point Environmental Park, 2300 Placida Road. On the two-hour adventure, you will search for, catch and release sea creatures and learn about aquatic plants and animals. Program fee is $15.38 per person and you must register at ChecFlorida.org or call 941•475•0769 as there is a participant limit. Suggested items to bring are water shoes, water bottle, bug spray, and jacket (as needed). The January Nighttime Wading Trip will be Tuesday, January 28 at 6pm.
Cedar Point Guided Walk
A CHEC volunteer naturalist will lead a guided tour through the 115-acre Cedar Point Environmental Park, on Friday, January 3 at 9am. Meet outside the visitor center at 2300 Placida Road. 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, January 4, 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. Also offered on Saturday, January 25, 9 to 10am.
Tippecanoe Nature Walk
Go on a walk through the 380-acre Tippecanoe Environmental Park with a CHEC guide on Monday, January 6, 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.
Charlotte Flatwoods Walk
Take a walk through Charlotte Flatwoods Environmental Park on Wednesday, January 8, 9 to 10am with a CHEC guide. The 487-acre property has mature pines, dry prairie, marsh wetlands, and freshwater ponds. Meet at the parking lot on U.S. 41 (15801 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda). To register, fill out the form online at 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, January 11, 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 Monday, January 13, 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. Also offered Monday, January 27, 9 to 10am.
Volunteer Monthly Meeting
Join CHEC for the monthly volunteer meeting on Monday, January 13, 9am to noon, at the park located at 2300 Placida Road. Training for preparing & leading guided nature walks will be offered and attendees will also go on a walk through the park. Upcoming programs & volunteer opportunities will also be shared. To register, fill out the form online with the calendar entry at ChecFlorida.org or call 941•475•0769.
Amberjack Nature Walk
Join CHEC on a guided walk on Wednesday, January 15, 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.
Tippecanoe II Nature Walk
Join CHEC on a guided walk on Saturday, January 18, 9 to 10am through Tippecanoe II Mitigation Preserve. This 182-acre preserve is home to several families of the threatened Florida scrub jay. Meet in the parking lot at 16259 Joppa Avenue, Port Charlotte. To register, fill out the form online at ChecFlorida.org or call 941•475•0769.
Amberjack Nature Walk
Join CHEC on a guided walk on Wednesday, January 22, 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. This guided walk also offered Wednesday, January 29, 9 to 10am.
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.
Walk at Lemon Bay Park
Join the UF/IFAS Sarasota Extension Service and Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and member Dr. Mary Davis for a walk on Monday, December 16, 9 to 11am at the Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center, 570 Bay Park Blvd. Learn more about the amazing and unique Florida ecosystems as you explore the transition from coastal mangroves to upland scrub. This event is free and all are welcome to participate. For more information, contact mangrovechapter@fnps.org.
Native Plant Educational Walk
Join Dr. Bill Dunson from the Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and Lemon Bay Conservancy for a nature walk on Saturday, December 21, 9 to 11am at Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve, 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd. What are native plants and why are they important to habitat restoration? This is not actually a simple question to answer for two reasons: 1. Defining native vs non-native is not a black and white matter. 2. Assuming you recognize the advantages of using some non-natives as sources of flowers, fruit and foliage, what criteria are acceptable to use some non-natives in our landscapes? This event is free, and all are welcome. For more information, contact mangrovechapter@fnps.org.
New Year AM Walk
Join Dr. Bill Dunson from the Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and Lemon Bay Conservancy for a New Year morning nature walk from 9 to 11am on the Manasota Key beach. Parking will be in a private yard on the bay side and walk will go along the beach to observe the progress of on-going beach restoration after Hurricane Milton. Plants and animals seen will be identified and you can just enjoy the beautiful Gulf beach. There will be a discussion/debate on various scenarios for the future of the island ecology and long-term human habitation. This event is free, and all are welcome, but reservations are required with a limit of 20 people. Carpooling is strongly advised. Contact Bill at wdunson@comcast.net to be placed on the list. Directions to the parking area will be provided.
Lemon Bay Preserve Walk
Join the Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and UF/IFAS Sarasota Extension Service on Monday, January 13, 9 to 11am for a guided walk by Dr. Mary Davis at the South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve, 6200 Osprey Road, Venice. Learn more about our amazing and unique Florida ecosystems as we explore the transition from coastal mangroves to upland scrub. Parking is limited so carpooling is advised. This event is free, and all are welcome to participate. For more information, contact mangrovechapter@fnps.org.
Mangrove Chapter Meeting
The Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society invites you to learn about “The Environmental Conservancy of North Port and Surrounding Areas” on Tuesday, January 14, 1pm at Lemon Bay Environmental Center, 570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood. Founder of the conservancy Barbara Lockhart will relate her journey acquiring 43 parcels across North Port, Englewood, El Jobean, Harbour Heights, Port Charlotte and Deep Creek, for the preservation of neighborhood green/wild spaces, and how she is educating the public about conserving native plant and animal spaces. BYOPicnic social at 12:15pm. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact mangrovechapter@fnps.org.
UF/IFAS Demo Garden Tour
Join the Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society on Thursday, January 16, 10am to noon at Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Rd., Sarasota for a tour of the Educational Outreach Gardens with Horticulture Agent Ashley Ellis and Florida-Friendly Landscaping Educator Forest Hecker. Learn about some of the native plant species planted as part of these demonstration gardens, with unusual specimens such as Mangrove Mallow, Wild Star Apple, and Wild Tamarind to name a few. Meet in the lobby of the building and feel free to browse while waiting. This event is free, and all are welcome to participate. For more information, contact mangrovechapter@fnps.org.
Deer Prairie Creek Preserve S. Walk
Join the Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and member Dr. Mary Davis for a walk on Friday, January 31, 9 to 11am at Deer Prairie Creek Preserve South, 10201 South Tamiami Trail, Venice. Learn more about common plant families and how to identify them in the SW Florida Pine Flatwoods Ecoregion. Meet at the parking lot at the end of the entrance road. 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 & 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.

Florida Scrub Jay Story
The club’s monthly program for December will be “The Florida Scrub Jay Story” on Tuesday, December 17, 6 to 8pm, at the Venice United Church of Christ, Naar Hall, 620 Shamrock Road, Venice. Jim Rogers has come to know many Florida Scrub Jay families as a citizen scientist with Florida’s JayWatch Program and as a wildlife photographer. He will share their unique characteristics and what the future may hold for Florida’s only endemic bird. This event is open to the public. Registration is appreciated but not required at VeniceAudubon.org.
Grand Lake Field Trip
Walk around the Grand Lake at Wellen Park to see wading birds, ducks, fly-overs and possibly Least Bitterns with hosts Pattie Haynes and Bob Clark on Wednesday, December 18 at 8am. The path is easy to walk as it is packed shell or paved. Meet in front of the Foxtail Coffee House at 19795 Wellen Park Blvd., Venice. Registration is appreciated but not required at VeniceAudubon.org.
S. Venice Lemon Bay Field Trip
Join host Bill Fairbank for a walk around a little-known Sarasota County preserve, South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve, on Saturday, December 28 at 8am. There will be 2 to 3 miles of walking on packed sandy trails in this 222-acre protected land along Lemon Bay. Birds that will be looked for include Scrub Jays, Bald Eagles and various songbird species. Meet in the parking lot at 6125 Osprey Road, Venice. Registration is appreciated but not required at VeniceAudubon.org.
Sunset Rookery Walk
There will be a Sunset Rookery Walk on Friday, January 3, 5 to 6pm at the Venice Audubon Rookery Park, 4006 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice. Meet the walk leader at the pavilion before the group walks over to the pond and a short trail/path walk around the pond (approximately 1/3 mile). Learn about the natural history of the bird species that live on the rookery and in the park, such as the Great Blue Heron, Double Crested Cormorant, Anhinga, White Ibis and Purple Martins. As the walk ends, you can watch the resident bats leave their bat houses to begin nightly feeding. No registration needed.

Birding 101
Venice Area Audubon Society is offering a free weekly series about various birds and nature topics on Mondays starting January 6th through April 14th, 10-11 a.m. Learn about the common birds of SW Florida, how to “bird” and identify species. The series will be held at the Venice Audubon Center, 4002 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice. Bring binoculars if you have them and wear clothes suitable for the weather as you will be walking around the property. Please register at VeniceAudubon.org as seating is limited.
Scrub Jay Bird Walk
Jim Rogers, a local Scrub Jay expert, will lead a walk on Tuesday, January 14, 8:30-10:30am at Oscar Scherer State Park, 1843 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey. Learn about the unique family life of Scrub Jays and how they are adapted to scrub habitat. The walk covers about two miles on a sandy trail. There is a $5 park entry fee. Meet at the nature center in the park. Registration is appreciated but not required at VeniceAudubon.org.
Sarasota Bay’s Wild Dolphins
The program for the Tuesday, January 21st VAAS monthly meeting will be “The Wild Dolphins of Sarasota Bay”. The Sarasota Dolphin Research Program has been studying the wild dolphins of Sarasota Bay for over 50 years and you will learn about the insights the researchers have gathered in a changing environment. Socializing & refreshments are at 6pm and the program starts at 6:30pm in Naar Hall, Venice United Church of Christ, 620 Shamrock Road, Venice. Guests are welcome. Registration is appreciated but not required at VeniceAudubon.org.
Lemon Bay Conservancy News
The free guided nature walks and activities shown below are sponsored by Lemon Bay Conservancy and will be held at Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve, 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd., Englewood. Please come prepared for a hike. The preserve can be “buggy” this time of year. Consider wearing long sleeves and long pants. Water, a hat, sunscreen, bug spray and hiking shoes are recommended. Some people like to bring a walking pole. Binoculars are useful for observing more distant birds and other animals. LemonBayConservancy.org.
Casual Birding
Birding expert Ken Blackshaw will lead a casually paced guided walk through the Lemeon Creek Wildflower Preserve on Monday, December 16, 8 to 10am. The various habitats, ponds and wetlands attract a wide variety of birds. Consider bringing binoculars, water bottle, sunscreen, bug repellent, hat and camera. This program is free and open to the public.
“Identified Flying Objects” Walk
Join naturalists Charlie Woodruff and Jayne Dean on a guided nature walk to discover flying “objects” and flora identification on Thursday, December 19, 9 to 11am at the Preserve. See full entry under Mangrove Chapter FNPS header. Also offered on Friday, December 27, 9 to 11am.
Guided Nature Walk
Volunteer naturalist Susy d’Hont will lead a casually paced, two-hour walk to enjoy the Preserve’s ever changing natural sights & sounds on Friday, December 20, 8:30 to 10:30am. Meet in the parking lot at 3120 Gasparilla Pines Road. Closed-toe walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, water, camera & binoculars are suggested. This walk is free and open to the public.
Native Plant Walk
Join Dr. Bill Dunson on Saturday, December 21, 9 to 11am to learn about native plants and why they are important to habitat restoration at the Preserve. See full entry under Mangrove Chapter FNPS header.
Butterfly & Plant Tour
Maura Quails & Ann Weaver will lead a walking tour through the Preserve from 9 to 10am on Thursday, January 9th. The group will examine the plants, flowers and pollinators present in the butterfly garden and there will be a discussion on how you can establish your own native butterfly and pollinator habitat. Please wear comfortable, protective clothes & shoes. This walk is free and open to the public.
Peace River Audubon Society
The Peace River Audubon Society of Charlotte County exists to foster an awareness of Florida birds and other wildlife through exploration and conservation. It was founded in 1977 by a group of Charlotte County citizens who wanted to form an Audubon chapter. There are monthly meetings, birding walks, educational programs and more. Visit PeaceRiverAudubonSociety.org to learn more.For questions, email praspresident@gmail.com.
Holiday Potluck & Speaker Mary Lundeberg
The PRAS holiday potluck dinner will be Thursday, December 19th at Regional Realtors Education Center, 3320 Loveland Blvd., Port Charlotte. The dinner begins at 5:30pm (bring your own table service). The program speaker will be Mary Lundeberg. The photo contest vote is also on the agenda. Please RSVP at PeaceRiverAudubonSociety.org/events if you plan to attend.
New Year Day Walkabout
Start your New Year off with a walkabout at Ollies Pond with Dave Lancaster on Wednesday, January 1 at 8am. Attendees will take a one-mile loop around the pond at 18235 Avon Avenue, Port Charlotte. Please RSVP at PeaceRiverAudubonSociety.org/calendar.
Purple Martin Presentation
Bill Kimber will share his knowledge as “landlord” for his Purple Martin gourd arrays in the Burnt Store area at the monthly program on Thursday, January 16th at the Regional Realtor Education Center, 3320 Loveland Blvd., Port Charlotte. The evening starts at 6:15pm with a social time and the meeting begins at 7pm. Kimber will also talk about the latest research done by Jason Fischer of the Walt Disney Company and how “landlords” are putting up & managing Purple Martin houses to reverse the loss of Florida’s martins. Visitors are welcome. Please RSVP at PeaceRiverAudubonSociety.org/calendar.
Gourd Array Demo & Walkabout
Join Bill Kimber on Friday, January 18 at 8:30am for a Purple Martin gourd array demo talk and walkabout at Cedar Point Environmental Park, 2300 Placida Road. Please RSVP at PeaceRiverAudubonSociety.org/calendar.
The items appearing in this column are as accurate as possible. Please call the listed numbers for confirmation and further information.