Nature Calls

LBC Office Closed
The Lemon Bay Conservancy office is closed indefinitely due to flooding from Hurricane Helene, but we can be reached by phone, at 941-830-8922, or by email, at [email protected]. If you know of a small available office space, or you have any office furniture or office supplies that you might be able to donate, please let us know.

EcoWalk: Sunset Beach Meditation Walk
Join UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County for an exploration of finding peace in nature as you marvel at one of Sarasota County’s spectacular sunsets during a silent walk. The Sunset Beach Meditation Walk will be Thursday, October 10, 6:30pm, at Manasota Key Beach, 8570 Manasota Key Road. The walk is free, but you must register at ufsarasotaext.eventbrite.com. Space is limited, so register early. For questions, call 941•861•9900.

Casual Birding
Join Ken Blackshaw as he leads a casually paced guided walk through Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve at 8am on October 14. The preserve includes upland habitats along with freshwater ponds and brackish water wetlands that attracts a wide variety of birds. Bring your binoculars, water bottle, sunscreen, bug repellant, camera and hat. This is free to the public. You can learn more about Lemon Bay Conservancy at lemonbayconservancy.org.

Book Discussion Groups
Venice Area Audubon Society hosts an in-person and Zoom book club that meets monthly. October’s book selection is Rebecca Heisman’s “Flight Paths: How a Passionate and Quirky Group of Pioneering Scientists Solved the Mystery of Bird Migration”. The book recounts the dedicated work of scientists to resolve some of the great questions about bird migration. The in-person discussion will be Monday, October 14, 10 to 11am, at the Venice Audubon Center, 4002 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice. A separate book club group meets via Zoom for the same book on Wednesday, October 16, 6:30 to 7:30pm. Please register at veniceaudubon.org/events.

Coffee & Conservation
SUP Englewood is proud to introduce a new monthly series, “Coffee & Conservation”, at the Englewood Chamber of Commerce, 601 S. Indiana Avenue. This series will bring together community members, eco-tour providers, and local business owners to learn about preserving these beloved coastal ecosystems. The first event in the series on Tuesday, October 15, 9 to 10:30am, will feature Dr. Beth Brady, a leader in manatee conservation and an expert on manatee vocalization. She will also explain how eco-tour providers and local businesses can get involved through programs like the Guardian Guide Program. A Q&A session will follow. Refreshments provided by The Dearborn Coffeehouse & Bakery (Joe Maxx). All are welcome. RSVP now at fareharbor.com/embeds/book.supenglewood. For more information visit supenglewood.com or call 941•265•9795.

LBC Water Sampling
Lemon Bay Conservancy volunteers will be conducting their monthly water quality sampling on October 15 from 9am to noon at six preserve ponds and three locations on Lemon Creek using the protocols defined by the University of Florida LakeWatch program. Samples are collected by kayak and sent to Gainesville for analyses. Help is needed in boats and on shore. If interested in volunteering or observing, call 941-830-8922 or [email protected].

Play “JeoBIRDY”
Venice Area Audubon Society (VAAS) kicks off their new season with “JeoBIRDY” at the October monthly program on Tuesday, October 15, 6 to 8pm, at Venice United Church of Christ, Naar Hall, 620 Shamrock Road, Venice. MC Eileen Gerle will test your bird knowledge in the spirited game, “JeoBIRDY”. Get a preview of upcoming events and activities. Guests are welcome. The evening starts with socializing & refreshments at 6pm, followed by the events preview at 6:30pm, and then “JeoBIRDY” at 6:45pm. Registration is appreciated but not required. Visit veniceaudubon.org to learn more. 

FL Master Naturalist: Freshwater Module
Registration is open for the Freshwater Module of the Florida Master Naturalist Program, offered in Charlotte County by UF/IFAS Extension Florida Sea Grant. The course will be taught on six consecutive Thursdays starting October 18 and will include lectures on Florida’s unique ecosystems and wildlife, as well as field experiences around Charlotte County. Lectures will be based Florida’s unique ecosystems and wildlife as well as field experiences around Charlotte County. Indoor class sessions will be held at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda. Classes run from 8am to 4:30pm. Course registration is $350 with the opportunity to pay an extra $75 for a paper copy of the learning materials. Registration deadline is noon on Monday, October 14^th, unless class is filled prior to that date. Learn more at conference.ifas.ufl.edu/fmnp/fs24-14inperson.php. For questions, contact Kate Rose at 941•764•4349.  

Wildflower Preserve Walk
Peace River Audubon Society (PRAS) and Lemon Bay Conservancy are hosting a nature walk at Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve on Saturday, October 19, starting at 8am. This walk is a favorite of PRAS members. Mike Weisensee, Susy d’Hont and Eva Furner will lead the walk through the preserve located at 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd. Last year 40 bird species were sighted. The walk is free and open to the public. However, you are asked to register online at peaceriveraudubonsociety.org/events. You can learn more about Lemon Bay Conservancy at lemonbayconservancy.org.

Guided Nature Walk
You are invited to join Lemon Bay Conservancy for a guided walk at Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve 8:30 am on October 23. Naturalist, Susy d’Hont will lead the casually-paced, two-hour walk to enjoy the preserve’s ever changing natural sights and sounds. Susy’s walks are free and open to the public!

 

 

Birding expert Ken Blackshaw will lead a casually-paced guided walk, “Casual Birding”, through Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve to see what birds are present on Monday, October 14, 8 to 10am. The preserve includes upland habitats, along with freshwater ponds and brackish water wetlands, that attract a wide variety of birds. Bring binoculars, bug repellent, water, camera for photo opportunities, sunscreen & hat. This program is free and open to the public. Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve is located at 3120 Gasparilla Pines Road. For more information, contact Lemon Bay Conservancy at 941•830•8922 or email [email protected]. Pictured here is a great white egret by Bill Dunson.

Nature Walk
October 31, Thursday, 9:00-11:00 AM. Join the Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and member Dr. Mary Davis for a walk at the Carlton Reserve, 1800 Mabry Carlton Pkwy, Venice. Mary will tell us about the flatwoods/dry prairie habitats of this region and how fire, water and grazing shape the plant communities we will see. Meet at the first parking lot off the entrance road. This event is free and all are welcome. For more information, contact [email protected].

EcoWalk: Mangroves
Step into the fantastic world of mangroves on this tour and learn about the ecology of mangrove ecosystems on Wednesday, November 13, 8:30am, at Lemon Bay Park, 570 Bay Park Blvd. Registration is required at ufsarasotaext.eventbrite.com. Register early as space is limited for this free walk. Registration opens on Wednesday, October 9th. This walk is offered by UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County. For questions, call 941•861•9900.

EcoWalk: Sleeping Turtles South
Come take a walk and learn about the plants and wildlife at Sleeping Turtle South Preserve, 2800 N. River Road, Venice. The ecowalk on Monday, November 18, 9am, is offered through UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County. The walk is free but you must register at ufsarasotaext.eventbrite.com. Register early as space is limited. Registration opens Monday, October 14th. For questions, call 941•861•9900.

58-Acres Preserved
The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is delighted to announce the permanent conservation of 58 acres in suburban Manatee County. The newly-conserved, strategically-located land links three conservation areas buffering Gap Creek – Manatee County’s 83-acre Braden River Park, Girl Scout’s 123-acre Camp Honi Hanta and a 14-acre working farm Conservation Foundation protected together with the Garst family in 2021. This protection marks the second time Conservation Foundation worked with the Garst family to conserve their family lands. Expanding the network of conserved lands along Gap Creek safeguards water quality in the Braden River, which flows into the Manatee River and, eventually, Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. These 58-acres also helps protect local residents from flooding by ensuring the land remains in a natural state so that it can clean and hold stormwater. Conservation Foundation is committed to helping landowners navigate conservation programs and find opportunities to achieve their conservation goals. Landowners interested in learning how land conservation might work for them are encouraged to contact Conservation Foundation by calling their office at 941-918-2100 or completing their online inquiry form at conservationfoundation.com/savemyland.

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 [email protected].

Peace River Audubon Society Meeting
The Peace River Audubon Society (PRAS) will hold its first regular meeting of the new season on Thursday, October 17th at 2230 Loveland Blvd., Port Charlotte. The meeting starts with a meet & greet with new board member, Rick Read, at 6:15pm. The meeting program will be a multi-media presentation, “African Birding Safari Photographic Talk”, by Rick & Debbie Read about their two-week adventure in southern Africa that included safari vehicle drives, boat trips, helicopter tours & zip lines through four African countries. Guests are welcome and an annual family PRAS membership is only $20. Learn more at peaceriveraudubonsociety.org or facebook.com/PRASaudubon.

Family Birding Field Trip
Calling all school-age birders, outdoor lovers and their families! At 9am on Saturday, October 19, gather at the Venice Audubon Center (4002 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice) for a walk around the Rookery Park to look for birds and other wildlife. Kids will learn about ethical birding techniques, where to look for birds, and how to use binoculars. Children under age 18 must attend with a guardian. Bring binoculars if you have them (some will be provided). Registration is appreciated at veniceaudubon.org/events but not required.

Haunted Trails at Oscar Scherer
This year’s Oscar Scherer State Park’s Haunted Trails will be Friday & Saturday, October 18 & 19, 8-10pm, at the park located at 1843 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey. There’s a haunted house for those who truly dare to be scared; kids’ trick or treat trail; food, games & more. Non-perishable food donations will also be accepted to benefit the South County Food Pantry. Ticket price: adult $14 & $6 child, ages six to twelve. Tickets available online only at halloweenhauntedtrails.com. Purchase early as this event sells out. This event is sponsored by Friends of Oscar Scherer State Park, Nokomis Fire Department, and Osprey-Nokomis Chamber of Commerce.

Plant Swap
Want to get some new plants for your garden for free? North Port Parks & Recreation is hosting a plant swap as part of its “Go Green with Parks” program on Saturday, October 19, 10am to noon, at Myakkahatchee Creek Env. Park, 6968 Reisterstown Road, North Port. This is an enriching family-friendly program focused on the importance & impact of native vegetation through engaging educational activities. Participants are encouraged to bring plants or cuttings to exchange with others. For questions, call 941•429•7275, option 3.

EcoWalk: Scrub Stroll
UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County will host an ecowalk through South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve on Monday, November 4, 9 to 11am. Dr. Katherine Clements, UF/IFAS Extension ecology & natural resources educator, will lead this stroll through the scrub, a unique environment in an ancient dune system. Learn about the interesting plants and animals which call the preserve home. The walk is free, but registration is required at ufsarasotaext.eventbrite.com. Registration opens Tuesday, October 1st and fills up quickly. For questions, call 941•861•5000.

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 [email protected].

Amberjack Environmental Park
Join CHEC on a guided walk through the scrub and pine flatwoods of 225-acre Amberjack Environmental Park on Wednesday, October 9 at 8am. 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. Also offered on Wednesday, October 30 at 8am.

Cedar Point Volunteer Meeting
Join CHEC for their monthly volunteer meeting on Monday, October 14, 10am to noon, in the visitor center at 2300 Placida Road. There will be an environmentally themed program or guided walk at each meeting. Upcoming programs & volunteer opportunities will be shared. Free coffee & snacks. Advance registration is required by calling 941•475•0769 or email [email protected].

Bill Coy Preserve
Join CHEC on a guided walk through the 81-acre Bill Coy Preserve on Wednesday, October 16, 8 to 9am. 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 Trip
Join CHEC for a free wading adventure through the seagrass beds of Lemon Bay on Friday, October 18, 9 to 11am. Participants will walk approximately one-half mile to the wading site where they will collect and view creatures of the bay. Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that may get wet. Also recommended are sunscreen, insect repellent and water. Advance registration is required. Call 941•475•0769 or email [email protected].

Tippecanoe II Preserve Walk
Join CHEC for a guided walk through Tippecanoe II Mitigation Preserve on Wednesday, October 23 at 8am. 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. 

Nighttime Seagrass Wading Trip
Embrace your nocturnal side and join CHEC for a two-hour nighttime wading adventure through the seagrass beds of Lemon Bay on Tuesday, October 29, 6:45-8:45pm. Search for, catch & release sea creatures in Lemon Bay while learning about the unique aquatic plants and animals with help from a CHEC naturalist. Program fee is $15 per person. For registration, fill out the form online at checflorida.org or call 941•475•0769 for more information.

Amberjack Environmental Park
Join CHEC on a guided walk through the scrub and pine flatwoods of 225-acre Amberjack Environmental Park on Wednesday, October 30 at 8am. 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. 

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 [email protected].

Mangrove Chapter Meeting
The Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society invites you to join them to learn more about the “Giant Air Plant-An Endangered Species Rescue”, at their Chapter meeting on Tuesday, October 8 at 1pm. The meeting will be held at Lemon Bay Environmental Center, 570 Bay Park Blvd. Members of Friends of Carlton Reserve, Serenoa FNPS, and Selby Gardens, Sherm Stratton and Dr. Linda Lovallo will describe the work they’ve done as Sarasota County volunteers who are part of a local state-permitted team helping to save the endangered giant air plant, Tillandsia utriculata. There will be a BYOPicnic social at 12:15pm. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact [email protected].

Manasota Scrub Nature Walk
Join the UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County, and Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society as member Dr. Mary Davis leads a walk at the Manasota Scrub Preserve, 2695 Bridge St., on Monday, October 21, 9 to 11am. Learn more about amazing and unique Florida ecosystems located in the preserve. Meet in the kiosk at the parking lot on the left. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required at eventbrite.com/e/ecowalk. For more information, contact [email protected].

The items appearing in this column are as accurate as possible. Please call the listed numbers for confirmation and further information. If you have an upcoming event you would like to have considered for Nature Calls, please send info and/or photo to The Englewood Review, 370 W Dearborn St, Suite B, Englewood, FL 34223, or email: [email protected].