Nature Calls

Lecture: Preserve Future Generations
How do you choose which land to conserve for future generations? Tina Powell, Parks & Natural Resources Manager of Charlotte County Natural Resources Department, will share how the county acquired environmentally sensitive lands and the difference between a mitigation area, a preserve and an environmental park during a free lecture on Friday, December 6, 10:30am to noon at Cedar Point Park, 2300 Placida Road. Registration is required at ChecFlorida.org or call 941•475•0769.

Harmful Algal Blooms & Seagrass Meadows
Are all aquatic plants bad? Find out at a free lecture on Friday, December 13, 10:30am-noon at Cedar Point Environmental Park, 2300 Placida Road. Katherine G. Rose, M.S. from UF/IFAS Charlotte County Extension Agent of Florida Sea Grant will provide an overview of Florida’s marine submerged aquatic vegetation and discuss how human relationships drive their relationships with each other and marine life. Registration is required at ChecFlorida.org or call 941•475•0769.

Have you heard about Cuban Bulrush, an invasive aquatic plant that may be spreading in Florida? The Center for Aquatic Invasive Plants is doing research on Cuban bulrush and its spread across the Southeastern US. Patrick Belk, a graduate student at the UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic & Invasive Plants, is conducting a survey on the current state of the Cuban bulrush that is aimed to guide research that will improve management practices. This project is supported by the US Army Corp of Engineers. He is asking anyone who has any stake at all (public, private, volunteer, etc.) in the management of a waterbody, to take a short eight-minute multiple-choice survey. All responses remain confidential, and you have the option to receive a summary report once the study is completed. To take the survey, go to ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4ZQGazMuszvmZLM. For questions, contact Dr. Stephen Enloe at [email protected] or 353•339•1319.

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].

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 Nature Walk
Go on a walk through the 380-acre Tippecanoe Environmental Park with a CHEC guide on Monday, December 2, 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 4, 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. 

Cedar Point Guided Walk
A CHEC volunteer naturalist will lead a guided tour through the 115-acre Cedar Point Environmental Park, on Friday, December 6 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. 

Ann & Chuck Dever Park Walk
Join CHEC on a guided walk through the old-growth pine flatwoods and mangrove fringe of the 137-acre Ann & Chuck Dever Regional Park on Saturday, December 7, 9 to 10am. Meet at the entrance at 6791 San Casa Drive. 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 9, 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. Also offered on Wednesday, December 18 at 9am.

Charlotte Flatwoods Walk
Take a walk through Charlotte Flatwoods Environmental Park on Wednesday, December 11, 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. 

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. 

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, 8 to 9am. Meet at the park entrance at 2333 Placida Road. 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].

Oscar Scherer Guided Walk
Join the Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and member Dr. Mary Davis for a walk on Friday, December 6, 9 to 11am at Oscar Scherer State Park, 1843 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey. Mary will explain how local ecosystems are managed for the endangered Florida Scrub Jay and other endemic species. Meet at the Nature Center. This event is free, and all are welcome to participate. Park entrance fee is $5 per vehicle ($4 single occupant). For more information, contact [email protected].

Wildflower Preserve 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 7, 9 to 11am at Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve, 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd. The subject for this walk is saltwater ecology. The effect of saline waters on animals and plants is especially pertinent now after hurricane Milton spread salt water as a tidal surge and aerosols which have had major ecological effects. The group will look for bio-indicators of damage by salt and discuss the long-range implications for management of the preserve. This event is free, and all are welcome. For more information, contact [email protected]. 

Mangrove Chapter Meeting
The Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society invites you to join them to learn more about the “The Success of the Venice Urban Forest” at Lemon Bay Environmental Center, 570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood, presented by guest speaker, Greg Vine, Chairman of the VABI (Venice Area Beautification Inc.). The meeting will be Tuesday, December 10 at 1pm. Come early for a BYOPicnic social at 12:15pm. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact [email protected].

Lemon Bay Preserve Walk
Join Dr. Bill Dunson from the Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society for a nature walk on Thursday, December 12, 9 to 11am at Venice Lemon Bay Preserve (Kenisco entrance). One of the more obscure but interesting local natural areas in the Sarasota/Charlotte County area is South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve which is roughly broken up into three main areas. The northern-most area is entered at 5472 Kenisco Road (Venice) at the intersection with Euclid Road. The hike is about 1.5 miles through scrubby flatwoods and passes brackish marshes, salt flats, and you will see Lemon Bay. This event is free, and all are welcome. For more information, contact [email protected]

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

New Years AM Walk
Join Dr. Bill Dunson from the Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and Lemon Bay Conservancy for a New Years 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. We will debate 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 [email protected] to be placed on the list. Directions to the parking area will be provided. 

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 [email protected].

Carlton Reserve Field Trip
You will walk about two miles in the gorgeous Carlton Reserve in search of woodpeckers, warblers and other species on Wednesday, December 4, 8am. Meet in the main parking lot at 1800 Mabry Carlton Pkwy., Venice. Registration appreciated at VeniceAudubon.org.

SCF Venice Field Trip
Join leaders Patti Haynes and Bob Clark on a tour around Lake Jervey and the surrounding State College of Florida campus on Wednesday, December 11, 8am. Enjoy herons, egrets, ducks and more, highlighted by colorful Purple Gallinules. Meet in the main parking lot next to the lake at 8000 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice. Most of the walk takes place on a paved path so this is a good walk for those with some physical limitations (using wheelchairs & walkers.) Registration is appreciated but not required at 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.

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. Website: lemonbayconservancy.org.

Intro to Preserve Walk
Join Paul Townsend for his monthly “Wildflower 101” introductory guided walk at 9am on Tuesday, December 3 at Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve, 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd. During this casually paced, short walk, you can expect to see upland and wading birds, native and Florida-friendly plants, butterflies & other insects, freshwater & brackish pond water environments and the Labyrinth of the Hill. The walk is free and the public is welcome to attend.

Saltwater Ecology
One reason why the preserve at 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd. is so interesting is the juxtaposition of freshwater, estuarine/marine and upland habitats. On Saturday, December 7 from 9 to 11am, Dr. Bill Dunson will lead a walking discussion on some of the plants and animals that live in the tidal environments at the preserve, including juvenile tarpon and halophytic plants. The walk is free and open to the public. Co-sponsored by Lemon Bay Conservancy and the Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society.

Casual Birding
Birding expert Ken Blackshaw will lead a casually paced guided walk through the 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.

Guided Nature Walk
Volunteer naturalist Susy d’Hont will lead a casually paced, two-hour walk to enjoy the preserve’s every 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.

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, [email protected].