Shamrock Park 25

SHAMROCK PARK

3900 Shamrock Drive, Venice

Also features: 2.3-mile paved multi-use trail for wildlife viewing, hiking and biking located on the Intracoastal Waterway. This park offers indoor and outdoor reservable space. Visit scgov.net (keyword: reservations) or contact 941-861-PARK (7275).

ACTIVITIES

DEMONSTRATION GARDEN TOUR

June 2, July 7, Aug. 4, Sept. 1, Oct. 6, Nov. 3, Dec. 1 / Ages: 18 and up / Fee: Free / Demonstration Garden / Thursdays, 9 a.m. Master Gardeners will be in the Demonstration Garden at Shamrock Park to answer questions, provide free tours and give expert advice on Florida-friendly landscaping. No registration necessary. For more information, call 941-861-5000.

SEASONS AND SERENDIPITY STROLL RECYCLE RIGHT

July 6 (10:30 a.m.), Dec. 7 (2 p.m.) / All ages / Fee: Free / Classroom / Wednesdays Recycle Right is a new, open-discussion class focused on the issue of plastic pollution. The class focuses on the major issues surrounding our plastic usage and discusses solutions. Additionally, the course will discuss recycling with waste reduction, composting and other topics. We aim to involve individuals passionate about protecting the environment and that are willing to work to make our community healthier.

INTRODUCTION TO BIRDS OF FLORIDA

Nov. 5 / All ages / Fee: Free / Classroom / Saturday, 9-10 a.m. Are you eager to become a better birder? Come join master naturalist, Kate Borduas, to learn all about the common and not-so-common birds you might encounter in the Sarasota area. Tools to make identification more accurate can be very helpful when encountering the vast majority of birds Florida has to offer. For more information, call 941-861-5000. No registration necessary.

Nov. 11, Dec. 9 / Ages: 12 and up / Fee: Free / Trail / Fridays, 9-11 a.m. Join master naturalists and Shamrock Park staff as they stroll trails that rely on changing seasons to bring us new flowers, birds’ nests, insects and animal activity. No registration necessary. For more information, call 941-861-5000.

SPECIAL EVENTS

LET’S MAKE SOME BLACK GOLD!

June 15 (10:30 a.m.), Aug. 24 (10:30 a.m.), Oct. 12 (2 p.m.) / All ages / Fee: Free / Classroom / Wednesdays Join us to learn what UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County is doing around the region with composting, waste reduction and recycling. This 60-minute workshop blends indoor lessons with outdoor, hands-on activities. Register early through ufsarasotaext.eventbrite.com to reserve your seat and receive notice of any changes. Designed for residents interested in learning about composting, attendees will learn the basics of home composting, how to build their own compost system, and the benefits of composting. Attendees also will gain an understanding of food waste issues and how our community is helping with the solution. Make 2022 your year to start composting and reduce your impact on the environment! Honeybee and pickerelweed flower

AMAZING INSECTS

Dec. 3 / All ages / Fee: Free / Classroom / Saturday, 9-10 a.m. Insects are a vital part of Florida’s environment. They provide the protein needed by so many or our native and migratory birds. Insects are also an important part of a baby bird’s diet. Come learn all about them and how to protect, promote and live with them! For more information, call 941-861-5000. No registration necessary.