Curry Creek Preserve 5

CURRY CREEK PRESERVE

Note: Activities listed below are located at east entrance. 1500 Pinebrook Road, Venice (east entrance) • 1075 Albee Farm Road, Venice (west entrance)

Also features: Dog-friendly area and kayak launch at west entrance.

ACTIVITIES

INTRODUCTION TO THE LONGLEAF PINE ECOSYSTEM

Jan. 9 / Ages: 12 and up / Fee: Free / Meet at east entrance at the hiking trail / Monday, 8:30-11 a.m. Join a Sarasota County Environmental Specialist on a hike through the beautiful longleaf pine flatwoods of Curry Creek Preserve. Along the way, you’ll learn about the interesting life history of longleaf pines, their historical uses, some of the common plants and animals that inhabit longleaf habitats and potential threats to this increasingly rare ecosystem. For details, call 311 or email parksonline@scgov.net.

RESTORATION OF NATIVE COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS

Feb. 6 / Ages: 12 and up / Fee: Free / Meet at east entrance at the hiking trail / Monday, 8-10:30 a.m. Enjoy a hike along the trails of Curry Creek Preserve to learn about habitat restoration including invasive plant management in natural area parks of Sarasota County. A portion of this walk may go off trails through areas of the preserve along Curry Creek with a focus on the wetland transitional marsh communities. Participants should bring drinking water, wear closed-toe shoes and be comfortable walking on uneven surfaces.

ECOWALK: UNIQUE PRESERVES

April 18 / Ages: 12 and up / Fee: Free / Meet at east entrance / Tuesday, 9-11 a.m. Join a UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County educator and learn more about our amazing and unique Florida ecosystems. Take a leisurely stroll through some of our most beautiful and environmentally sensitive lands that have been preserved in Sarasota County and learn more about what makes these areas so unique and important, the plants and animals that inhabit them, how to be watershed wise, and the management issues faced when trying to preserve these lands for future generations. Registration required at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/425706639017

Pond apple Palmetto skipper on Florida paintbrush

PLANT AND ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION WALK

March 6 / Ages: 12 and up / Fee: Free / Meet at east entrance at the hiking trail / Monday, 9-11 a.m. Explore a variety of natural habitats with a Sarasota County Environmental Specialist who will identify both native and non-native plants and resident wildlife inhabiting our preserves. No matter the season, there is always something beautiful in bloom or the potential to see interesting wildlife. For details, call 311 or email parksonline@scgov.net.

THE LEGACY TRAIL

The Legacy Trail is one of the most popular recreational trails in Sarasota County and now offers more than 30 miles of access! Thousands of walkers, joggers and cyclists use these trails every month to exercise, commute, connect to their community and experience nature. View a list of trailheads by scanning the QR code or by visiting scgov.net/parks.

Be sure to follow @SRQCountyGov on Facebook for your one-stop-shop to live, learn and play in Sarasota County! Stay up-to-date on all things happening countywide and when you’re there, check out #SRQCountyParks for upcoming park events.