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

SEASONS AND SERENDIPITY STROLL

Dec. 9, Jan. 13, Feb. 10, March 10, April 14 / Ages: 12 and up / Fee: Free / Nature Center / Second Fridays, 9-11 a.m. Join Shamrock Park staff as they stroll trails that rely on changing seasons to bring us new flowers, birds’ nests, insects and animal activity. For more information and to register, visit scgov.net/parks or call 311.

LET’S MAKE SOME BLACK GOLD

Jan. 18 / All ages / Fee: Free / Classroom / Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. 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, handson activities. Register early through ufsarasotaext.eventbrite.com to reserve a 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.

REDUCING PLASTICS

March 29 / All ages / Fee: Free / Classroom / Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. Reducing Plastics 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 are willing to work to make our community healthier. The goal is to facilitate a discussion about the state of recycling.

ECOTALK AND WALK: INVASIVE SPECIES

Jan. 9 / Ages: 12 and up / Fee: Free / Classroom / Monday, 2-3:30 p.m. Join Dr. Katherine Clements, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County ecology and natural resources educator for a 45-minute talk about how to identify non-native, invasive plants and animals. Learn about how and when they were introduced to our region, and find out what you can do to be a responsible property owner. Weather permitting we will also take a walk and try to spot some invasives! Registration required at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/425867911387

Gulf fritillary on paintbrush

DEMONSTRATION GARDEN TOUR

Dec. 1, Jan. 5, Feb. 2, March 2, April 6, May 4, June 1 / Ages: 18 and up / Fee: Free / Demonstration Garden / First Thursday, 9 a.m. Master Gardener volunteers 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 311.

ECOTALK: URBAN WILDLIFE

March 7 / Ages: 12 and up / Fee: Free / Classroom / Tuesday, 1-2 p.m. Join Dr. Katherine Clements, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County ecology and natural resources educator to learn about the amazing animals you may encounter in your residential areas, how to minimize human wildlife conflict by being informed, and how you can play a role in fostering a peaceful coexistence between ourselves and the wild lands we are encroaching upon. Registration required at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/425805635117