Manasota Scrub Preserve 12

LEMON BAY PARK (continued)

570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood

but are instead, ecosystems that are home to great diversity. What species have been lost as a result of deforestation? Have we recognized our mistakes? Can old growth forests be restored? Join Kate Borduas for an inside lecture on these topics. For more information call 941-861-5000 or email parksonline@scgov.net.

SEASONS AND SERENDIPITY - LET’S GO GREEN, LET’S GO NORTH

Nov. 19, Dec. 17 / Ages: 12 and up / Fee: Free / Meet in front of the Environmental Center / Fridays, 9-11 a.m. The northern reaches of Lemon Bay Park contain 125 acres of mature Pine Flatwoods. Join Master Naturalist Kate Borduas on a slow walk through this habitat to explore the myriad of plants and creatures that make this area their home. We will look for bald eagles and osprey, and maybe even find a gopher tortoise to observe from a distance. Kate will help explain the importance of gardening with native or Florida friendly plants. Hats, closed toe shoes, sunscreen and water are recommended. Social distancing may be encouraged. For more information call 941-861-5000 or email parksonline@scgov.net.

FLORIDA BIRDING 101

Dec.16 / Ages: 12 and up / Fee: Free / Meeting Room / Thursday, 6:30 p.m. Master Naturalist Kate Borduas will take us through the 80+ most common birds you are likely to encounter in Florida. Using easily recognized field marks and side-by-side comparisons of similar birds, Kate will soon have you identifying most of the birds you are likely to encounter day to day and during Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count. For more information call 941-861-5000 or email parksonline@scgov.net.

LUNCHTIME MUSIC SERIES

Dec. 17 / Ages: Adult / Fee: Free / Meeting room / Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Bring a picnic, kick back and enjoy live bluegrass and folk music featuring local favorite Gottfried Creek. Performances will take place in the Lemon Bay Park meeting room. Reservations suggested and social distancing may be encouraged. For more information, call 941-861-5000 or email parksonline@scgov.net.

MANASOTA SCRUB PRESERVE

2695 Bridge St., Englewood

Also features: Home to some of the county’s remaining scattered pockets of scrub habitat.

SPECIAL EVENTS

UNIQUE PRESERVES

Oct. 7 / Ages: 12 and up / Fee: Free / Thursday, 9-11 a.m. Take a leisurely stroll through some of Sarasota County’s most beautiful and environmentally sensitive preserved lands with a UF/ IFAS Extension Sarasota County educator. Learn about our amazing local ecosystems, 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. To register, visit eventbrite.com/e/156149867457.