Red Bug Slough Preserve

5200 Beneva Road, Sarasota

Also features: Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, shady trails, butterfly garden.

ACTIVITIES

MEDITATION IN THE PARKS

Sept. 10, Oct. 27 / Ages: 12 and up / Fee: Free / Meet at information kiosk / Varying days, 9-10 a.m. Many traditions use some form of meditation, focus, contemplation, reflection, or breath work to quiet the mind and center the body and spirit. Recent scientific research has shown that shinrin-yoku—a form of “forest bathing” practiced in Japan—decreases stress levels while improving awareness, concentration, self-esteem, immunity, and more. Join us on a not-so-wild walking/sitting exploration to find peace within nature. No prior experience needed. Recommended to wear comfortable, loose clothing and bring water and a portable chair or blanket for seating. Instructor: Dr. Katherine Clements, ecology and natural resources educator, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County, assisted by Noreen Delaney. To register for Sept. 10, visit eventbrite.com/e/153062601361. To register for Oct. 27, visit eventbrite.com/e/156149528443. season, there is always something beautiful in bloom or the potential to see interesting wildlife. For details, call 941-861-5000 or email parksonline@scgov.net.

FULL MOON WALK

Nov. 19 / Ages: 12 and up / Meet at information kiosk / Friday, 6-7 p.m. Join Sarasota County Environmental Specialist Jeff Weber for this rare opportunity to experience the preserve as day turns to night. Learn about our creatures of the night and interesting plants that bloom and are pollinated at night. If skies are clear, participants will also be treated to beautiful views of the stars, planets and constellations and the full moon rising over Red Bug Slough. For details, call 941-8615000 or email parksonline@scgov.net.

MANAGING A NATURAL AREA PRESERVE IN SUBURBIA

Dec. 7 / Ages: 12 and up / Meet at information kiosk / Tuesday, 9-11 a.m.

Join Sarasota County Environmental Specialist Jeff Weber to learn about strategies used to protect and manage natural area preserves when they’re surrounded by the suburbs. During the walk, you’ll see examples of some of the habitats found onsite and learn about the measures being taken to keep them healthy and functional for the wildlife species found here. In addition, participants will learn about some of the challenges involved with managing fire-dependent habitats, invasive plants and animals and the impacts of park visitors and pets. For details, call 941-861-5000 or email parksonline@scgov.net.

SPECIAL EVENTS

HOLIDAY MEDITATION IN THE PARKS

Dec. 14 / Ages: 12 and up / Fee: Free / Meet at information kiosk / Tuesday, 9-10 a.m. Many traditions use some form of meditation, focus, contemplation, reflection, or breath work to quiet the mind and center the body and spirit. Recent scientific research has shown that shinrin-yoku—a form of “forest bathing” practiced in Japan—decreases stress levels while improving awareness, concentration, self-esteem, immunity, and more. Join us on a not-so-wild walking/sitting exploration to find peace within nature. No prior experience needed. Recommended to wear comfortable, loose clothing and bring water and a portable chair or blanket for seating. Instructor: Dr. Katherine Clements, ecology and natural resources educator, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County, assisted by Noreen Delaney. To register, visit eventbrite.com/e/156149662845.

PLANT AND ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION WALK

Oct. 13 / Ages: 12 and up / Fee: Free / Meet at information kiosk / Wednesday, 9-11 a.m. Explore a variety of natural habitats with Sarasota County Environmental Specialist Jeff Weber who will identify both native and non-native plants and resident wildlife inhabiting the preserves. No matter the