Eco-Tours Aboard the Carefree Learner

Get hands-on fun and learn up close about the critters of Sarasota Bay with our expert naturalists and educators. Also see amazing nesting bird life. The boat is small and provides a great experience for people of all ages. The Carefree Learner tours are on Wednesdays at 1 to 3 pm departing from Bayfront Park next to Le Barge, near the Ringling circle. Members $15, Non-members $20, kids (12 and under) $10.

Seine Sarasota Bay - Hands-on Marine Life Exploration

Explore the sea life near our shores with American Littoral Society biologists. Using hand and seine nets, we will be searching shallow waters and sea grass beds, observing, collecting, and discussing the natural history of some of the many interesting fishes and other animals that inhabit Sarasota Bay. Trips run on Saturdays from 9:30 to 11:30 AM. Wading shoes suggested. 

Sarasota's Christmas Boat Parad this weekend

Christmas Boat Parade of Lights: 6-8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 8; best spots for viewing are Marina Jack, Bayfront Park, Sarasota Bay

SBEP OVERSEEING HABITAT RESTORATION AT FISH PRESERVE

SARASOTA, FL – The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) is continuing to do habitat restoration at FISH Preserve, a 100-acre parcel adjacent to Sarasota Bay within the Village of Cortez in Manatee County. The latest plan includes the removal of exotic plants later this fall followed by the conversion of two stormwater retention ponds into additional wetland habitat. New creeks, ponds and trails will also be created as part of the plan. The project is expected to take up to two years to complete. Dr. Jay Leverone, the SBEP Staff Scientist, will manage the project.

FISH is an acronym for Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, a non-profit organization that purchased the property in 1999 to help restore, conserve and protect the upland and wetland habitats and adjacent waters. The ongoing restoration at FISH Preserve is supported by major funding from the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD).

The first phase of the large-scale restoration project was completed in 2009 and involved the removal of exotic vegetation, creation of a tidal wetland, and mangrove restoration. Last year, two bridges were constructed to connect hiking trails thanks to support from the Bonefish Grill. Volunteers with the SBEP Bay Guardians, including students from Martha B. King Middle School in Bradenton, have completed small projects that support the restoration plan.

The restoration will increase wetland acreage, improve tidal circulation, and reestablish natural water flow. Exotic Brazilian pepper and Australian pine trees that currently dominate the landscape will be cleared and replaced with native trees and shrubs. Trash piles will also be removed.

The Florida Department of Community Affairs designated Cortez a Waterfront Community in 1997. Since that time, the community has worked to preserve their community through policy change, land acquisition, the development of a maritime museum, and other projects. The creation of the FISH Preserve is a cornerstone of the longer term preservation plan.

51st ANNUAL MEETING AMERICAN LITTORAL SOCIETY

51st ANNUAL MEETING AMERICAN LITTORAL SOCIETY Island Beach State Park, Seaside, New Jersey September 20 - 23, 2012

This 51st annual meeting of the Society will be held at Seaside Park, NJ, starting Thursday evening, September 20, and ending Sunday, September 23. As usual, the long weekend is an excuse to get out into littoral territory to see nature in action. Where: Headquarters will be at the Island Beach Motor Lodge, almost directly next to Island Beach State Park.    What: A great deal of our time will be spent on Island Beach State Park exploring beach areas, trails on both the ocean and bay side, looking for migrating birds, shelling, and enjoying a kayak trip (must have kayaked before) along the bay side of the Park. Fishermen bring your rods, swimmers your bathing suits, and birders your binoculars. Trips will run from Friday a.m. through Saturday p.m., with breakfast on Sunday morning. NOTE: The weekend is informal including dress.....Field trips go rain or shine.....  This area has no public transportation - try and carpool or join someone else going from your area. If you are willing to take another member let us know. Cost is based on double occupany. Mail to: American Littoral Society, 18 Hartshorne Dr., Ste 1, Highlands, NJ 07732 If you do not plan on kayaking deduct $20 off the cost of the weekend. Plan A: 3 nights at Island Beach Motor Lodge, all meals-- Fri a.m. to Sun a.m.: $375 per adult - $150 per child under 12.   Total: $________________   Kayaking ___Yes ___No Plan B: 2 nights at Island Beach Motor Lodge, all meals-Fri lunch to Sun a.m.: $325 per adult - $135 per child under 12.   Total: $________________   Kayaking ___Yes ___No Plan C: Commuters....everything except rooms, meals Fri a.m. to Sun a.m.: $255 per adult - $150 per child under 12. Total: $________________   Kayaking ___Yes   ___No Name:_________________________________ Address:________________________________________________ City:____________________, State___________ Zip________ Phone day_______________________________ Email:_____________________________________    Yes____   No____   Check to receive all information by email or enclose  a check for $_________ and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to mail confirmation, directions, and details if not using email. Questions: ask Pat - 732-291-0055 or pat@littoralsociety.org.

Bay Guardians at Quick Point Preserve

The above photo was taken at a recent Saturday volunteer outing with the SBEP Bay Guardians at Quick Point Preserve on Longboat Key. Fifty-six student and adult volunteers helped remove invasive plants and debris before enjoying a picnic lunch. The photo shows students with Future Leaders Academy in Sarasota. Other participating groups included Martha B. King Middle School in Bradenton and the Mote Marine Laboratory High School Intern Program.

Bay Guardians do more than help complete projects that enhance our local preserves and Sarasota Bay. They also learn about local aquatic life, birds, habitat and the importance of conservation.

CHECK OUT THE GREAT PROGRAMS AT WEEDON IN MARCH!

Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center

1800 Weedon Dr. NE, St. Petersburg, Fl. 33702

Register at least 24 hours prior by visiting www.weedonislandpreserve.org, and click on the “Events, Classes, & Hikes” button on the homepage.  Event information call (727) 453-6500. 

Discovery Reef Exhibit – Special Traveling Exhibit

March 1 – March 31, Thursday – Saturday, 9:00am – 4:00pm

For a limited engagement at Weedon Island, the Mote Marine Traveling Interactive Exhibit, Discovery Reef, promotes understanding of Florida’s coastal and marine environments.  Visitors will discover amazing life forms, survival strategies and relationships on Coral Reefs, and their crucial role in the ocean food web.  No pre-registration required.  Free

Salty Topics – Underwater Soundscapes of Coastal Florida

Thursday, March 1, 2012, 6:45pm – 8:00pm

This is the second in the 2012 Winter/Spring Marine Science Speaker series at the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center. Many are unaware that the underwater environment can be very noisy and air-water interface is a difficult barrier for acoustic energy to overcome. Biological sources of sound production range from invertebrates to mammals, but the most prolific source is associated with courtship and spawning behaviors of fishes. Presented by James Locascio, Ph.D., currently a post-doctoral scholar at Mote Marine Laboratory.  Pre-registration required.  Free

Celebrate Coastal Archaeology

Saturday, March 3, 2012, 10:00am – 4:00pm

Excavation Tours: 11am & 2pm. Lecture: 1pm

Weedon Island Preserve is a significant archaeological heritage site on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Learn about current research in the Tampa Bay area with hands-on activities, professional talks and tours of an on-site excavation. See the new interactive, educational “Archaeo Cart” from Florida Public Archaeology Network and get on the road to discovery. Pre-registration required for excavation tours at 11am or 2pm.  Free

Carefree Learner on Sarasota Bay

Sarasota Bay Watershed Symposium at New College

Almost everybody connected with Sarasota Bay friendly organizations 

was at Eckert College in North Sarasota with 2 days of lectures and panel discussions.

Bruce Dayton announces an additional Blind Pass walk

From Beach to Lagoon

Monday, March 19, 2012

Free nature walk from the Gulf shore to a lagoon off Lemon Bay led by ecologist Bruce Dayton at Blind Pass Beach. We discuss how water, wind, sand and living things interact to create our beautiful barrier islands (keys as we call them). The biological emphasis will be on habitats. Included are beach, dune, coastal hammock and mangrove. It is a fairly easy two hour stroll on beach, boardwalk, and a short trail. We will meet at 9am by the Blind Pass sign across from the parking area. Approximate time is two hours. Walk is given under the auspices of Sarasota Parks and Recreation. Regstration is required and is limited to 15 participants. Call 941-650-2487 or 493 5087 to register.

Sarasota/Manatee County Kayak Trips

 Leisurely paddling and observation at a variety of sites difficult to visit by any other means. Kayak, paddle, life vest, etc supplied. If you haven’t used a kayak before, a short training session before the trip will get you going.
Call John at (941)966-7308 for reservations. Members who own a kayak and life vests are welcome to go on trips marked with an asterisk(*) for a $5 donation to ALS. Cost is $20 members, $25 non-members unless otherwise noted. Trips into State parks require an additional entrance fee.

 

*March   2 Palma Sola Bay/Robinson Preserve - 10am-2pm  $30 mem - $35 non-mem

*March   3 Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Pt Pk 10am-1pm

*March   9 Sister Keys/Longboat Key 10am-1pm

*March 10 Cockroach Bay State Park  10am-2pm  $30 mem-$35 non-mem

*March 11 Bird Key/South Lido Park  10am-1pm

*March 14 Historic Cortes/Kitchen Preserve 10am-1pm  $25 mem - $30 non-mem

*March 17 Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Pt Pk  9am-12noon

*March 20 Edwards Islands/Roberts Bay  10am-1:30pm  $25 mem - $30 non-mem

*March 22 Waterways of Nokomis  10am-1pm

*March 24 Little Manatee River  10am-2pm  $30 mem - $35 non-mem

*March 25 Bird Key/South Lido Park  10am-1pm

Let's Go Kayaking !

Leisurely paddling and observation at a variety of sites difficult to visit by any other means. Kayak, paddle, life vest, etc supplied. If you haven’t used a kayak before, a short training session before the trip will get you going.
Call John at (941)966-7308 for reservations. Members who own a kayak and life vests are welcome to go on trips marked with an asterisk(*) for a $5 donation to ALS. Cost is $20 members, $25 non-members unless otherwise noted. Trips into State parks require an additional entrance fee.
 2012
*Jan 5 Waterways of Nokomis 10am - 1pm

  Jan 7 Myakka State Park 10:30am - 1:30pm

* Jan 11 Caspersen Beach Park/Lemon Bay 1pm - 4pm

* Jan 19 Don Pedro State Park/Englewood 10am - 1:30pm $25 mem, $30 non- mem

* Jan 21 Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Pt Park 1pm – 4pm

* Jan 22 Bird Key/South Lido Park 1pm – 4pm

* Jan 28 Blackburn Pt/Oscar Scherer State Park 11am – 2:30pm

* Jan 29 Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Pt Park 10am – 1pm

* Jan 31 Palma Sola Bay/Robinson Preserve 10am – 2pm $30 mem, $35 non-mem

Quiet Water Kayak Trips: Jan 5, 2012 - Feb 29, 2012

*Jan 5 Waterways of Nokomis 10am - 1pm

Jan 7 Myakka State Park 10:30am - 1:30pm

* Jan 11 Caspersen Beach Park/Lemon Bay 1pm - 4pm

* Jan 19 Don Pedro State Park/Englewood 10am - 1:30pm $25 mem, $30 non- mem

* Jan 21 Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Pt Park 1pm – 4pm

* Jan 22 Bird Key/South Lido Park 1pm – 4pm

* Jan 28 Blackburn Pt/Oscar Scherer State Park 11am – 2:30pm

* Jan 29 Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Pt Park 10am – 1pm

* Jan 31 Palma Sola Bay/Robinson Preserve 10am – 2pm $30 mem, $35 non-mem

* Feb 2 Apollo Beach/Kitchen Preserve warm water sanctuary 10am – 2pm

$30 mem, $35 non-mem + $5 private boat launch fee

Feb 4 Myakka River State Park 10:30am – 1:30pm

* Feb 5 Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Pt Park 11am – 2pm

* Feb 8 Waterway7s of Nokomis 11am – 2pm

Feb 10 Myakka State Park 10:30am – 1:30pm

* Feb 12 Shell Key Preserve/Pinellas County 10am – 2pm $30 mem, $35 non-mem

* Feb 15 Historic Cortez/Kitchen Preserve 10am – 1pm $25 mem, $30 non-mem

* Feb 23 Edwards Island/Roberts Bay Bird Rookery 10am – 1:30pm $25 mem, $30 non-mem

* Feb 25 Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Pt Park 10am – 1pm

* Feb 26 Bird Key/South Lido Park 10am – 1pm

* Feb 29 Apollo Beach – see Feb 2 above

WPBT's Changing Seas

December Programs at Weedon Island Preserve

December Programs

Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center

1800 Weedon Dr. NE, St. Petersburg, Fl. 33702

Register at least 24 hours prior by visiting www.weedonislandpreserve.org, and click on the “Events, Classes, & Hikes” button on the homepage.  Event information call (727) 453-6500. 

Salty Topics: Global Change in the 21^st Century – Do Coral Reefs Have a Future?

Thursday, December 1, 2011, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Presented by Dr. Pam Hallock Muller of the University of South Florida College of Marine Science. Studying both the geologic record and modern coral reefs, students gain insight not only into environments of the past and present, but also the effects of human activities on future tropical benthic ecosystems. Their work has implications for cell biology, coral-reef ecology, environmental management, global environmental change, evolution, paleoceanography, sedimentology and hydrocarbon exploration.  Pre-Registration required.  Free

Weedon Walkabout

Saturday, December 3, 2011, 9:00am – 11:00am

Enjoy this guided walk through coastal mangrove and upland ecosystems of the preserve while learning about the coastal environment and the early residents of Weedon Island Preserve.  Water and a snack, along with a hat and closed toe shoes are recommended.  All ages welcome, children younger than 6 may find this hike challenging.  Pre-registration required.  Free

Wee-Time at Weedon

Thursday, December 8, 2011, 10:30am – 11:15am

In this week’s book, children will hear a great story about, Great Sharky Shark: A Tale of a Big Hunter, by Suzanne Tate.  Recommended for ages 3 to 5.  Pre-registration required.  Free

Great Weedon Bird Quest

Friday, December 9, 2011, 8:00 am – 10:00 am

Learn identifying marks and behaviors of the feathered year-round residents and seasonal visitors while helping to compile an annual checklist of the preserve’s birds.  Hikes are designed for all levels of birding experience.  Binoculars and bird guides are available.  Recommended for adults.  Pre-registration required.  Free

Holiday Arts and Crafts

Saturday, December 10, 2011, 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Enjoy creating special holiday decorations and gifts with Environmental Educator, Colleen Gray.  Pre-Registration required.  Free

Archaeology Lecture Series: Competition and Cooperation at Crystal River

Thursday, December 15, 2011, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Thomas Pluckhahn, PhD, presents a National Science Foundation project to examine the formation of early village societies using the important Crystal River site as a case study.  Pre-Registration required.  Free

Photography Hike

Saturday, December 17, 2011, 8:00 am – 10:00 am

After a brief classroom session, center volunteer guides highlight seasonal features of the preserve, as well as specific wildlife behaviors that help participants capture the natural beauty of Weedon Island preserve.  Recommended for Adults.  Pre-registration required.  Free

Weedon Walkabout

Saturday, December 17, 2011, 9:00am – 11:00am

Enjoy this guided walk through coastal mangrove and upland ecosystems of the preserve while learning about the coastal environment and the early residents of Weedon Island Preserve.  Water and a snack, along with a hat and closed toe shoes are recommended.  All ages welcome, children younger than 6 may find this hike challenging.  Pre-registration required.  Free

Shorebird walks with Audubon Society

 Lido Key

Saturday, Nov 5th: Kathryn Young (612-760-1771), leader. Meet at N. Lido parking area at 8am. Directions = Lido Key – follow John Ringling Dr. to the end small parking lot at very west end of J.Ringling Dr.  If you get to the public beach you have gone to far.  This small parking lot is right after N. Polk Dr.

 Anna Maria Island Shorebirds

Tuesday, Nov 15th: Dan Irrizary (305-585-5786) will help us find shorebirds. Meet at Holmes Beach parking area (where Rt 64 ends) at 8am.

Manatee County : Calendar of Natural Resources Events

http://www.mymanatee.org/home/government/departments/natural-resources/nrd-headlines/edu-program.html

Sarasota Bay Watch - Monofilament Cleanup

Scallop search turns up great numbers (Pine Island Sound/San Carlos Bay)

http://www.islandreporter.com/page/content.detail/id/517500/Scallop-search-turns-up-great-numbers.html?nav=5051

-Sanibel-Captiva Islander

SHARE THE SHORE

SHARE THE SHORE From Montauk to Delaware BaySaturday, August 20, 2011  
 Help mark our 50 years of caring for the coast and kick off our next half century by joining shore lovers from Montauk to Delaware Bay to show the world your favorite coastal place, what you love to do there, and what needs to be done to protect or restore it. NOT TOO LATE TO SIGN UP FOR THIS FREE EVENT! To learn more
-American Littoral Society , littoralsociety.org