Sarasota Field Trips Fall 2013

Fall 2013

  

  

  

Sarasota County on the west coast of Florida boasts some of the most amazing coastal flora, fauna, and habitat in the U.S.  Our Southeast Chapter offers a variety of ways to observe and learn about them. We offer kayaking, guided beach walks, seining, and eco-tours at various times throughout the year. 

Marine Life Explorations - Saturday October 12, 9:30 to 11:30 am

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.  Wading shoes suggested. Call  for reservations.  Call  Chuck at  941-488-8998

Quiet Water 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've never 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 vest are welcome to go on trips marked with no asterisk (*) for a $5 donation to ALS. Cost is $20 for members, $25 for non-members unless otherwise noted.  Trips into State parks also require an additional fee.

  

September

21   Bird Key/South Lido Park......................................................8:30 - 11:30 am

22   Shell Key Preserve/Pinellas County...........................10 am - 2 pm  $30 member, $35 non

24   Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Point Park................................8:30 - 11:30 am

October  

12   Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Point Park................................9 am - noon

13   Little Manatee River State Park...................................10 am - 2 pm  $30 member, $35 non

15   Waterways of Nokomis..........................................................9 am - noon

*16  Sunset/Moonlight Paddle....................................................5:30 - 8:00 pm

*17  Sunset/Moonlight Paddle....................................................5:30 - 8:00 pm

19  Myakka State Park.....................................................................8:30 - 11:30 am

20  Bird Key/South Lido Park..........................................................8:30 - 11:30 am

23  Palma Sola Bay/Robinson Preserve.............................10 am - 2 pm  $30 member, $35 non

27  Myakka State Park.....................................................................8:30 - 11:30 am  

NOTE:   November Preview - Myakka Daze!!! All-day trip down the Myakka River. $50 or $30 with your own boat.  Call John for details @ 941-966-7308

 

  

www.littoralsociety.org 

Sarasota Field Trips Summer/Fall 2013

Sarasota County on the west coast of Florida boasts some of the most amazing coastal flora, fauna, and habitat in the U.S.  Our Southeast Chapter offers a variety of ways to observe and learn about them. We offer kayaking, guided beach walks, seining, and eco-tours at various times throughout the year. 

  

Quiet Water 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've never 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 vest are welcome to go on trips marked with no asterisk (*) for a $5 donation to ALS. Cost is $20 for members, $25 for non-members unless otherwise noted.  Trips into State parks also require an additional fee.

  

August      

8   Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Point Park.................................8:30 - 11:30 am

10   Caspersen Beach/Lemon Bay................................................8:30 - 11:30 am

11   Bird Key/South Lido Park.......................................................8:30 - 11:30 am

15   Don Pedro State Park/Lemon Bay............................8:30 - 11:30 am  $25 member, $30 non

17   Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Point Park.................................8:30 - 11:30 am

*20 Sunset/Moonlight Paddle.....................................................6:30 - 9:00 pm

22   Sister Keys/Longboat Key......................................................8:30 - 11:30 am

24   Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Point Park.................................8:30 - 11:30 am

25   Bird Key/South Lido Park.......................................................8:30 - 11:30 am

September     

7    Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Point Park.................................8:30 - 11:30 am

8    Bird Key/South Lido Park.......................................................8:30 - 11:30 am

*12 Sunset/Moonlight Paddle.....................................................6:00 - 8:30 pm

*17 Sunset/Moonlight Paddle.....................................................6:00 - 8:30 pm

19   Stump Pass State Park.............................................8:30 - 11:30 am  $25 member, $30 non

21   Bird Key/South Lido Park......................................................8:30 - 11:30 am

22   Shell Key Preserve/Pinellas County...........................10 am - 2 pm  $30 member, $35 non

24   Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Point Park................................8:30 - 11:30 am

October  

12   Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Point Park................................9 am - noon

13   Little Manatee River State Park...................................10 am - 2 pm  $30 member, $35 non

15   Waterways of Nokomis..........................................................9 am - noon

*16  Sunset/Moonlight Paddle....................................................5:30 - 8:00 pm

*17  Sunset/Moonlight Paddle....................................................5:30 - 8:00 pm

19  Myakka State Park.....................................................................8:30 - 11:30 am

20  Bird Key/South Lido Park..........................................................8:30 - 11:30 am

23  Palma Sola Bay/Robinson Preserve.............................10 am - 2 pm  $30 member, $35 non

27  Myakka State Park.....................................................................8:30 - 11:30 am  

NOTE:   November Preview - Myakka Daze!!! All-day trip down the Myakka River. $50 or $30 with your own boat.  Call John for details @ 941-966-7308

Littoral Society - Sarasota Field Trips

Spring - Summer 2013       Sarasota County on the west coast of Florida boasts some of the most amazing coastal flora, fauna, and habitat in the U.S.  Our Southeast Chapter offers a variety of ways to observe and learn about them. We offer kayaking, guided beach walks, seining, and eco-tours at various times throughout the year. This spring we have one last trip aboard the carefree learner next week and a host of kayak trips to carry you through the summer. 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.  April 24, Contact Loyola at 206-484-7092 -  Last Chance to enjoy this great on-the- water activity until January 2014! Quiet Water Kayaking Enjoy leisurely paddling and observation at a variety of sites difficult to visit by any other means. Kayak, paddles, life vest, etc. supplied. If you haven't used a kayak before, a short training session before the trip will get you going. Members can bring their own kayak and life vests and participate for a $5 donation to the Society. Otherwise, most trips cost $20 for members, $25 for non-members. Trips usually run 3 to 4 hours. May      2  Historic Cortez/Kitchen Preserve  10am  - 1pm      4  Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Point Park  9am - noon      5  Bird Key/South Lido Park  8:30am - 11:30am      8  Palma Sola Bay/Robinson Preserve 10am-2pm   $30 mem-$35 non-mem    16  Waterways of Nokomis  9am - noon    19  Blackburn Pt/Oscar Scherer State Park  8:30am - noon  *21 Sunset/Moonlight Paddle  7pm - 9:30pm  *22 Sunset/Moonlight Paddle  7pm - 9:30pm   26 Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Pt Park  8:30am - 11:30am   29  Stump Pass State Park  9am - noon  $25 mem - $30 non-mem   June      1  Myakka River/Snook Haven  8:30am - 11:30am      2  Bird Key/South Lido Park  8:30am - 11:30am      5  Sister Key/Longboat Key  9am - noon      8  Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Pt Park  8:30am - 11:30am    22  Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Pt Park  8:30am - 11:30am    23  Bird Key/South Lido Park  8:30am  - 11:30am    27  Waterways of Nokomis  8:30am - 11:30am    29  Little Manatee River State Park   9am - 1pm  $30 mem - $35 non-mem   July      4    Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Pt Park  8:30am - 11:30am      6    Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Pt Park  8:30am - 11:30am      7   Bird Key/South Lido Park  8:30am - 11:30am    10  Stump Pass St Pk  8:30am - 11:30am   $25 mem - $30 non-mem  *17  Sunset/Moonlight Paddle  7pm - 9:30pm  *18  Sunset/Moonlight Paddle  7pm - 9:30pm    20  Shell Key Preserve/Pinellas Co  9am -1pm  $30 mem - $35 non-mem    21  Bird Key/South Lido Park  8:30am - 11:30am    24  Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Pt Pk  8:30am - 11:30am    31  Casperson Beach/Lemon Bay  8:30am - 11:30am   www.littoralsociety.org

Quiet Water Kayak Trips - December 2012 - SW Florida

Quiet Water Kayak Trips
Call John at 941-966-7308 for reservations.

Enjoy leisurely paddling and observation at a variety of sites difficult to visit by any other means. Kayak, paddles, life vest, etc. supplied. If you haven’t used a kayak before, a short training session before the trip will get you going. Except for trips marked with an asterisk (*), members who bring their own kayak and life vests can participate for a $5 donation to the Society. Otherwise, cost is $20 for members, $25 for non-members unless noted. State parks require an additional entrance fee.

 Dec 1 Myakka State Park; 8:30 - 11:30am
 Dec 2 Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Point Park; 9am - noon
 Dec 5 Robinson Preserve/Manatee Co; 10am - 2pm ($30mem/$35non-mem)
 Dec 9 Blackburn Point/Oscar Shcerer State Park; 10am - 1:30pm
*Dec 12 Myakka State Park; 8:30am-11:30am
 Dec 15 MYAKKA DAZE all day down the Myakka River ($50 includes kayak/$35 with own)
 Dec 19 South Lido/Bird Key; 10am - 1pm
*Dec 22 Myakka State Park; 9:30am - 12:30pm
 Dec 23 Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Point Park; 9:30am - 12:30pm
*Dec 24 Myakka River State Park; 8:30 - 11:30am
 Dec 25 Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Pt. Park; 10am - 1pm

Quiet Water Kayak Trips, Oct-Dec 2012

Quiet Water Kayak Trips
Call John at 941-966-7308 for reservations.

Enjoy leisurely paddling and observation at a variety of sites difficult to visit by any other means. Kayak, paddles, life vest, etc. supplied. If you haven’t used a kayak before, a short training session before the trip will get you going. Except for trips marked with an asterisk (*), members who bring their own kayak and life vests can participate for a $5 donation to the Society. Otherwise, cost is $20 for members, $25 for non-members unless noted. State parks require an additional entrance fee.
Oct 25      Sunset/Moonlight Paddle   5:30 - 8:00 pm

 Nov 10    Myakka Daze - all day down the Myakka River $50 includes kayak - $35 if you have your own. call John for details.
 Nov 12 Myakka River State Park;  1 - 4 pm
 Nov 14 Nokomis Waterways; 1 - 4 pm
 Nov 17 Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Pt; 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
*Nov 18 Myakka State Park; 8:30 - 11:30 am
 Nov 20 Caspersen/Lemon Bay; 10am - 1pm
 Nov 22 Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Point Park; 9:30am - 12:30pm
 Nov 24 Little Manatee River; 10am - 2pm ($30mem/$35non-mem)
 Nov 25 South Lido Park/Bird Key; 9am - noon

 Dec 1 Myakka State Park; 8:30 - 11:30am
 Dec 2 Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Point Park; 9am - noon
 Dec 5 Robinson Preserve/Manatee Co; 10am - 2pm ($30mem/$35non-mem)
 Dec 9 Blackburn Point/Oscar Shcerer State Park; 10am - 1:30pm
*Dec 12 Myakka State Park; 8:30am-11:30am
 Dec 15 MYAKKA DAZE all day down the Myakka River ($50 includes kayak/$35 with own)
 Dec 19 South Lido/Bird Key; 10am - 1pm
*Dec 22 Myakka State Park; 9:30am - 12:30pm
 Dec 23 Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Point Park; 9:30am - 12:30pm
*Dec 24 Myakka River State Park; 8:30 - 11:30am
 Dec 25 Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Pt. Park; 10am - 1pm

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

Robinson Preserve

Welcome Center - Refurbished Robinson house 

Kayaks are available to rent.

 

Crotalaria , aka showy rattlebox ,

takes on the appearance of an inflated cylindrical pod.  

The fruit turn brown to black when mature and the seed within the fruit 

often become unattached resulting in a ‘rattlebox’ sound when shaken.

 

A surprising variety of plant and animal life survives on these Salt Flats.

Glasswort

View north with Tampa Bay in background

more Crotolaria

Perennial Grasswort

 These red flowers thrive on the salt flats of Robinson Preserve

(NW tip of Bradenton on Tampa Bay).

The grasswort is a creeping plant with the flowers on erect stems.

Tampa Bay from Robinson Preserve

Somewhere in this photo, way, way out in the Bay or Gulf, there may be a crocodile !  One has been spotted in Tampa Bay area.  (None are in Robinson Preserve)

Crocodiles are salt water creatures, whereas, alligators live in fresh water. Occasionally, an alligator may get "flushed" down a river to the ocean.

The Sunshine State Parkway is on the upper right.

Great photos of Robinson Preserve

http://www.bradenton.com/2011/01/01/2844362/photo-gallery-robinson-preserve.html#http://media.bradenton.com/smedia/2011/01/01/17/s946-0102_BRLO_robinson_27lo.standalone.prod_affiliate.69.jpg
- Bradenton Herald

Robinson Preserve Workday

Saturday, May 22: Volunteer work day to collect and spread native seeds, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street N.W. and 17th Avenue N.W., Bradenton, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Call 748-4501, ext. 4605.

Covered wagon trips at Robinson Preserve

Manatee County’s Natural Resources Department (NRD) is hosting a special wagon trip through Robinson Preserve on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 9 and 10:30 a.m.

A naturalist tour guide will explain the preserve’s history, resident wildlife, flowers, and preserve highlights including the 40-foot-tall observation tower.

A fee of $3 per adult and $2 per child will be charged (price includes tax). Trips will last approximately one hour. These tours are suitable for all ages. To make a reservation, contact Melissa Cain Nell at Melissa.nell@mymanatee.org or call 941 742 5757 ext.1.

- Anna Maria News - Vol 10 No 8 - Nov 18, 2009

Kayak Outing: Robinson Preserve, Sat., Aug 29

*Aug 29 Robinson Preserve/Manatee Co 9am-1pm $30mem-$35non-mem
Leisurely paddling and observation. Kayak, paddle, life vest, etc, are 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.

See: http://sealitsoc.blogspot.com/search?q=robinson+preserve
for a previous trip report.

Robinson Preserve - Flora and Fauna

Atlantic Marsh Fiddler Crab with image of crab on back...this female has small claws

Capeweed/Frogfoot

Limpkin and Fiddler Crab

Mature Ball Moss with seed

Shallow, brackish water, 1" - 2" long. What kind of fish is this?

Robinson Preserve Trail and Paddle Trail Maps

http://www.mymanatee.org/internet/conservation_lands_management_site.nsf/ContentLookup/clm_robinson_maps

Robinson Preserve Kayak Trip Photo Report

Lookout Tower

Tampa Bay

Under the Boardwalk

Robinson Preserve Kayak Trip - June 28

An ALS Kayak Trip will explore Robinson Preserve on Sunday, June 28. Call John at (941)966-7308 for reservations.

-Photo from Google Earth

See: http://www.flickr.com/photos/manateeconservationlands/sets/72157619830206192/ for photos of the May 2009 Manatee County Fish Survey at Robinson Preserve.