An oyster in the storm

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/30/opinion/an-oyster-in-the-storm.html

- NY Times

Guided Beach Walks (October - April)

From mid October through April, our naturalist, Bud Doyle, conducts guided beach nature walks at Casperson Beach Park and North Jetty Beach Park. All beach nature walks begin at 9 am and conclude at 11 am. They are open to the general public and free of charge. Learn about the Gulf of Mexico, its tides, currents, and storms. Along the way, identify shells, sharks teeth,birds, fish, and plant life. Casperson Beach is Venice's rural beach while North Jetty Beach is one of Florida's great shelling beaches.

Upcoming Marine Life Explorations

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. Call  for reservations.  Call  Chuck at  941-488-8998

Sept 8- Lemon Bay Park
Oct 13- Lemon Bay Park
Dec 8-  Lemon Bay Park
Jan 12- Bird Key
Feb 9- Lemon Bay Park
Mar 9- Blackburn Point Park
Apr 13- Lemon Bay Park

Eco-Tour with Us Aboard the Carefree Learner (January - May)

Get hands-on fun and learn up close about the critters of the Bay with our expert naturalists and educators. Also see amazing nesting bird life. The boat is small and provides a great experience for students of all ages. The Carefree Learner are on Wednesdays at 1 to 3 pm departing from Bayfront Park next to Le Barge, near the Ringling circle. Trips will resume in January 2013.  We will begin taking reservations in December and will post contact information at that time.

Members $15, non-members $20, kids (12 and under) $10.

January 30
February 13 & 27
March 6, 20, 27
April 6*, 17, 24
*Note, our April 6 trip is the only Saturday trip

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 Bay Watch Fundraiser

Harry's Continental Kitchens Wine Tasting Fundraiser
November 14, 2012, 4:30-6:30 P.M.
$20

     You are invited you to join us at Harry's Continental Kitchens for a lovely selection of wines from around the globe, scrumptious passed hors d’oeuvres, and live music.  The tasting will take place on the restaurant patio at 525 St Judes Drive on Longboat Key from 4:40 - 6:30.  A portion of the $20    admission (pay at the event) will benefit Sarasota Bay Watch efforts.

     Guests will receive a Harry's coupon and complimentary Go-vino wine glass.  Local art work, raffle items, and Sarasota Bay Watch merchandise will be available.  Still hungry?  The patio bistro menu offered and the restaurant will also be open with happy hour pricing and . For dinner reservations, call the restaurant at 941.383.0777.

Come to the island, relax with friends, and help
Sarasota Bay Watch so we can protect and restore our bay!