01/05/06

Nature Notes

Myakka River State Park kayak trip, presented by the American Littoral Society, is scheduled 8:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7. Explore the wild and scenic Myakka River by kayak, guided by John Sarkozy, and learn about natural Florida. A short training session will be offered before the trip. All equipment is provided. Cost, ALS members $20; nonmembers $25 plus the entrance fee into the state park. (941) 966-7308.

Lemon Bay Conservancy Lecture Series, 2005-2006, 7 p.m., Thursdays, Cedar Point Environmental Center, 2300 Placida Road. Refreshments. Everyone welcome.

* Jan. 12 -- Meg Lowman, New College: The Environmental Education Imperative.

* Feb. 9 -- Tony Tucker, Mote Marine Laboratory: The World of Sea Turtles.

* March 9 -- Theresa Conner, general manager, Sarasota County Water Resources: Water for People and Aquatic Life -- the Water, Watershed Connection.

* April 13 -- Laurel Schiller, partner, Florida Native Plant Nursery Inc.: Gardening for Wildlife and Our Environment.

Kayak fishing seminars and demonstrations presented by professional kayak fishing guide Dave Loger are scheduled for 6 p.m. second Tuesday at Grande Tours, 12575 Placida Road. Free. Public welcome. 697-8825.

Free 10 a.m. Guided walks at Cedar Point Environmental Park -- 2300 Placida Road in Englewood every Saturday and Sunday. Join CHEC staff and volunteers as they lead visitors through the 115-acre Charlotte County park in search of gopher tortoise, bald eagles and various wildflowers. The leisurely walk will take participants through the pine flatwoods, home to many species of woodpeckers, along a small scrub ridge where gopher tortoise burrows abound and down to Lemon Bay, part of the protected Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserve. 475-0769.

Free kayak sampler demos -- Held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at Grande Tours, 12575 Placida Road. Kayaking lessons are available at 9:30 a.m. before the demonstrations. Try a variety of kayaks in the water. Cost, $35. 697-8825.

Eco-Kids Club -- Open to children ages 5-12 who want to participate in activities while learning about Florida's environment. Locations for club sessions will vary each month. Hands-on activities. Sessions are 10 a.m.-noon third Saturday. Call Alice White, (941) 426-9752.