Sarasota Livin'

Saturday, Nov. 4

What: Nature walk on the Myakka River

When: 9-12:30 p.m.

Where: Snook Haven, 5000 Venice Ave. E., Venice

Description: A kayak trip and nature walk conducted by Sarasota County Environmental Specialist Lee Hayes Byron and Parks Naturalist Rick Storsberg. Participants will kayak along the Jelks Preserve and hike along the river on Deer Prairie Creek Preserve. Space is limited to 15. Attendees may bring their own kayaks, along with necessary equipment and personal flotation devices. Six county kayaks will be available for those who request them. Participants should bring clothes and shoes appropriate for both kayaking and hiking, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, drinking water, a light jacket, and waterproof camera (optional) or binoculars (optional).

Contact for public: For more information contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask about the nature walk on the Myakka River at Snook Haven.

Media Contacts: Lee Hayes Byron, 941-861-6244

Saturday Nov 4th
Five Points Park

Cutting Edge Science and Environment Authors
Reading Festival Website

We are going to have a 2nd Ever Gardening for Wildlife Homescape Tour this
November 18, 2006. Same as last year... the Saturday before Thanksgiving. This
year it will be organized differently. Here are the changes:

1.) All tour participants will go to The Florida House to get their maps to
the homes on the tour. The Florida House will host registration from
9:00-12:00 p.m.
Maps and the packet of information will cost $10.00 per car load and the
profits will be divided amongst the participating not-for-profits.

2.) All participating environmental organizations will have a booth at the
Florida House and give out their literature, membership applications and
sell gift items there. We will advertise the event as an opportunity to
learn about the environmental groups in our county and also buy
environmental gifts and memberships for friends and family for the holiday
season. Florida Native Plant Nursery will be selling plants there. Other
environmental groups may sell plants, books, bird houses, etc. We ask that
environmental groups assign two people to work their booth at the Florida
House from 9:00 -12:00 p.m. on November 18, 2006.

3.) All participating environmental organizations will also provide
volunteers to help at the participating homes where they will help the
homeowners as needed. They will lead tours and answer questions, pour
refreshments, etc. We ask that there be two shifts of two individuals each
as follows: 9:00 - 12:30p.m. and 12:30-4:00p.m. It is important that
volunteers help at the yard tours. We were swamped last year. Please make
sure that assigned volunteers will be responsible and show up and stay their full shift.

4.) Homes will be located in the North Sarasota County area and parking for
15 cars at once will be available nearby. It would be great to have a home
or two in a deed restricted area but not sure this can be worked out.

5.) At the Florida House we will have speakers giving presentations on
gardening for wildlife from 9:00 - 12:00 p.m. on November 18, 2006. The
Master Naturalists will be there as will the Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Florida House will be open until 4:00p.m. November 18th, 2006.

Betty Alpaugh, of the Florida House, will be in charge of all aspects of the
event at the Florida House. Call her there at 316-1200 as soon as possible
to register for a booth. I will represent Florida Native Plant Nursery and
locate wildlife friendly yards for the tour and work with the homeowners.
Please call me at the nursery at 322-1915 if you would like your home on the
tour or know someone who is gardening for wildlife and would like their home
on the tour. Bill Lewis and family will help homeowners beforehand with
information on how to set up and lead tours and prepare their yard for a
tour. This year we would like the plants to be labeled at each home and ask
that homeowners provide before and after pictures, suggestions and lists of
wildlife they have seen around their home. We have five committed
homeowners but would like several more.

Looking forward to another great tour this November. Laurel

Laurel Schiller Co- owner, Florida Native Plant Nursery