CHNEP Volunteer Events

Mushroom Walk with Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast

 

What: Mushroom Walk

When: September 27, 2023, 9:00am-10:30am

Where: Sleeping Turtles Preserve North

(3462 Border Road, Venice)

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Join a naturalist-guided hike of Sleeping Turtles Preserve North and explore the fascinating world of fungi! Participants will learn about mushrooms' vital role in a healthy ecosystem and the basic principles of identification. We will explore the preserve at a leisurely pace, stopping to observe and identify mushrooms by using guidebooks and adding photos to the iNaturalist app. Please note that this is not a foraging program, and collecting, eating, or tasting mushrooms is not allowed during the program.

 

This program is suitable for all ages. Participants under 16 must attend with a parent or guardian. Participants should bring a water bottle and wear clothing appropriate for the weather. We recommend sun protection, bug spray, and closed-toe shoes, no flip-flops. Please note there are no restrooms or water fountains on site. We recommend using the restroom before you arrive.

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Sunset and S'mores Paddle



What: Sunset Paddle and S'mores Social

When: September 28, 2023, 6:30pm-8:30pm

Where: Bay Preserve at Osprey (400 Palmetto Ave, Osprey)

 

Join staff from the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program and Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast for a special sunset paddle! As the sun dips below the horizon, we will make our way west across Little Sarasota Bay and learn about the ongoing work of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program to improve the health of our coastal waters. Then we'll return to Bay Preserve for a relaxing campfire and s'mores social.

 

Program suitable for individuals ages 16 and older. This is an intermediate paddle not suitable for beginning kayakers. Children under 16 years old may attend with a parent or guardian in a tandem kayak.

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Single and tandem kayaks, paddles, and life jackets are available to borrow for free, courtesy of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program. If you would like to borrow a kayak, please choose the "borrow a kayak" ticket type. Otherwise, participants must provide their own canoe or kayak and safety gear, including a life jacket, whistle, and flashlight or headlamp.

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All participants must wear a life jacket while on the water.

Participants should bring a water bottle and wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Please wear shoes that strap or tie to your feet, no flip-flops. Your feet and lower legs will get wet and sandy. You may wish to bring a towel and dry clothes/shoes to change into after the paddle, and a folding camp chair to relax around the fire. S'mores ingredients and roasting sticks will be provided.