Field Trips and Events

Quiet Water Kayak Trips

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 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.

Call John at 941-966-7308 for info and reservations.

APRIL

 *19   Sunset/Moonlight  6pm-8:30pm
 *20  Sunset/Moonlight  6pm-8:30pm 
   23  Casperson Beach Park/Lemon Bay  9am-noon 
   25  Alifia Banks Bird Rookery/Tampa Bay 10am-1:30pm  $30 members, $35 non-members  
   28  Shell Key Preserve/Pinellas County  9am-1pm  $30 members, $35 non-members

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

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

Marine Life Explorations will Resume in the Fall - check back for updates in August.

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. 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!

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.

Beach walks will resume in the fall--check back in August for dates.