News Blog

February 20 Tuesday, 8:30-10:30 AM   Meet the Mangrove Chapter of the FNPS and member Charlie Woodruff for a walk on Stump Pass Beach, 900 Gulf Blvd, Englewood. Learn about the unique history of the beach as well as its nature and inhabitants. As parking has a $3 charge and is limited, carpool and plan to arrive around 8am. Wear shoes that can get wet and bring a hat and water. All are invited to participate. For more information email mangrovechapter@fnps.org

Tuesday, February 13, 1 PM   The Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society will host “Easy Plant Identification-The Big 4”, an educational program presented by extension agent, James B. Stevenson at Lemon Bay Environmental Center, 570 Bay Park Blvd. Englewood. Learn how knowing the four plant groups can lead to a big step in plant ID, and what makes a plant belong to one group.  BYOPicnic social at 12:15pm.  This event is free and all are invited to attend.  For more information, contact mangrovechapter@fnps.org.

Thursday, February 8, 9-11 AM Join the Mangrove Chapter of the FNPS and Chris Meyer for a nature walk at Myakka Islands Point, 1289 Campbell St, Port Charlotte, FL. The preserve is only 100 acres but comprises mesic flatwoods, mangrove swamp, salt marsh, maritime hammock and scrubby flatwoods. Sections of the trail system are tidal so wear appropriate footwear. This preserve is unique in that the largest and highest island on the entire Myakka River occurs here.  This event is free and all are invited to attend.  For more information, contact mangrovechapter@fnps.org

Friday, February 2, 9-11 AM   Meet Bill Dunson and join the Mangrove Chapter of the FNPS for a nature walk at Tippecanoe 1 Environmental Park, 2300 El Jobean Rd. Port Charlotte.  Observe the wide variety of plants and animals characteristic of the scrubby flatwoods, and a mangrove lined tidal creek, while discussing the impact of prescribed burns and habitat manipulations. Meet at the entry gate.  This event is free and all are welcome.  For more information, contact mangrovechapter @fnps.org.

Friday January 26, 9:00-11:00 AM. Join Bill Dunson for a nature walk at Prairie Creek/Charlotte County Preserve, 1900 Duncan Road, north of Punta Gorda along US 17. Turn east about 0.6 mile north of Washington Loop Rd. and continue about 4 miles along a dirt road until you enter the preserve. Watch for the trailhead on the right side. The sandy trails follow a 1.4 mile loop where we may see scrub jays, rare turkey oaks, and the semi-mythical Zeedonk.

Wednesday, January 24, 9:30-11:00 AM.  Join the Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society for an informative walk led by Florida Sea Grant Agent, Armando Ubeda, at Lemon Bay Park, 570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood. Following the boardwalk adjacent to the shoreline, Armando will explain mangrove identification and will describe the impact of the various native mangroves on not only controlling seasonal flooding but also on creating the necessary niches for native plants and animals to thrive. Gather at the environmental center. All are invited to participate.  For more information, contact mangrovechapter@fnps.org.