FIRST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH
Ardisia pull at San Felasco Hammock, 9 a.m. Contact Coordinator Emily Basile at Emily.Basile@dep.state.
fl.us. Sometimes the war against invasive exotics seems overwhelming but this is a coordinated effort. Persistence stems the tide, and it’s a fun social event.
Aug 2 Hike through the Florida Panther Refuge.
Meet at the offices of the Florida Panther Refuge, located at 3860 Tollgate Blvd, suite 300 (their office is inside the Comfort Suites). From here, we may go by vans provided by the Florida Wildlife Services or car--to be determined. We will have at least one trail guide who can teach us about panther habitat and other interesting facts of the Refuge. Also, we may be permitted to see parts of the refuge that are actually closed to the public! Wear shoes that you do not mind getting wet and dirty as the trails can be very wet. Bring your own bug spray, a hat, and long sleeves might be useful if the mosquitoes are out in force. Birders might want to bring their binoculars. Hike is limited to 25 people. You may pack your lunch and enjoy eating at the picnic tables at the refuge with the guide(s). To participate in this hike, call Sue Trone at (239) 595-1873 or email her at susiesstuff@mac.com. (Calusa)
Aug 3 Pithachascotee River paddle.
We will paddle up river from Sim’s Parkas far as is navigable and back, with lunch along the way. This is the natural, uninhabited section of the river, and we will see what natural beauty and wildlife we can find along this nice 6-mile paddle. Leader Ben Berauer, 727-392-2821 or bfberauer@aol.com. (Suncoast)
Aug 3 Rock Springs Kayak Start at Kings Landing, Apopka
This trip is eight miles long with several spots to stop and have a snack or just swim. It will take four to five hours. Rock Springs Run is one of the few remaining near-pristine riverine systems in central Florida. This spring flows into the Wekiva, a major tributary of the St. Johns River. Waters forming the upper reaches of the Wekiva River arise from both the Floridan aquifer in the form of clear, natural springs. We’ll take out at Wekiva Landing so we will shuttle cars. 5722 Baptist Camp Road,Apopka, Florida 32712 RSVP: Mary-Slater 407-481-4398 flsierra@bellsouth.net (Central)
Aug 3 5:30 pm. Sunset Walk.
We will walk Treasure Island Beach to John’s Pass and back to watch the sunset 3 mi R/T Famous Drum Circle included. Come along and meet new friends as well as shore birds and the other critters we may find along the beach. Bring a chair/food for drum circle (till 10PM) We will meet at the beach side parking lot restrooms at 104 Ave and Gulf Blvd at Treasure Island. Outings Leader Pat Kiesylis 727 421 2746 or goodpat@tampabay.rr.com. No rain date. (Suncoast)
August 8 Outing to Cedar Key and Rosewood with Foreign Exchange Students
Sierra Club has special ties to Cedar Key. John Muir, founder and first president of Sierra Club, ended his 1,000 mile walk across America in 1867 at Cedar Key. Our Sierra Club leaders will share this wonderful part of Florida and its conservation issues with a high school foreign exchange group. We plan to stop in Rosewood to learn more about the historically significant African- American community that existed there. On Cedar Key, we will explore a salt marsh boardwalk; visit the clam nursery and watch wildlife from a pontoon boat. This outing is on a Friday and we have limited space but could use a couple of additional guides. Individuals with knowledge of Rosewood or Cedar Key are encouraged to contact Kristina Jackson, at kristinajackson@ cox.net or 352-372-2464.
Aug 10 5:30 pm. Sunset Walk.
We will walk Treasure Island Beach to John’s Pass and back to watch the sunset 3 mi R/T Famous Drum Circle included. Come along and meet new friends as well as shore birds and the other critters we may find along the beach. Bring a chair/food for drum circle (till 10PM) We will meet at the beach side parking lot restrooms at 104 Ave and Gulf Blvd at Treasure Island. Outings Leader Pat Kiesylis 727 421 2746 or goodpat@tampabay.rr.com. No rain date. (Suncoast)
Aug 24 Shell Key paddle.
An easy trip for beginners. Join us for a kayak paddle out to discover the beaches on Shell Key. We will look for and study shells, dolphins, birds and any other wildlife we can find. Leader: Ben Berauer at 727.392.2821, bfberauer@aol.com (Suncoast). Aug 30 Sunset sea kayak trip to Caladesi Island State Park. Moderate 2 hour paddle to observe the sunset. Bring snacks and drinks. Learn about the history, birds and other wildlife on the Island. Afterwards optional dinner at a local restaurant. Leader: Rudy Scheffer, 727-726-8375 or e-mail: rudy@adventuresworldwide.com (Suncoast)
Sep 13 Hillsborough River Canoe/Kayak trip.
Meet early in the morning for an easy 5 hour paddling trip weather permitting. Learn about the abundant wildlife along the river. Rentals available, limited to a total of six boats. Leader Rudy Scheffer, 727-726-8375 or (Suncoast)
Please send your comments and additional outings suggestions to Robert Fisher at rcblast1@yahoo.com or call 352-514-7674.
We have a multitude of interesting places to visit locally.Suwannee/St. John’s outings are planned to inform members on environmental issues and we love kids to participate.