THIS MONTH'S EVENTS

From 6:15 until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday nights. This program is designed to teach young children ages 5-7 the fundamentals of tennis. Parent involvement is part of the program. The $50 fee includes all tennis equipment needed. Each child will keep this equipment. To register, or for more information, call 305-743-6598.

From 9 until 11 a.m. Join us as we explore natural plant communities on this guided walk. See first hand the plants and animals that make southwest Florida so unique. Participants should be able to walk approximately two miles. Please dress appropriately and bring a water bottle. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This trail is not stroller or handicap accessible. This program is free with paid parking and registration is not required. Limit 25 participants. For more information please call Kelly at (239) 822-5212.

Every saturday from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m.

From 9 until 11 a.m. Register on-line at www.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left. Click the 'All Events' drop down list, choose 'Nature Walks', click ‘Go’ and choose your event. Follow the directions for registration. Space for this walk is limited to 20. If you are having problems with on-line registration, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.

Starts at 8:15 p.m. This program is designed to show beginning astronomers how to easily find stars, constellations and planets. Bring binoculars, water, bug spray, a flashlight and a lawn chair or something to sit on. We will meet in the parking lot. This program is free with paid parking but may be cancelled due to inclement weather, clouds, or if the minimum of 6 participants is not met. For more information please call Kelly at 822 – 5212. Register online at www.leeparks.org or by calling (239) 533 - 7440.

From 6 until 7 p.m. Discover the ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi. Sensei Brian Nell will lead participants through a gentle Qigong warm up and the short form of Sun Style Tai Chi. This gentle martial art form will help relieve stress from a long workday. Health benefits of Tai Chi include promotion of balance control, flexibility, cardiovascular fitness, and much more. Program is suitable for all ages. Please let us know if you would like to attend! Please call 941-748-4501 ext. 4605.

Race day registration for the 5K Run/Walk begins at 6:30 a.m. The event kicks off with the half-marathon at 7:30 a.m., followed by the 5K and the Fun Run/Walk. To register and for more information, visit http://www.gulfcoast.edu/foundation/SunRun2010.htm.

From 8:00 until 11:00 a.m. Volunteers should wear long pants, t-shirts, sneakers or hiking boots. Poison ivy is found at this site - so again, long pants are encouraged! Volunteers should wear old clothes and shoes as we will be working in brush-filled areas. Restroom facilities are not available at the natural area. Closest restroom facility is located at Congress Ave. and Linton Blvd. The Department will supply tools, gloves, and refreshments. Event participation is limited to the first 25 volunteers who register. To register or for more information, contact Ann Mathews at 561-233-2426 or e-mail amathews@co.palm-beach.fl.us.

Begins at dusk. For more information, visit www.playballinparadise.com.

From 9:00 until 11:00 a.m. Be the first to see the brand new Neal Preserve! This special bicycle ride will begin in Robinson Preserve and travel down the paved Spoonbill Trail to Manatee Avenue. From there, we will travel along the road to Neal Preserve. We will take a short break to check out Manatee County’s newest preserve before returning to Robison Preserve. Neal Preserve is only accessible during Sneak Peek Tours, so come be the first to see this new location! Program participants must have their own bicycle. Helmets are recommended, and required for children age 15 and under. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. Please call 941-748-4501 ext. 4605.

From 9 until 11 a.m. Participants should wear long pants, comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket, sunscreen and a hat, and bring insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars (optional), camera and hand lens (optional). Register on-line at www.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left. Click the 'All Events' drop down list, choose 'Nature Walks', and choose your event. Follow the instructions for registration. Space for this walk is limited to 20. If you are having problems with on-line registration, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.

From 8:00 until 11:00 a.m. Volunteers should wear old shoes and clothing for this event as some of the work areas are wet and muddy. Volunteers must wear closed-toe shoes – no sandals or flip-flops will be allowed. There are no restroom facilities available at the site. Restrooms are available in various convenience stores and fast food restaurants along Indiantown Road. Tools, gloves, and refreshments will be provided. Event participation is limited to the first 20 volunteers who register. Volunteers can register for an event by either calling Ann Mathews at 561-233-2426 or e-mailing amathews@co.palm-beach.fl.us

From 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. This six-hour kayak trip begins and ends at Caloosahatchee Regional Park campground. Paddlers should be experienced and/or be in good physical condition for a 5 mile roundtrip paddle on the Great Calusa Blueway which includes Hickey's Creek, one of the areas most scenic waterways. We'll eat lunch and hike at Hickey's Creek Mitigation Park before paddling back. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All kayaking equipment is provided. Bring your own drink, lunch, sunscreen, binoculars and clothing/shoes that can get wet. We will meet at the campground entrance at 19130 North River Rd. $40 per person. For more information call Kelly at (239) 822 - 5212. Register online at www.leeparks.org or by calling (239) 533 - 7440.

Features live music, demo rides, poker run, and more. For more information, visit www.playballinparadise.com.