OUTDOORS: Fun things to do

Nature Walk: Myakke River State Park, Sarasota

The Manatee Sarasota Sierra Club is sponsoring a 4-6 mile nature walk starting at 8:30 a.m. Jan. 1. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, sunscreen and a dish to share. There will be lunch afterwards near the river. Donation: $5. Space is limited. Reservations: 484-4113.

Friends of Myakka “Nature Adventure” Classes: Myakka River State Park, Sarasota

The friends of Myakka River State Park will kick off their sixth annual “Nature Adventure” series with new classes and the return of their most popular programs:

The Natural History of Myakka River State Park, a driving tour and nature walk will be 9- 11:30 a.m. Jan. 5. Tracking and Signs Left Behind, an exploration of animal tracks and scats will be 9 a.m.-noon Jan. 13. Participants must be 15 years old. Introduction to the Stars, a course in which participants and budding astronomers learn to use a sky chart and recognize stars and constellations, will be 7-9 p.m. Jan. 23. All classes will be led by Park Rangers and Friends of Myakka River all of whom are contributing their services and sharing their expertise in specific areas of nature and wildlife appreciation. Fees for classes range from $10-$80 and 100 percent of all funds collected will be contributed to the “Myakka Forever” Endowment Fund. Anyone singing up for three or more classes will automatically become a member of the Friends of Myakka River (a $25 value). The $5 per car park entrance fee will be waived for all Nature Adventure participants. Class sizes are limited. read more...