wcw FEB 2022

health and wellness
The weather is perfect for a guided hike
EcoWalks are a great way to discover plants, nature and serenity
UF/IFAS Sarasota County Extension
services is a partnership
between state, federal,
and county governments to
provide scientific knowledge
and expertise to the public. The University
of Florida (UF), together with Florida
A&M University (FAMU), administers the
Florida Cooperative Extension Service.
The goal is to develop knowledge about
our natural resources.
They offer numerous classes in
Sarasota both online and in person.
Here we’re highlighting their EcoWalks
since you may want to be outside enjoying
nature and our beautiful weather.
Best to register ASAP as their walks are
very popular. If you miss out, note that
there are similar events offered on future
dates. For questions or further information,
call 941-861-5000 or email sarasota@ifas.ufl.edu.
FEBRUARY 11
■ EcoWalk: For the Love of
Nature - Sleeping Turtles
Preserve South
Join a UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota
County educator and learn more about
Florida ecosystems. Join a UF/IFAS
Sarasota County Extension educator,
Dr. Katherine Clements and her husband
Tony Clements, Sarasota County
Parks Manager at one of their favorite
County Preserves.
Take a leisurely stroll through some
beautiful and environmentally sensitive
lands that have been preserved in
Sarasota County and learn more about
what makes these areas so unique and
important, the plants and animals that
inhabit them.
Meet by preserve sign off River Road
south of I-75, just before entrance to
interstate (not in parking lot). Carefully
pull off onto grass. Register for this
event only at ufsarasotaext.eventbrite.
com rather than any third party websites,
as they are not affiliated with their
classes and events.
FEBRUARY 25
■ EcoWalk: Invasive Plants at
Pinecraft Park
Learn more about invasive plants and
their impacts on our ecosystems during
Pinecraft Park
Pinecraft Park
National Invasive Species Awareness
Week (NISAW). Join Dr. Katherine Clements,UF/IFAS
Extension Sarasota County
ecology and natural resources educator
at Pinecraft Park for a walking tour to
identify non-native, invasive plants.
Learn about how and when they were
introduced to our region, their impacts
on our Florida ecosystems, and find out
what you can do to be a responsible
property owner. Non-native invasive
plants and animals are one of the leading
threats to native biodiversity around
the world. They can negatively affect
property values, agricultural productivity,
public utilities, fisheries, tourism,
outdoor recreation, and ecosystem
function, and are estimated to cost the
United States as much as $120 billion in
economic damages and control measures
each year.
Masks and social distancing are recommended
and expected at all University
of Florida events. NOTE: Appropriate
for ages 12 and up. Register for this event
only at ufsarasotaext.eventbrite.com
rather than any third party websites, as
they are not affiliated with their classes
and events.
MARCH 1
■ Mindful Movement in the
Mangroves at The Bay
Join in for an exploration of finding
peace within nature along a mostly
silent walk amongst the mangroves of
The Bay Park. Face masks and social
distancing are recommended and expected
at University of Florida events.
They’ll draw upon
many traditions
and cultures for a
non-denominational
approach to
connecting with
ourselves and nature
and get healthier
along the way. Many
traditions use some
form of meditation,
focus, contemplation,
reflection, or
breath work to quiet
the mind and center
the body and spirit.
Recent scientific
research has shown
that Shinrin yoku
(a form of “forest
bathing” practiced
in Japan) decreases
levels of cortisol- a
stress hormone, lowers
pulse rate and
blood pressure, and
decreases sympathetic
nerve activity
(our fight or flight
response). Research
also indicates being in
nature increases brain
alpha waves (relaxed
awareness), improves
concentration
and problem-solving
ability, improves self-esteem, and has
immune system benefits that may decrease
our risk for developing disease.
Meet (and park) at the Blue Pagoda
building at The Bay Park. No prior experience
needed. Recommended to wear
comfortable, loose clothing and bring
water and a portable chair or blanket to
sit upon as we will stop to sit along the
trail. Appropriate for ages 12-102.
Register for this event only at ufsarasotaext.eventbrite.com
rather than any
third party websites, as they are not affiliated
with their classes and events.
Instructor: Dr. Katherine Clements,
UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County
ecology and natural resources educator,
or Noreen Delaney, UF/IFAS Extension
Sarasota County volunteer
MARCH 2
■ EcoWalk: Unique Preserves
of Sarasota County -
Manasota Scrub
Join us to learn more about our amazing
and unique Florida ecosystems. Take a
leisurely stroll through some of our most
beautiful and enviroFace masks and social
distancing are recommended and
expected at University of Florida events.
Limited tickets available and you must
be registered to attend. Join us to learn
more about our amazing and unique
Florida ecosystems. Take a leisurely stroll
through some of our most beautiful and
environmentally sensitive lands that
have been preserved in Sarasota County
and learn more about what makes
these areas so unique and important, the
plants and animals that inhabit them,
how to be watershed wise, and the management
issues faced when trying to
preserve these lands
for future generations.
Register early
through ufsarasotaext.eventbrite.
com to reserve your
spot and receive notice
of any changes.
For this walk, meet
at the boardwalk
parking lot on the
left after turning
onto Bridge Street.
Most appropriate
for ages 12 and up.
S. Venice Lemon Bay Preserve
Manasota Scrub
Instructor: UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota
County educator For questions or further
information, call 941-861-5000 or
email sarasota@ifas.ufl.edu.
MARCH 8
■ EcoWalk: Scrub Stroll and
Eagle watch - South Venice
Lemon Bay Preserve
Join in for a stroll through the scrub as we
look for interesting plants and animals!-
Face masks and social distancing are
REQUIRED at University of Florida events.
Limited tickets available and you must
be registered to attend. Join Dr. Katherine
Clements, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota
County ecology and natural resources
educator, for a stroll through the scrub,
a unique environment in an ancient dune
system. Register for this event ONLY
at ufsarasotaext.eventbrite.com rather
than any third party websites, as they are
not affiliated with our classes and events.
This unique habitat is home to a variety
of plants and other animals. Learn about
threatened, endemic, and keystone species
such as the Florida scrub-jay and
gopher tortoise. Appreciate the wonders
of the scrub and how we can help protect
this dwindling habitat. Participants
should wear comfortable footwear for
walking in soft sand. Be prepared for
limited shade. Most appropriate for ages
12 and up. Instructor: UF/IFAS Extension
Sarasota County educator.
For a full listing of classes, visit
https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/events/
?location=sarasota
FEBRUARY 2022 WEST COAST WOMAN 27