New Seagrass Wading Trip
2024-12-30 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Cedar Point Environmental Park, 2300 Placida Road, Englewood, 34224
BayWatch is pleased to announce that we will be hosting a joint seagrass wading trip with Cedar Point Environmental Center. Join us at Cedar Point Environmental Center, 2300 Placida Rd, Englewood on December 30, 2024 from 9 am to 11 am. After a short walk through the park, participants will wade in the shallow waters of Lemon Bay and use dip nets to discover all the wildlife that lives in the seagrasses! Pre-registration is required, and space is limited so sign up early! Call the office at 941-830-8922 to register or for more information.

Saltwater Ecology
2025-01-02 09:00 - 11:00 | Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve, 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd, Englewood, FL 34224, 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd., Englewood, FL, 34224, United States
One of the major reasons Lemon Creek WIldflower Preserve is so interesting is the juxtaposition of freshwater, estuarine/marine and upland habitats. Join walk leader Dr. Bill Dunson as we focus on learning about some of the plants and animals that live in the tidal environments including the famous juvenile tarpon and halophytic plants. In addition to being able to tolerate high salts, estuarine organisms must tolerate very low oxygen levels and desiccation. The increasing rate of sea level rise will be considered in predicting what the preserve will look like in 50-100 years.
The preserve address is 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd, Englewood 34224.

When visiting the Preserve, closed-toe walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and bug spray are suggested. A water bottle, camera, and binoculars are also encouraged.

Wildflower 101: Introduction to the Preserve Guided Walk
2025-01-07 09:00 - 10:30, 2025-02-04 09:00 - 10:30, 2025-03-04 09:00 - 10:30 | Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve, 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd, Englewood, FL 34224, 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd., Englewood, FL, 34224, United States
Join Paul Townsend and Brad Kort for the monthly “Wildflower 101” introductory guided walk beginning at 9 am. During this is a short, casually-paced walk at Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve, you can expect to see upland and wading birds, native and Florida friendly plants, butterflies and other insects, freshwater and brackish pond water environments, and the Labyrinth on the Hill.
The preserve address is 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd, Englewood 34224.

When visiting the Preserve, closed-toe walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and bug spray are suggested. A water bottle, camera, and binoculars are also encouraged.

Everyone is welcome to attend, please feel free to invite your friends, neighbors, and family to come along and enjoy the early morning sights and sounds.

Kayak trip to explore the western side of Lemon Bay
2025-01-10 09:00 | FL
We will launch at a private dock at the invitation of Bill Dunson. Then paddle south approximately 2 miles hopefully encountering dolphins and manatees. Passing a Lemon Bay Conservancy owned island, Peterson Island and Whidden Key. The new Milton’s Pass with be our destination. Please bring water, snacks, lotion and a sense of humor for a good day. Participants must be bring their own kayaks, life jackets and paddles. As well as be able to comfortably paddle 5-6 miles at a modest pace.

This trip is open to members or member and guest only. Please call Charlie at 914 799 0664 to sign up by Thursday the 9th.

Casual Birding
2025-01-13 08:00 - 10:00, 2025-02-17 08:00 - 10:00, 2025-03-10 08:00 - 10:00 | Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve, 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd, Englewood, FL 34224, 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd., Englewood, FL, 34224, United States
Please join us at 8:00 am as birding expert, Ken Blackshaw leads a casually – paced guided walk through Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve. The preserve includes upland habitats, along with freshwater ponds and brackish water wetlands, that attract a wide variety of birds.
Please remember to bring along your binoculars, water bottle, sunscreen, bug repellent, camera and hat. This program is free and open to the public.

Florida Arbor Day: Plant a Free Tree!
2025-01-17 09:00 - 12:00 | Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve, 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd, Englewood, FL 34224, 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd., Englewood, FL, 34224, United States
With funding support from the Florida Forest Service, Lemon Bay Conservancy is hosting a free tree giveaway on Friday, January 17th, for homeowners in Englewood and surrounding areas.
A total of 100 trees in 3-gallon containers will be available, with a limit of one per household.
Click on this link for all the details and to reserve your free tree: lemonbayconservancy.org/2025-free-tree/

Juvenile Tarpon Research Net Pull
2025-01-18 08:00 - 10:30, 2025-02-15 08:00 - 10:30 | Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve, 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd, Englewood, FL 34224, 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd., Englewood, FL, 34224, United States
Attention all new and returning Tarpon net pull volunteers, are invited to participate in our Tarpon pull event. We will first need to load the seine net and other equipment in the Jon boat before using our UTV to tow the boat over to the ponds located by Fiddlers Green. Please use the Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve parking lot and plan to meet at the equipment shed at 7:45 am. After we have finished loading up, you can then drive your vehicle over to Fiddlers Green and use the carpark there for your convenience. The actual net pull will get underway around 8:30 am starting with the smaller of the two ponds. If you have waders please bring them along with gloves, a hat, water and mosquito repellant. Please contact Malcolm Collingwood at 917-915-1076 or malcolmcollingwood@gmail.com to RSVP for the event. This event is open to everyone in the local community that is interested in participating.

Guided Nature Walk At Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve
2025-01-22 08:30 - 10:30 | Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve, 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd, Englewood, FL 34224, 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd., Englewood, FL, 34224, United States
You are invited to join us for a guided walk beginning at 8:30 am. Our volunteer naturalist, Susy d’Hont will lead a casually-paced, two-hour walk to enjoy the preserve’s ever changing natural sights and sounds. Susy’s walks are free and open to the public!

The preserve address is 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd, Englewood 34224.
When visiting the Preserve, closed-toe walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and bug spray are suggested. A water bottle, camera, and binoculars are also encouraged.

Plen Air Painters Visit
2025-01-23 09:00 - 11:30, 2025-02-27 09:00 - 11:30 | Lemon Bay Conservancy, 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd, Englewood, FL, 34223, United States
Lemon Bay Conservancy welcomes the Plen Air painters to the preserve. Preserve visitors will have the opportunity to observe the painters as they paint at various locations around the preserve.

Lemon Bay Conservancy Annual Meeting with Guest Speaker Dr. Ernesto Lasso de la Vega
2025-01-23 17:00 - 20:00 | Cape Haze Community Center, 180 Spyglass Aly, Placida 33946, 180 Spyglass Alley, Placida, FL, 33946, United States
Following a short business meeting, Dr. Ernesto Lasso de la Vega will discuss the value of clams for improving water quality and the interesting programs underway to restore native clam populations in our local waters.

Refreshments at 5:00. Business meeting begins at 5:30, with presentation immediately following.

Kayak trip from Buck Creek into Lemon Bay to Thornton Key
2025-01-24 09:00 | Buck Creek Preserve – 5350 Placida Rd., 5350 Placida Road, Englewood, FL, 34224, United States
Explore Buck Creek leading to bay and across the bay to Thornton Key. We will paddle up past Rum Bay exploring as we go. Then back across to Buck Creek and up the creek if we have some time. Participants must have kayak life jacket and paddle. Bring water lotion snack and sense of humor. Please plan on paddling 4-5 miles at modest pace.
All paddles are weather dependent and final decision can be at time of paddle, if not before.
This trip is open to members or member and guest only. Please call Charlie at 914 799 0664 to sign up by Thursday, 1/23/25

Late Afternoon Birding Walk
2025-02-05 17:00 - 18:00, 2025-02-15 17:00 - 18:00 | Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve, 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd, Englewood, FL 34224, 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd., Englewood, FL, 34224, United States
Join Bob Ihlenburg and Rachel Samuels for a casually-paced late afternoon birding (and plants) walk. The preserve is beautiful late in the day and the birds are usually very active. The walk begins at 5:00 and will end at 6:00. This is a public event, everyone invited!

Lemon Bay Coastal Seminar Series: New FWC Research Study on Juvenile Tarpon and Snook
2025-02-06 17:30 - 20:00 | Cape Haze Community Center, 180 Spyglass Aly, Placida 33946, 180 Spyglass Alley, Placida, FL, 33946, United States
Tarpon captured in Lemon Creek
Dr. Phil Stevens, from Florida Fish & Wildlife Fisheries Research, will describe the exciting new juvenile tarpon and snook research study beginning this season in creeks and ponds around the Cape Haze peninsula and Charlotte Harbor, including monitoring at Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve. Join us for this free, public seminar.

Refreshments at 5:30. Presentation begins at 6:00.

Coral Creek Afternoon Paddle
2025-02-07 15:30 - 18:00 | FL
A special paddle on Coral Creek for LBC members and your accompanying guests. We will put in at 3:30 pm at private kayak launch on Coral Creek and explore surrounding area. Our host will lead us on an adventure thru the mangroves to the Port Charlotte Aquatic Preserve. Returning to launch site around 5pm. Following the paddle we will enjoy a byo beverage and snacks. Please text Charlie Woodruff to sign up by the 5th of February. 914 799 0664. You must provide your own kayak and safety equipment.

Exploration Day - Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve
2025-02-08 08:30 - 12:30 | Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve, 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd, Englewood, FL 34224, 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd., Englewood, FL, 34224, United States
Volunteer Guide Bob Cooper (right) with a tour group

On Saturday, February 8, 2025, Lemon Bay Conservancy will host its annual “Exporation Day” Nature Festival at Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve, renamed this year from “Open House” to “Exploration Day – Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve”. The free event runs from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm. An “Early Bird” guided bird walk begins at 8:00 am, with information booths and other activities beginning at 8:30. Guided nature walks on various topics will continue throughout the morning. Local environmental groups will provide information exhibits and offer demonstrations of nature projects such as vertical oyster gardening during the event. Everyone is invited to attend this free, community-wide event.
Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve is an 80-acre former golf course with numerous freshwater ponds and the Lemon Creek estuary. It was purchased by Lemon Bay Conservancy in 2010 with the goal of providing a refuge for wildlife and opportunities for environmental education and scientific research. The preserve has been restored to native habitats in partnership with the Southwest Water Management District and NOAA.
Lemon Bay Conservancy is a non-profit organization managed by volunteers and funded by donations, memberships and grants.

Details on the Exploration Day event schedule and participating organizations are available by clicking on this link: 2025 Exploration Day Information
The Preserve is located at 3120 Gasparilla Pines Boulevard, Englewood, FL 34224.

Join us at Exploration Day
2025-02-08 08:30 - 12:30 | FL
In addition to walks and exhibits, we’re pleased to offer short, free talks by subject matter experts. You’ll find these to be both interesting and educational.
8:45 Talk: Englewood Orchid Society led by Jami Grass-Hess
9:15 Seagrass and Lemon Bay led by Kate Rose
10:15 Keep Charlotte Beautiful led by Rhonda Harvey
10:45 Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves led by Jack Wallace
11:15 Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center led by Tome Shaaltiel
11:45 Talk: Juvenile Tarpon Research led by Malcolm Collingwood
Keep updated on our Event page (https://www.facebook.com/events/1168508928031018). Select ‘going’ or ‘interested’ to receive updates.
Or for more info, visit or website at:
https://lemonbayconservancy.org/feb-8-2025-exploration-day-at-lemon-creek-wildflower-preserve/

Butterfly and Plant Tour
2025-02-13 09:00 - 10:00 | Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve, 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd, Englewood, FL 34224, 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd., Englewood, FL, 34224, United States
Maura Qualls and Ann Weaver will lead a walking tour through the Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve Butterfly Habitat at 9:00 am, meeting at the Members entrance area. Join us as we examine the many plants, flowers, and pollinators that are present in our garden. We will offer discussions on how you can establish your own native butterfly and pollinator habitat and will provide an up-close look at nectar and host plants, both native and Florida friendly. Please bring your binoculars, cameras, water bottles, sunscreen, and bug repellent. All participants should wear comfortable, protective attire, especially footwear.

Lemon Bay Paddle from Indian Mound Park
2025-02-14 09:00 - 11:00 | Indian Mound Park, 210 Winson Ave, Englewood, FL, 34223, United States
Paddle Lemon Bay launching from Indian Mound Park in Englewood. Arrive at 9am and launching 9:30. We will explore Lemon Bay on east side up to Lemon Bay Park looking at conditions left by the recent hurricanes. Paddle will last 1.5ish hours and will be a slow too moderate pace. Good time for new paddlers and folks that have been saying that they should get out and use that kayak gathering dust. You must provide your own paddle and safety equipment. Participation limited to LBC Members and your accompanying guests. Contact Charlie Woodruff for additional information. 914-299-0664.

Rosé Ramble
2025-02-14 16:00 - 18:00 | Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve, 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd, Englewood, FL 34224, 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd., Englewood, FL, 34224, United States
Looking for something different to do on Valentine’s Day? Come out to the preserve and enjoy the nature around us with an afternoon walk and social hour. This event is open to LBC members and your accompanying guests. The “ramble” begins at 4:00, with social gathering following under the oaks in the meeting meadow. Bring your own refreshments.

Late Afternoon Birding Walk
2025-02-15 17:00 - 18:00 | Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve, 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd, Englewood, FL 34224, 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd., Englewood, FL, 34224, United States
Join Bob Ihlenburg and Rachel Samuels for a casually-paced late afternoon birding (and plants) walk. The preserve is beautiful late in the day and the birds are usually very active. The walk begins at 5:00 and will end at 6:00. The walk this evening falls during the time period for the Great American Backyard Bird Count, so we’ll be checking off the varieties of birds seen! This is a public event, everyone invited!

Late Afternoon Birding Walk
2025-02-27 17:00 - 18:30 | Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve, 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd, Englewood, FL 34224, 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd., Englewood, FL, 34224, United States
Join Bob Ihlenburg and Rachel Samuels for a casually-paced late afternoon birding (and plants) walk. The preserve is beautiful late in the day and the birds are usually very active. The walk begins at 5:00 and will end at 6:30 This is a public event, everyone invited!

Paddle from Don Pedro State Park
2025-02-28 09:00 - 11:00 | Don Pedro Island State Park, 8450 Placida Rd, Cape Haze, FL, 33946
Depart the Don Pedro State Park Land Base at 9am, launching as soon as everyone is ready. We will paddle across short stretch of the intracoastal waterway and explore a mangrove tunnel to hidden lakes. This paddle does require getting kayaks down a sand path to the water. If you have wheels do bring them. If not we will use our cart. Paddle should be moderate pace and last 1.5 hours. Open to LBC Members and your accompanying guests. Bring your own kayak, paddle, and safety gear, or rent a kayak in advance. Also, bring along water, sun lotion, and your sense of humor. Please text or call Charlie at 914 799 0664 for questions.

This location has rental kayaks available. Call SUP Englewood to arrange a kayak and gear. Their number is 941 265 2925.

Plastic Pulling Paddle
2025-03-07 09:00 - 11:30 | Indian Mound Park, 210 Winson Ave, Englewood, FL, 34223, United States
We invite you to join us on a moderate 2 hour Kayak paddle as we continue working on removing plastic and debris from the mangroves in Lemon Bay Park. Cleanup is easy, fun and very satisfying.
Plan on arriving at Indian Mound Park at 9:00 am and launch at 9:30 am. Please bring your kayak, paddle, life jacket, water, sun lotion, hat, gloves, and a sense of humor. Bring your own snack or lunch.
Rest rooms are available at Lemon Bay Park. This is an LBC members only event. This is a members only event. For questions, contact Charlie Woodruff at 914-799-0664.
