The Venice Urban Forest trail been years in the works and is still being developed. The nearly 2-mile trail goes along the abandoned railroad right-of way-adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway Park path. Florida Native trees, shrubs and flowers have been planted along the trail to provide habitat for birds and other wildlife, as well as to provide an urban oasis for relaxation for young and old.  eBird now lists 95 all-time bird species in the forest.  Maybe a group of savvy birders can add a few bird species to that list while on our walk.

The walk is along a level, dirt path.

Because the forest is fairly narrow, we are restricting this walk to no more than 15 birders on a first-come, first served, basis. ADVANCED REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Meeting Location:
The meeting point is a small parking area at the trailhead of the Venice Urban Forest. At the intersection of U.S. 41 and Venice Ave, take Venice Avenue west towards downtown Venice. Stay in the right lane of Venice Avenue when approaching the bridge, then keep going straight onto the side road to the right  side of the bridge. instead of going over the bridge. Take the side road to the end (you’ll see the old Venice train depot on your right), then make a U-turn, going under the bridge, then look to the right to enter the dirt parking area just feet past the Venetian Waterway Park trail.