Venice Area Audubon Society upcoming events

Book Club Zoom Discussion: Wesley the Owl (Wednesday, October 14, 2026)

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 22:30:00 GMT

This month we're celebrating "Owl-o-Ween" with a charming real life story of an animal-human experience. Wesley the Owl by Stacey O'Brien recounts her unique relationship with a non-releasable barn owl named Wesley and the discoveries that emerged about the complexities of barn owls' lives. Over the course of their years together, O'Brien comes to learn the special language that develops between Wesley and herself, along with the owl's amazing intelligence and behaviors. The book was a New York Times and Los Angeles Times Bestseller.

Discussion Leader: Jean Pichler

NOTE: This is an online Zoom discussion.

Registration required to receive the Zoom link.

Alligator Creek Fest (Saturday, October 17, 2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Stop by our Venice Area Audubon Society table at the 7th Annual Alligator Creek Fest! Browse the displays, take a kayak or e-bike tour, enjoy free BBQ, raffle and music!

This family-friendly community event is sponsored by Science and Environment Council of Southwest Florida, Inc.

Monthly Program: 2026 Galapagos Islands Trip Highlights (Tuesday, October 20, 2026)

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 22:00:00 GMT

"Return to Galapagos" tonight with photos and stories recounting the May 2026 Venice Area Audubon trip to the Galapagos Islands. Trip leader Eileen Gerle and other travelers will share their highlights and adventures as they recount observations and experiences on the quest for some of the islands' amazing birds and other wildlife.

6:00 Gathering and light refreshments

6:30 Chapter business and announcements

7:00 Program

Registration is appreciated but not required.

Little Naturalists: Little Nature Detectives (Saturday, November 07, 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Children ages 3 to 5 years old and an accompanying adult are invited to learn about the natural world all around us by looking for clues in nature. Big Naturalist and environmental educator Eileen Gerle leads this hour-long program that includes story time, a nature walk, and a craft.

Please sign up for each month separately. The themes are:

November 7 - Little Nature Detectives
December 5 - Sensing Nature
January 2 - Colors of Nature
February 6 - Recycling Fun

Children are asked to wear sturdy, closed footwear and to bring a water bottle. Registration is limited to twelve to ensure a small group experience.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for each month invidually.

PLEASE NOTE: This year's program takes place at Shamrock Park Nature Center, 3900 Shamrock Dr., Venice, FL 34293. There is no fee but donations are welcome.

If you have any questions, contact Eileen Gerle at egerle@veniceaudubon.org

Download flyer: Little Naturalists 2026.pdf

Book Club Zoom Discussion: Hope Matters (Wednesday, November 11, 2026)

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Elin Kelsey's Hope Matters challenges readers to reframe their thinking from doom and gloom to hope by examining the efforts made by journalists and conservationists in highlighting positive impacts by determined individuals and groups who refuse to give in to despair. In a time when the assault on the environment is particularly heightened, the author offers encouragment to continue to work toward positive change.

Discussion Leader: Jean Pichler

NOTE: This is an online Zoom discussion.

Registration required to receive the Zoom link.

Monthly Program: Protecting and Rehabilitating Wild Birds in the Venice Area (Tuesday, November 17, 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

What perils face our local Venice-area wild bird populations, how can we better protect them, and what happens when birds need our help? Pam DeFouw, Executive Director of Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida, will provide a brief history of Venice's Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida and how the Center is addressing the needs of wild birds in our area of southwest Florida. Learn how to help our bird population both in emergency situations and over the long haul.

6:00 Gathering and light refreshments

6:30 Chapter business and announcements

7:00 Program

Registration is appreciated but not required.

Little Naturalists: Sensing Nature (Saturday, December 05, 2026)

Sat, 05 Dec 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Please sign up for each month separately. The themes are:

November 7 - Little Nature Detectives
December 5 - Sensing Nature
January 2 - Colors of Nature
February 6 - Recycling Fun

Children are asked to wear sturdy, closed footwear and to bring a water bottle. Registration is limited to twelve to ensure a small group experience.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for each month invidually.

PLEASE NOTE: This year's program takes place at Shamrock Park Nature Center, 3900 Shamrock Dr., Venice, FL 34293. There is no fee but donations are welcome.

If you have any questions, contact Eileen Gerle at egerle@veniceaudubon.org

Download flyer: Little Naturalists 2026.pdf

Book Club Zoom Discussion: How Flowers Made Our World (Wednesday, December 09, 2026)

Wed, 09 Dec 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Bring on the flowers! In How Flowers Made Our World, author David George Haskell makes the case that flowers are much more than mere decorations or celebratory bouquets. Their "soft power" comes from their unique place in evolutionary history, the biology of flowers, and their role in human culture and economics.

Discussion Leader: Jean Pichler

NOTE: This is an online Zoom discussion.

Registration required to receive the Zoom link.

Monthly Program: Florida Bats! (Tuesday, December 15, 2026)

Tue, 15 Dec 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Have you watched in awe as the bats depart from their houses nightly at the Venice Rookery? Or perhaps you've been surprised to see bats in your neighborhood and wondered about them. What exactly do bats do all day and night? Are they friends or foes in our ecosystems? Join us for a discussion of one of our most misunderstood mammals: bats. We will learn the natural history, fun facts, and beneficial aspects of Florida’s native bats. Learn what bats are in our area and why we want them here!

Presenter: Dr. Katherine Clements, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County ecology and natural resources educator

6:00 Gathering and light refreshments

6:30 Chapter business and announcements

7:00 Program

Registration is appreciated but not required.

2026 Christmas Bird Count (Sunday, December 20, 2026)

Sun, 20 Dec 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The Audubon Christmas Bird Count is the oldest community science project in the United States with the first count taking place on December 25, 1900. The history of this event has grown tremendously since then and occurs annual between December 14 and January 5, utilizing thousands of volunteers throughout the country.

Venice Area Audubon Society, a long-time participant in this project, adds to the national bird count by surveying the local Venice-Englewood area annually on one designated morning. Over 100 volunteers survey a 15-mile circumference circle extending from downtown Venice to I-75 to Manasota Key. Volunteers proceed to specific locations to observe and record the species and number of birds sighted, then report the information to the VAAS Christmas Bird Count coordinator for submission to National Audubon.

Volunteer registration information to come in October 2026.

Little Naturalists: Little Nature Detectives (Saturday, January 02, 2027)

Sat, 02 Jan 2027 15:00:00 GMT

Please sign up for each month separately. The themes are:

November 7 - Little Nature Detectives
December 5 - Sensing Nature
January 2 - Colors of Nature
February 6 - Recycling Fun

Children are asked to wear sturdy, closed footwear and to bring a water bottle. Registration is limited to twelve to ensure a small group experience.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for each month invidually.

PLEASE NOTE: This year's program takes place at Shamrock Park Nature Center, 3900 Shamrock Dr., Venice, FL 34293. There is no fee but donations are welcome.

If you have any questions, contact Eileen Gerle at egerle@veniceaudubon.org

Download flyer: Little Naturalists 2026.pdf

Book Club Zoom Discussion: Fastest Things on Wings (Wednesday, January 13, 2027)

Wed, 13 Jan 2027 23:30:00 GMT

Terry Masear's biography includes many interesting details, not the least of which could include something like "licensed wildlife rehabber who has rescued and rehailitated over 10,000 hummingbirds". Read her first person story in Fastest Things on Wings as she recounts her encounters with the winged jewels that rewrote her purpose and helped develope the special relationship she holds with hummingbirds in Los Angeles and beyond.

Discussion Leader: Jean Pichler

NOTE: This is an online Zoom discussion.

Registration required to receive the Zoom link.

Little Naturalists: Little Nature Detectives (Saturday, February 06, 2027)

Sat, 06 Feb 2027 15:00:00 GMT

Please sign up for each month separately. The themes are:

November 7 - Little Nature Detectives
December 5 - Sensing Nature
January 2 - Colors of Nature
February 6 - Recycling Fun

Children are asked to wear sturdy, closed footwear and to bring a water bottle. Registration is limited to twelve to ensure a small group experience.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for each month invidually.

PLEASE NOTE: This year's program takes place at Shamrock Park Nature Center, 3900 Shamrock Dr., Venice, FL 34293. There is no fee but donations are welcome.

If you have any questions, contact Eileen Gerle at egerle@veniceaudubon.org

Download flyer: Little Naturalists 2026.pdf

Monthly Program: Avian Anatomy (Tuesday, February 16, 2027)

Tue, 16 Feb 2027 23:00:00 GMT

Birds are equipped with a unique anatomy enabling them to survive and thrive in a wide variety of climates and locations. Tonight's program with Dr. Maria Passarelli, Avian Veterinarian, will highlight aspects of birds' anatomy that go beyond exterior features and offer fascinating information to expose how highly adapted birds are in the animal kingdom.

6:00 Gathering and light refreshments

6:30 Chapter business and announcements

7:00 Program

Registration is appreciated but not required.

Rookery Day 2027 (Saturday, February 20, 2027)

Sat, 20 Feb 2027 14:00:00 GMT

Mark your calendar for Rookery Day, a fun, family-friendly morning at the Venice Audubon Center and Audubon Rookery Park.

More details to come for:

guided walks
presentations
activities
volunteer opportunities

Monthly Program: Celebrating Our Volunteers (Tuesday, March 16, 2027)

Tue, 16 Mar 2027 22:00:00 GMT

Celebrating Our Volunteers is tonight's theme as we honor and acknowledge the many people who bring Venice Area Audubon Society's activities, events, and programs to life. This is a night for EVERYONE - volunteers and participants - to enjoy a fun-filled evening to say thank you and celebrate our Venice Area Audubon Society community, Please plan to attend if able!

6:00 Gathering and light refreshments

6:30 Chapter business and announcements

7:00 Program

Registration is appreciated but not required.

Monthly Program: Program & Annual Meeting (Tuesday, April 20, 2027)

Tue, 20 Apr 2027 22:00:00 GMT

Program information to be updated.

6:00 Ice cream social

6:30 Chapter business and announcements

7:00 Program

Registration is appreciated but not required.