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• Upcoming Events

  • When
    Tuesday, October 21, 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Venice United Church of Christ, Naar Hall, 620 Shamrock Rd., Venice

  Register

  Monthly Program: Costa Rica VAAS Trip Recap - October 22

  Enjoy a virtual birding adventure to Costa Rica!   Venice Audubon trip host Eileen Gerle recaps the March 2025 Costa Rica birding trip with photos and more from our most recent international travel adventure.  Learn about the amazing and beautiful birds and birding locations that make Costa Rica a true birder's paradise.  
  

  6:00   Light refreshments

  6:15   Chapter business and announcements

  6:30   Program

  Registration is appreciated but not required.

  
  

  Little Naturalists: Little Nature Detectives - November 1
  

  Children ages 3-5 with an accompanying adult are invited to learn about nature around us by exploring and looking for clues!  This is a FREE program.  Registration required.  Sign up here:  https://veniceaudubon.org/event-6279017

  
  

   Bird Walk Field Trips

  Join us for a morning walk during fall migration!  Details for each walk are available on the website Calendar:  https://veniceaudubon.org/events

   

  
  

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• Pinecraft Park Field Trip

  • When
    Friday, October 24, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    1420 Gilbert Ave, Sarasota

  Register

  Barred owls, woodpeckers, warblers, vireos, thrushes and more in a wooded urban oasis, one of the area’s hotter “hotspots.”The area is small, but some walking may be difficult over up and down irregular paths. About 1.5 to 2 miles walking .

  Park in the main lot; water and restrooms available.  Meet at 8 a.m. in the parking lot. 

  Hosts: Tom and Linda Litteral, tlitteral@comcast.net

  Registration is appreciated but not required.

  
  

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• Celery Fields Field Trip

  • When
    Friday, October 31, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • Location
    Sarasota Audubon Nature Center, 6888 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota

  Register

  A spectacular birding hotspot, with ducks, herons, egrets and a good chance at Purple Gallinules, among other species. 

  Meet at the picnic tables at the Sarasota Audubon Nature Center, 6888 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota.  Restrooms available in the parking lot.

  Host:  Eileen Gerle: egerle@veniceaudubon.org

  Participants will be required to sign a liability waiver before beginning the field trip.

  Registration is appreciated but not required.

  
  

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• Little Naturalists: Little Nature Detectives

  • When
    Saturday, November 01, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    Venice Audubon Center, 4002 S. Tamiami Tr, Venice
  • Spaces left
    10

  Register

  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 1 - Little Nature Detectives
  • December 6 - Budding Naturalists
  • January 3 - What's for Dinner?
  • February 7 -Where's my Momma?

  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 Venice Audubon Center,    2002  S. Tamiami Trail., Venice, FL 34293. (Located on Annex Rd. behind the Anderson County Bldg.)

  There is no fee but donations are welcome.

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

  Download flyer:  Little Naturalists 2025.pdf

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Wildflower Preserve Field Trip

  • When
    Thursday, November 06, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • Location
    3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd., Englewood, FL

  Register

  The Wildflower Preserve is a former golf course that has been reclaimed and returned to its natural state by the Hurculean effort of the Lemon Bay Conservancy.  Many bird species are present including wading birds, raptors and warblers.

  Host: Mike Weisensee, mike17554@gmail.com

  All participants will be required to sign a waiver before beginning the field trip.   

  Registration is appreciated but not required.

  
  

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• Volunteer Saturday

  • When
    Saturday, November 08, 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    Venice Audubon Center, 4002 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice

  Register

  This month's Volunteer Saturday is scheduled from 9:00-11:00 AM.  Whether you can volunteer just once or on a regular basis, please join us!  Youth volunteers under age 18 are welcome with an adult.   For minors wishing to earn volunteer hours (school, scout, etc.), please email in advance.  

  Gardening and outdoor projects will be a priority, weather permitting.  Indoor projects may include preparing the Center and/or materials for upcoming events and activities.  Projects will vary seasonally or by need.  We suggest you bring water, sunscreen, bug spray, a hat, and sturdy shoes.

  Contact email mailto:info@veniceaudubon.org if you need more information.

  Registration is appreciated to help us prepare our projects and update volunteers about changes due to weather, but is not required.

  
  

  
  

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• Mondays @ 10 - Book Club: Florida Scrub-Jay

  • When
    Monday, November 10, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    Venice Audubon Center, 4002 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice

  Register

  Join us for our monthly book club discussion at the Venice Audubon Center.

  Read the book if you can, but please feel free to join the in-person Book Club discussion this  month even if you haven't had time or opportunity to do so.

  Florida Scrub-Jay: Field Notes on a Vanishing Bird by Mark Jerome Walters walks readers through locations throughout Florida where our state's only endemic bird species has habitually resided.  Taking a close-up view of current Florida Scrug-jay families with local wildlife observers, the future of this charismatic species is examined.  With chapters devoted to locations such as Sarasota County and Lake Wales Ridge, readers will gain insights into local colonies and some of our closest opportunities to view these birds. 

  Registration not necessary but appreciated.  

  NOTE:  This is for in-person discussion.  The Zoom discussion group will be listed as a separate, registration-required event.  

  
  

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• Book Club Zoom Discussion: Florida Scrub-Jay

  • When
    Wednesday, November 12, 2025
  •  
    6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    Online (Zoom link will be provided after registration)

  Register

  Join the Zoom online Book Club discussion on the 2nd Monday of the month.  

  Read the book if you can, but please feel free to join the in-person Book Club discussion this  month even if you haven't had time or opportunity to do so.

  Florida Scrub-Jay: Field Notes on a Vanishing Bird by Mark Jerome Walters walks readers through locations throughout Florida where our state's only endemic bird species has habitually resided.  Taking a close-up view of current Florida Scrug-jay families with local wildlife observers, the future of this charismatic species is examined.  With chapters devoted to locations such as Sarasota County and Lake Wales Ridge, readers will gain insights into local colonies and some of our closest opportunities to view these birds. 

  NOTE:  This is an online Zoom discussion.  

  Registration required to receive the Zoom link.

  
  

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• Manasota Scrub Preserve Field Trip

  • When
    Saturday, November 15, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Location
    Manasota Scrub Preserve, 2695 Bridge Street, Englewood

  Register

  An excellent hike when migrating birds stop by this beautiful 154 acre preserve which is part of the Lemon Bay watershed.  About two miles walking along level trails. 

  Meet at 8:00 in the parking area at 2695 Bridge Street, Englewood.   No water or restrooms available.

  Hosts: Tom & Linda Litteral, tlitteral@comcast.net

  All participants will be required to sign a waiver before beginning the field trip.   

  Registration is appreciated but not required.

  
  

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• Environmental Lands Celebration

  • When
    Saturday, November 15, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    Deer Prairie Creek Preserve South, 10201 S. Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34293

  Stop by our Venice Area Audubon Society table at Sarasota County's Environmental Lands Celebration today!  This is a family-friendly event with lots of activities, speakers, music, and more.  For more details: Sarasota County's Environmental Lands Celebration.  We hope to see you at the preserve!

  
  

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• Monthly Program: An Evening with Stan Tekiela

  • When
    Saturday, November 15, 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Venice United Church of Christ, Naar Hall, 620 Shamrock Rd., Venice

  Register

  PLEASE NOTE:   SPECIAL DATE!  Saturday, November 15

  Naturalist, wildlife photographer, and author Stan Tekiela joins us for a very special evening suitable for the whole family.  Tonight's program is based on Stan's book Feathers and promises to be both fun and educational as we learn about the many types of feathers and their important functions for a bird's survival.  Stan's outstanding photography will accompany his presentation, illustrating the features and beauty of feathers.

  Stan is the author of The Kids' Guide to Birds of Florida, which has been provided to students and teachers attending the 2nd Grade Birdwatchers Program field trips to the Rookery through the generosity of Friends of the Venice Public Library.
  

  After the program, Stan will sign books brought to the program or purchased this evening.  The Island Bookshop will provide a selection of Stan's books for sale.  The complete list of Stan's books is available here: https://naturesmart.com/book-store/  Not all books will be available for sale at the event.

  6:00   Light refreshments

  6:15   Chapter business and announcements

  6:30   Program 

  Registration is appreciated but not required.

  
  

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• Alligator Creek Fest

  • When
    Saturday, November 22, 2025
  •  
    11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    South Venice Yacht Club, 4425 Yacht Club Drive Venice, FL 34293

  Stop by our Venice Area Audubon Society table at the 6th 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. 

  
  

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• Grand Lake at Wellen Park Field Trip

  • When
    Saturday, December 06, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • Location
    19795 Wellen Park Blvd., Venice, FL 34293

  Register

  Walk around the Grand Lake at Wellen Park to see wading birds, ducks, fly-overs and possibly least bitterns. The path is easy to walk because it is packed shell or paved. 

  Meet out in front of Foxtail Coffee House in downtown Wellen Park at 8:00 AM. After the walk, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy getting to know fellow birders.

  Hosts:  Pattie Haynes and Bob Clark. Contact: Bob Clark, rlwclark@gmail.com

  All participants will be required to sign a liability waiver before beginning the bird walk.

  Registration is appreciated but not required.

  
  

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• Little Naturalists: Budding Naturalists

  • When
    Saturday, December 06, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    Venice Audubon Center, 4002 S. Tamiami Tr, Venice
  • Spaces left
    12

  Register

  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 1 - Little Nature Detectives
  • December 6 - Budding Naturalists
  • January 3 - What's for Dinner?
  • February 7 -Where's my Momma?

  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 Venice Audubon Center,    2002  S. Tamiami Trail., Venice, FL 34293. (Located on Annex Rd. behind the Anderson County Bldg.)

  There is no fee but donations are welcome.

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

  Download flyer:  Little Naturalists 2025.pdf

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• 2025 Christmas Bird Count

  • When
    Sunday, December 14, 2025
  • Location
    Venice-Englewood area

  Register

  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. 

  Plan to join us for the CBC After Social at the Venice Audubon Center at 4 PM.  Snacks and beverages provided.  BYOB if you choose.   Share your count experience, any rare bird sightings, and general good cheer as we toast to our participation in this 126th annual event!

  New volunteers and new birders are always welcome!   

  Please register to receive further details about the event.  NOTE:  Last day to register is November 30.

  
  

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• Monthly Program: Conservation Advocacy

  • When
    Tuesday, December 16, 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Venice United Church of Christ, Naar Hall, 620 Shamrock Rd., Venice

  Register

  How can individual voices be effective advocates for conservation?  Will anyone  hear me if I speak up for wildlife?  Tonight's program offers information and strategies to help us use our voices to create awareness and policy change to protect our natural resources and the wildlife that inhabit the land, water, and air. Be ready to take a few notes! 

  Tonight's speaker is Jan Vertefeuille, Senior Advisor for Advocacy, Wildlife Conservation for the World Wildlife Fund.  As a Venice resident, Jan also is well-acquainted with our local and state conservation issues as well as the avenues to creating public policy change.

  6:00   Light refreshments

  6:15   Chapter business and announcements

  6:30   Program

  Registration is appreciated but not required.

  
  

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• Little Naturalists: What's for Dinner?

  • When
    Saturday, January 03, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    Venice Audubon Center, 4002 S. Tamiami Tr, Venice
  • Spaces left
    12

  Register

  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 1 - Little Nature Detectives
  • December 6 - Budding Naturalists
  • January 3 - What's for Dinner?
  • February 7 -Where's my Momma?

  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 Venice Audubon Center,    2002  S. Tamiami Trail., Venice, FL 34293. (Located on Annex Rd. behind the Anderson County Bldg.)

  There is no fee but donations are welcome.

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

  Download flyer:  Little Naturalists 2025.pdf

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Monthly Program - The Little Brown Bird

  • When
    Tuesday, January 20, 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Venice United Church of Christ, Naar Hall, 620 Shamrock Rd., Venice

  Register

  Tonight we'll view the award-winning short film, The Little Brown Bird. 

  Once down to 80 in the wild, the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow is at risk of extinction.   Biologist Fabiola ‘Fabby’ Baeza-Tarin and an unexpected team work together to protect the sparrows, their shrinking habitat, and the headwaters of the Everglades.

  We're honored to have joining us Fabiola Baeza-Tarin,  the film's featured biologist, for a discussion. 

  

  6:00   Light refreshments

  6:15   Chapter business and announcements

  6:30   Program

  Registration is appreciated but not required.

  
  

  Show details
• Little Naturalists: Where's my Momma?

  • When
    Saturday, February 07, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    Venice Audubon Center, 4002 S. Tamiami Tr, Venice
  • Spaces left
    12

  Register

  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 1 - Little Nature Detectives
  • December 6 - Budding Naturalists
  • January 3 - What's for Dinner?
  • February 7 -Where's my Momma?

  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 Venice Audubon Center,    2002  S. Tamiami Trail., Venice, FL 34293. (Located on Annex Rd. behind the Anderson County Bldg.)

  There is no fee but donations are welcome.

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

  Download flyer:  Little Naturalists 2025.pdf

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Monthly Program

  • When
    Tuesday, February 17, 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Venice United Church of Christ, Naar Hall, 620 Shamrock Rd., Venice

  Register

  Program information coming soon!

  6:00   Light refreshments

  6:15   Chapter business and announcements

  6:30   Program

  Registration is appreciated but not required.

  
  

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• Rookery Day 2026

  • When
    Saturday, February 21, 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Venice Audubon Center and Park, 4002 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL

  Register

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

  • Observe nesting egrets, herons, ibis and more
  • Guided walks around the Rookery Pond 
  • Purple Martin presentation
  • Learning activities for children and adults

  More details to come!

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• Monthly Program

  • When
    Tuesday, March 17, 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Venice United Church of Christ, Naar Hall, 620 Shamrock Rd., Venice

  Register

  Program information coming soon!

  6:00   Light refreshments

  6:15   Chapter business and announcements

  6:30   Program

  Registration is appreciated but not required.

  
  

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• Monthly Program: Annual Meeting

  • When
    Tuesday, April 21, 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Venice United Church of Christ, Naar Hall, 620 Shamrock Rd., Venice

  Register

  Program information coming soon!

  6:00   Light refreshments

  6:15   Chapter business and announcements

  6:30   Program

  Registration is appreciated but not required.

  
  

  Show details