Conservation Foundation to host two Nature Explorers events for Sarasota-Manatee kids

Sarasota Herald-Tribune
·2 min read
Bird watchers have identified 194 avian species at Felts Audubon Preserve, including the indigo bunting. Audubon’s annual Christmas Bird Count includes events for kids on Dec. 11 at the Celery Fields in Sarasota and on Dec. 18 at Felts Audubon Preserve in Palmetto.
Bird watchers have identified 194 avian species at Felts Audubon Preserve, including the indigo bunting. Audubon’s annual Christmas Bird Count includes events for kids on Dec. 11 at the Celery Fields in Sarasota and on Dec. 18 at Felts Audubon Preserve in Palmetto.

OSPREY — The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is planning two Nature Explorers events in December for children age 5-10.

Audubon will hold a Christmas Bird Count for kids on Dec. 11 from 9-11 a.m. at the Celery Fields, located at 6893 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota, and on Dec. 18 from 9-11 a.m. at Felts Audubon Preserve, located at 4600 24th Ave. E., Palmetto.

Christine Johnson is president of the Conservation Foundation.
Christine Johnson is president of the Conservation Foundation.

The nationwide Christmas Bird Count takes place each year from Dec. 14 to Jan. 5. The Conservation Foundation is excited to introduce children to this engaging citizen science tradition. Participants will learn more about the habitats that local lands provide to various bird species, then use their powers of observation to help scientists across the country understand the migratory patterns of different birds.

“Our Nature Explorers program furthers our commitment to youth education and community engagement,” said Christine Johnson, president of the Conservation Foundation. “We hope our Nature Explorers’ events connect more kids to nature and create memorable experiences that lead to a lifelong love of the great outdoors.”

Both events are free but space is limited and registration is required. Capacity is limited to 20 children per event and all children must have a parent or guardian present. To register, visit conservationfoundation.com/events.

Nature Explorers is a public program of the Conservation Foundation’s Next Gen Conservation initiative.

The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast protects land and water in Southwest Florida for the benefit of people and nature by working with landowners, businesses, and government. A nationally accredited land trust, the Conservation Foundation purchases natural areas, holds voluntary land protection agreements, and educates for responsible land and water stewardship in Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, and Collier counties.

For more information, visit conservationfoundation.com.

Submitted by Sam Valentin

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Conservation Foundation to host two Nature Explorers events for kids