Nature

Want to lerarn about local wildlife?  Take a hike or a canoe ride to discover hidden treasures? 

Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau has launched a new website: DiscoverNaturalSarasota.org. 

Learn about the marine life, aquariums, botanical gardens, where to kayak, where to fish, and where to walk in silence and absorb the natural beauty of our very special location.

This new website is a terrific companion site to SarasotaFL.org, the official tourism site for Sarasota County.

Press Release from Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission

There's a new rule from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) about feeding pelicans. Don't do it.

Brown pelicans, due to their social nature, become dependent on discarded fish and fish scraps. The birds will often congregate in places where the scraps are readily available and rely on the scraps as a major source of food.

Mark Cramer will be a regular contributor to this website. He is passionate about wildlife rescue, and has a lot to teach us.

Hook a pelican or shorebird -
Cut the line...
Dead pelican!

Pelican Friendly Fishing Tips &
Rescue Instructions

• Never feed pelicans - it is harmful and illegal
• Reuse left over bait - freeze it or give it to other fishermen Reel in your line if pelicans/shorebirds are near
• If a pelican flies into your line, free spool so the pelican has a chance to slip the line.
• Do not leave your lines unattended when pelicans are near.
• Change location if pelicans show interest in bait or catch
• Release catch quietly away from pelicans
• Inspect your gear & terminal tackle - avoid unwanted line breaks
• Use circle hooks or crimp barbs to avoid injury to wildlife
• Never cast toward wildlife
• Recycle fishing line and stash your trash

This is an excerpt from the Lemon Bay-Myakka Trail Scenic Highway Committee's website.  To visit the website: Click Here

A Scenic Highway And An Historic Gem