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• Venice Audubon Center Clean Up

  • When
    Wednesday, November 19, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Venice Audubon Center, 4002 S. Tamiami Tr., Venice

  Register

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• Red Bug Slough Field Trip

  • When
    Saturday, November 22, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • Location
    5200 Beneva Rd., Sarasota

  Register

  Birding here in past years in spring has been great. We’ll look for waders, waterfowl, warblers and more.

  About 1.5 miles walking along level trails. Meet in the parking lot at 8:00 a.m.

  Host:  Bailey Cleveland, baileycleveland92@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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• 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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• Carlton Reserve Field Trip

  • When
    Monday, November 24, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • Location
    1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway, Venice, FL

  Register

  Walk about 2 miles in this gorgeous reserve in search of woodpeckers, warblers and other species.  Participants are encouraged to use eBird and iNaturalist apps to document bird and plant species along the trail route.  Bring binoculars, water, and wear sturdy shoes. Meet at the main parking lot at 8:00 a.m.

  Hosts:  Patti Haynes, patti.haynes@gmail.com, Margaret Viens

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

  Registration is appreciated but not required.

  
  

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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
    9

  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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• Mondays @ 10 - Book Club: The Legacy of Luna

  • When
    Monday, December 08, 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.

  The Legacy of Luna by Julia Butterfly Hill recounts the true story of a woman dedicated to protecting a tree during a two-year long effort that would challenge anyone's sense of determination.  Her commitment leaves the reader with a question: How long would I stay in the crown of this tree to take on a major timber company?  

  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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• State College of Florida - Venice Campus Field Trip

  • When
    Tuesday, December 09, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • Location
    State College of Florida, Venice Campus, 8000 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, Fl 34293

  Register

  Join leaders Patti Haynes and Bob Clark on a tour around Lake Jervey and the surrounding SCF campus, located just south of the Wellen Park retail area on U.S. 41. Enjoy herons, egrets, ducks and more, highlighted by colorful Purple Gallinules.

  Meet at 8:00 a.m. in the main parking lot next to the lake. Please note: most of this walk takes place on a paved path around the lake, so it is a particularly good walk for those with some physical limitations, including those requiring walkers or wheelchairs.

  Host:  Patti Haynes and Bob Clark, rlwclark@gmail.com

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

  Registration is appreciated but not required.

  
  

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• Book Club Zoom Discussion: The Legacy of Luna

  • When
    Wednesday, December 10, 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.

  The Legacy of Luna by Julia Butterfly Hill recounts the true story of a woman dedicated to protecting a tree during a two-year long effort that would challenge anyone's sense of determination.  Her commitment leaves the reader with a question: How long would I stay in the crown of this tree to take on a major timber company?  

  NOTE:  This is an online Zoom discussion.  

  Registration required to receive the Zoom link.

  
  

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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 our post-CBC gathering on Tuesday, December 16 @ 5 PM, before the December Program Meeting.  We'll meet in Naar Hall at Venice United Church of Christ, 620 Shamrock Rd., Venice.

  New volunteers and new birders are welcome.   We are especially in need of mid-level birders.

  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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• Myakka River State Park Field Trip

  • When
    Wednesday, December 17, 2025
  •  
    8:15 AM
  • Location
    13208 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL

  Register

  NOTE:  This field trip is tentative due to the closure of some areas for vegetation restoration projects within the park.  An update will be provided to registrants in December prior to the field trip date. 

  This extraordinary wildlife preserve offers some of the best birding in Sarasota County, and the trip involves driving to a number of different birding sites, so consider carpooling with friends. Only a little walking will be involved.  Sharon Wilcox will be our guide.

  Park opens at 8:00 AM.  Meet at the first bridge at 8:15 AM.  State Park entry fee is $6 per car.

  Hosts: Jack Foard and Bill Fairbank.  Contact: wgfairbank@gmail.com

  Registration is appreciated but not required.

  
  

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• Rookery Docents Meeting

  • When
    Saturday, December 20, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Location
    Venice Audubon Center, 4002 S. Tamiami Tr, Venice, FL

  Register

  For all new and returning docents, the meeting will include important information and discussion for the upcoming season.  

  After the meeting, participants will do a "walk around" at the Rookery.

  Meet at the Venice Audubon Center.  Dress for the weather, wear substantial shoes, bring water and insect repellent if needed.

  Host:  Bill Fairbank

  
  

  
  

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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
    9

  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

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• School Field Trip Training

  • When
    Friday, January 09, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Venice Audubon Center, 4002 S. Tamiami Tr, Venice, FL

  Register

  Volunteers (new and returning) will receive training for all  activities that take place during  the school field trips - spotting scopes, nature hike, and activity center - and receive updated guidelines for safety and interaction with the students, teachers and general public who may be at the Rookery during a field trip.

  Meet at the Venice Audubon Center.  Dress for the weather, wear substantial shoes, bring water and insect repellent if needed.  This year's training will be interactive so wear appropriate attire for walking on uneven surfaces around Rookery Park.  

  NOTE: Attendance at one of the two training workshops (January 9 or 24) is required for ALL 2026 school field trip volunteers due to updates in protocols and activities.  If you are unable attend either training, please contact Linda Soderquist.

  Host:  Linda Soderquist, linist@hotmail.com

  Registration is  required.

  
  

  Show details
• Mondays @ 10 - Book Club: The Thing With Feathers

  • When
    Monday, January 12, 2026
  •  
    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.

  The Thing with Feathers: The Surprising Lives of Birds and What They Reveal About Being Human by Noah Strycker explores some of the most interesting questions about birds in this easy-to-read examination of various species.  He takes readers into the avian world's natural activities to highlight their intelligence, behaviors, and relationship with humans.  

  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.  

  
  

  Show details
• Book Club Zoom Discussion: The Thing with Feathers

  • When
    Wednesday, January 14, 2026
  •  
    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.

  The Thing with Feathers: The Surprising Lives of Birds and What They Reveal About Being Human by Noah Strycker explores some of the most interesting questions about birds in this easy-to-read examination of various species.  He takes readers into the avian world's natural activities to highlight their intelligence, behaviors, and relationship with humans.  

  NOTE:  This is an online Zoom discussion.  

  Registration required to receive the Zoom link.

  
  

  Show details
• 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
• School Field Trip Training

  • When
    Saturday, January 24, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Venice Audubon Center, 4002 S. Tamiami Tr, Venice, FL

  Register

  Volunteers (new and returning) will receive training for all  activities that take place during  the school field trips - spotting scopes, nature hike, and activity center - and receive updated guidelines for safety and interaction with the students, teachers and general public who may be at the Rookery during a field trip.

  Meet at the Venice Audubon Center.  Dress for the weather, wear substantial shoes, bring water and insect repellent if needed.  This year's training will be interactive so wear appropriate attire for walking on uneven surfaces around Rookery Park.  

  NOTE: Attendance at one of the two training workshops (January 9 or 24) is required for ALL 2026 school field trip volunteers due to updates in protocols and activities.  If you are unable attend either training, please contact Linda Soderquist.

  Host:  Linda Soderquist, linist@hotmail.com

  Registration is  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
    9

  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

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• 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.

  
  

  Show details
• 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!

  Show details
• 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.

  
  

  Show details
• 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