Venice Area Audubon Society upcoming events

Book Club: The Kite and The Snail (Monday, September 14, 2026)

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

IN PERSON DISCUSSION CANCELLED. Please register for the the Wednesday Zoom discussion at 6:30 PM on September 16.

The Kite and The Snail recounts the investigation of scientist-author Dr. Hilary Flower to track the Everglades snail kite as it became less abundant in its usual habitat. What Dr. Flower ultimately came to understand is the resilience and adaptability of this bird to thrive amid changing conditions. It's a success story for the Everglades snail kite and those who appreciate it.

Discussion Leader: Jean Pichler

All are welcome - members of the public as well as Venice Audubon Members.

Registration is encouraged. Walk-ins are welcome!

Book Club Zoom Discussion: The Kite and The Snail (Wednesday, September 16, 2026)

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 22:30:00 GMT

NOTE: This Zoom discussion will take place on the 3rd Wednesday of September.

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

Monthly Program: (Tuesday, November 17, 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Program information will be updated.

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, 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

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

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: (Tuesday, February 16, 2027)

Tue, 16 Feb 2027 23:00:00 GMT

Program information will be updated.

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: (Tuesday, March 16, 2027)

Tue, 16 Mar 2027 22:00:00 GMT

Celebrating Our Volunteers is tonight's theme. It's a night for giving thanks and having fun as we acknowledge our wonderful volunteers who make our activities, events, and programs possible. Please plan to join us!

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.