Historical Nature Walk at Pocono Trail Preserve

Location:
Pocono Trail Preserve
189 Pocono Trail

Contact:
If you are having problems with on-line registration, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.

Description:
Join Sarasota County Environmental Specialist Jeff Weber on Wednesday, January 6, 2010 from 9 - 11 AM as he leads participants on a guided walk through Pocono Trail Preserve in Nokomis. Stroll through shady oak hammocks to the south shore of Shakett Creek, once the site of the historic Pollyanna Inn. Learn about Calusa Indians who once inhabited the area and early pioneers instrumental in the development of Nokomis and Venice.

Pocono Trail Preserve is one of many natural areas available through the county's Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program. The site contains forested hammocks, pine flatwoods and shoreline along Shakett Creek that provide habitat for osprey, migrating songbirds and wading birds.

Participants should wear long pants, comfortable shoes, a light jacket, hat, and sunscreen, and bring insect repellent, drinking water and camera (optional), binoculars and a hand lens (optional).

Participants can reach Pocono Trail Preserve, 189 Pocono Trail by taking I-75 south to exit 200 (S.R. 681) toward Venice/Osprey. Merge onto U.S. 41 and travel 2.2 miles to Colonia Lane. Turn left on Colonia and left again onto Nash Avenue. Drive one block to Pocono Trail and park along the north road shoulder.

From the southern portion of the county, take I-75 north to exit 195 (Laurel Road) and travel west toward Laurel. Turn left onto U.S. 41 and drive south toward Venice. Turn left onto Colonia Lane and left again onto Nash Ave. Drive one block to Pocono Trail and park along the north road shoulder.