Oscar Scherer State Park Blog

Make Reading Second Nature

Sept. 10, 11, and 12 it is free admission into Florida State Parks by showing a library card, a library book or donating a gently used or new family friendly book to the park. This goes the same for the event entrance. Otherwise it is a $5.00 park entrance fee for the event. $4.00 for a single occupant in a car.

Sept. 11th there will be information booths, nature activities, and games about reading and literacy awareness. Some of the activities include a basic music reading workshop, therapy dogs from the Humane Society of Sarasota and their “Read Fur Fun”, participants can chose a book and read it to a dog.

J.T. Eldreth
Elsa’s Youth and Nature Program Coordinator

Prepare the trail today,
For children to be tomorrow’s environmental caretakers of our unique natural resource.
Florida State Parks…

Saturday June 5, 2010 was a banner day for The Friends of Oscar Scherer Park. 

Ribbon cutting for the new Lake Osprey Trail

A brand new trail was opened that features barrier free access to all.  Now, families with children in strollers, people in wheel chairs and those just wanting a easy stroll in the woods can hike in the woods.

The trail offers scenic views of Lake Osprey. There are  several benches along the way, picnic tables and opportuinities to see nature up close. 

Access to the trail is just behind the Nature Center, by the main parking lot.

The Friends of Oscar Scherer State Park Inc. are pleased to announce the the new Lake Osprey Trail will be officially opened on Saturday June 5, 2010.

Ceremonies are from 12:30 – 2:00 PM.  More Information here.

The trail is a pleasant walk around the lake and is ADA Compliant. Please join us for the Grand Opening.

This beautiful new trail was made possible by:

$50,000 donation by Lee Wetherington Homes
Donated Labor by Friends of Oscar Scherer Park, Inc.
Planning by the Florida Park Service
Additional donations by AmeriCorps
H&H Signs • Hazeltine Nurseries • Vineyard Graphics

The 7th annual Sarasota Folk Festival will be held Saturday and Sunday, March 6 & 7, at Oscar Scherer State Park, 1843 South Tamiami Trail,
(U.S. Highway 41) in Osprey, just south of Sarasota. There will be Eco-friendly vendors, local and statewide musicians, onsite parking, lots to eat,
many fine vendors selling excellent products, family music and fun for kids! On Saturday, the music starts at 11 am, with a dinner break at
5 pm – 6 pm. The Saturday evening concert is 6 pm – 10. On Sunday, the music starts at 11 am, and ends at 4 pm.
     Tickets can be purchase at the gate using cash or local check, or order them at a discount using a credit card by March 1 on
www.sarasotafolkfestival.org. Kids 12 and under are free.
     There will be 30 musical acts performing on three stages. The list of performers and the complete schedule is posted on the festival website. The
festival will include many types of music. While it will be primarily acoustic folk music and singer/songwriter performers, you will also hear
bluegrass, old time, acoustic blues, country, jazz, pop, and Irish. Bring the kids; there will be a Family Stage with some time slots designated
specifically for kids. There is a playground next to the Family Stage. There will be some kids-oriented games, crafts and vendor products.
The workshop area is where you can get some pointers on playing an instrument, singing harmony, writing songs, or other topics of interest.
There will be a jam area this year! Many of our performers will lead various jams throughout the two days. There will be a protest jam, an old time
jam, a Florida folk jam, a harmony jam and many others.
     The Festival will go on rain or shine, as all three stages are covered.

J.T. Eldreth
Elsa’s Youth and Nature Program Coordinator

http://www.friendsofoscarscherer.com/html/just_for_kids.html

Prepare the trail today,
For children to be tomorrow’s environmental caretakers of our unique natural resource.
Florida State Parks…

Don’t miss the fresh Strawberries ‘n Ice Cream with the MUSIC IN THE PARK at 2 til 4 pm on Sunday February 14th.  “Tymes Past” Carl &
Betty Ross duo will be bringing the old traditional and gospel music of the 1840’s to 1920’s.

Mother Nature caused the annual All Trails Hike to be postponed.  The combination of rain and chilly temperatures forced hike organizers to rechedule the event to January 30, 2010.

It’s a walk in the park.  Rain or Shine!

Come join us on Saturday, January 9, 2010 for our annual All Trails Hike. The weather forecast is for a chilly start so dress in layers to stay comfortable as you walk. Friends of Oscar Scherer Park Inc., are stationed along the trails to keep you pointed in the right direction and to provide you with refreshments as you hike.

After you’ve completed the hike, join the Friends at the Nature Center for lunch and an ice cream sundae. If you’d prefer to hike just one trail you can start even later if you wish. There are six trails to choose from, including the ADA accessible Finley Trail, South Creek Trail, and the Green, Red, Blue and Yellow Trails. All have signage and maps. Hikers of all ages, and dogs on leashes are welcome.  This has become the most popular hiking opportunity in our area. Don’t miss it. Cost for everything, to include entry to the park, is only $10. Let’s enjoy nature together along the trails.

You can download a registration form here, or register at the park Saturday morning.