Oscar Scherer State Park Blog

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

This February event gets bigger every year and with the addition of the 10K run and a completely re-designed 5K run,  it was bigger than ever.  The new race course was developed by Race Director Gaylon Peters in cooperation with Park management and Jim Julian who certified it for the Manasota Track Club. This is the Friends’ main fund raiser of the year and the net proceeds of $11,662 exceeded all expectations. The continued supporting grant from The Lee Wetherington Foundation through the Sarasota Community Foundation was critical once again in achieving the financial goals of this event.

A summary of the results from the combined runs follows:

Total registered runners 607; estimated one-mile walkers ~100

5K runners 368 (61%)

10K runners 239 (39%)

Female runners 336 (55%)

Male runners 271 (45%)

48 runners from out of state (one each from Ontario, Germany, & Guam)

Oldest runner was 86; Youngest was 4

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.

Join us Saturday for a Family Folk Fest presented by the Friends of Oscar Scherer Park, Inc. 1pm – 5pm, gate opens at noon. Live Folk & Bluegrass family music by: MINDY SIMMONS, JIM GROMKO, BEE RIDGE BLUEGRASS JAMMERS, BILL SCHUSTIK. Also available: Kids music parades, tram rides, craft booths, face painting, hot dogs & ice cream. Adults $6.00, Age 6 – 18 $4.00, 5 & under free. Info: 941-483-5956

John T. Eldreth ...Scrub Jay on the Yellow Trail

Well it started of with a bang and finished up a record for Elsa’s Youth and Nature Programs on Saturday!
Oscars Nature Detectives started at 9:00 with a class of 17 which is large but not a record, Elsa’s Fish Printing saw 30 attend as that’s the largest class to date, then Scrubb’s Recycled Paper Making topped it off with a large class of 20 setting a record day use with a total of 67.
The parks resident ranger and I where thrilled as a scout leader told us they had picked our park to camp at, over the rest in the area because of the youth programs we offered.
It was great to see everyone with their unique one-of-a-kind souvenirs they had created, two families who played a game of baseball parents against the kids (kids won) as the children team wore fish print tee-shirts, or the scouts as they looked at each others bobcat print they painted, or the group of children who compared their artwork on Scrobby’s greeting cards.
There were many smiles and much laughter coming from the Nature Center on this Saturday!
Much thanks to a GREAT volunteer group (Joyce, Judy, Ed, Diane, and Barb) who provided a lot of time and energy that made this day one not to be forgotten for so many.

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

–
Elsa’s Youth and Nature Programs
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…

The Friends of Oscar Scherer Park Inc are pleased to announce our blog.
Here you may add your own posts about your experiences at the park, share photos taken in the park, check on upcoming events at Oscar Scherer and just keep in touch.
Please read our Terms of Use page before you use the blog.  Anyone may post or comment on any posts, but all comments will be moderated before being made public.
In order to add a post or comment you must Register. To do so click on the Register Link in the upper right side of the header. Visit our web site  for more information about the Friends of Oscar Scherer Park Inc.