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.

My Wish for All of us in 2010

May peace break into your home and may thieves come to steal your debts.

May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet for $100 bills.

May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips!

May happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy

May the problems you had, forget your home address!

In simple words …………

May 2010 be the best year of your life!!!

Third Annual All Trails Hike   January 9, 2010

Make plans to join hundreds of hikers as they walk the trails of Oscar Scherer State Park. This has become the most popular hiking opportunity in our area. Don’t miss it. Cost for everything, including entry to the park, is only $10. Let’s enjoy nature together along the trails. More information is available here.

Saturday was another busy day starting at the Nature Center with Oscar’s Nature Detective. We had a small class but they really enjoyed it, one family’s 2nd time, (Helen brought her crew over) we had 12 or 13 for Elsa’s Fish Printing, with the same family from Nature Detective coming for their 4th time, they came to Scrubby’s Recycled Paper Making for the first time and enjoyed it as well. They filled out an volunteer application the last time they camped here and I am checking on the status of it as they would like to help with youth programs. Much thanks to Joyce, Bob and Anne my wife for their help, as it was a long day doing all three programs.
P.S.
I will be continuing with Saturday programs as long as I’m not working for the county on the weekend.
J.T.

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…

‘Twas the night before Elsa’s Youth and Nature Programs:

At Oscar Scherer State Park

When all through the campers house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of animal tracks danced in their heads;

With Fish Printing and Paper Making

Soon ahead.

While out in the scrub there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

With a little old hiker, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be J.T.

He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted;

Now Oscar, Now Elsa….

On Russ, On Bob, George, James and Ed

But I heard them exclaim, ere they hiked out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.”

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…

Well… a class of 10 children happily graduated from Oscar’s Nature Detectives on Saturday including some friend of Ranger Tony from Englewood….

Shoppers get FREE entry into the park!

Join us on Saturday December 5, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM for a fun day of bargain hunting at the park. Tables will be set up to offer no longer used items for sale.  You may find your treasure here.

Informational talks, booths, food, music, kayak rides and raffles will add to the days fun.

Looks like a busy Saturday,  as several children signed up early for Elsa’s Youth and Nature Programs. Have a little extra treat for  Oscar’s Nature Detectives as we have Billy the Blue Crab to inspect, then we will release him back into South Creek.  Last year was a record for Elsa’s Fish Printing and we expect a large crowd again today.
I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to our activities as it has made many children very happy and has taught them about the environment and their unique natural resource…  Florida State Parks…

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…

Jim Breidster & John Mongelli Promoting the Friends & the Park

Representing The Friends Of Oscar Scherer and Oscar Scherer Park at the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program’s Nature Festival were Jim Breidster, John Mongelli and Bob Sendrey. Many attendees were informed of volunteer opportunities as well as encouraged to visit the park and enjoy the many activities it has to offer. The festival was held at the Port Charlotte Sports Complex, Saturday, Nov. 21st from 10 AM to 3PM

Elsa’s Youth and Nature Programs had another great day on Saturday! Over 35 children participated in the Friends of Oscar Scherer events, while quite a few tried their hand in all 3 programs.  Last Thanksgiving set a record (At That Time)  so I would expect that the coming weekend may do the same again. Have a great holiday and if anyone has a little time on Saturday help with the youth programs would be greatly appreciated!

J.T. Eldreth
Elsa’s Youth and Nature Program Coordinator
Just for Kids
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…