Elsa’s Youth And Nature Programs

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…

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

‘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…

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Oscar’s Nature Detectives

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

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Community Yard Sale – Recycle and Fun Day

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.

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Thanksgiving W/E Elsa’s Youth and Nature Programs

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…

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The Friends of Oscar Scherer & CHNEP Nature Festival – Nov. 2009

Jim Breidster & John Mongelli  Promoting the Friends & the Park

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

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Elsa’s Youth and Nature Programs

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…

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Oscar makes the front page of Woodalls : Everywhere RV’s Goes”

Oscar makes the front page of Woodalls : Everywhere RV’s Goes”

Oscar Scherer State Park holds many attractions for the outdoor enthusiast. There’s well-marked, self-guided trails from which to experience the animals and plants of the park. Osprey Lake and South Creek, both inside the park, offer the chance to canoe and fish. Comfortable campgrounds provide visitors with a pleasant stay. Furthermore, the park (1384 acres) is located near the Gulf of Mexico and is noted for being the habitat of a rare endangered bird indigenous to Florida. The bird, known as the Florida scrub jay, can be found along the 16 miles of nature trails within the park.

Read the story here.

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Recent Visit to the Park

South CreekMy family and I visited Oscar Scherer 11/8/09.  This was our second visit to the park but first time walking the trails.  Our first visit was for the Native American festival last year.  Because we travel with a four year old, we stuck with the South Creek Nature Trail and the Lester Finley Trail.  We had a great time, the trails are in great shape and are very informative along the way.  Unfortunatley, we had a late start so the wildlife was not very active, but it was an enjoyable walk anyway.  The two trails were easily hikable by anyone and the shade of the tree canopy made it comfortable for my toddler son. 

I wrote an article about the park for my travel blog.  The article and link to the photo album from the visit can be found here http://jwdontentravel.blogspot.com/2009/11/oscar-scherer-state-park.html.  Please check it out.

Around the World in Pictures is a personal account through pictures and a written history/background of the places I have been to.  If you like the site, you can register for e-mail updates to be notified as new locations are added.  I just started the site 2 weeks ago so I am updating past travels as time allows and adding all new travels.  It will feature parks/sites throughout Florida, Washington DC, Deleware, New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania and a few places in the Caribbean.  New content is added daily so I hope you enjoy.

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Family Folk Fest

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

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