All field trips are open to the public and most are free. Van trips involve sharing van rental expenses and require a reservation three days in advance of trip. For car pool trips it is polite to share cost of gas of driver. In all cases, a contact is noted who can provide additional details.
When the meeting place is at Westfield Shopping Town - Countryside Mall, assemble outside Sears, US 19. When at Tri-City Mall, assemble in front of Party City, US 19. Note that there may be no rest room facilities at field trip sites in which case, and if the trip is a long one, rest stops will be made. For all trips, please bring drinking water.
Saturday, 10/14, 6:30 a.m., Circle B-Bar Ranch - Eagles, other raptors, plus songbirds, water birds and alligators at former cattle ranch in xeric oak habitat and on the shores of Lake Hancock; 3.5 miles sand trail. Meet at Tri-City mall in front of Party City. Contact Lynn Sumerson at 596-8822.
Saturday, 10/21, 7:30 a.m., Ft. DeSoto County Park - Migratory songbirds, raptors, water and shorebirds; causeway and shoreline drive plus 1-2 mile trail walk on Tampa Bay north shore. Meet at Tri-Çity Mall in front of Party City. Contact Bill Stokes, leader, at 727-403-3571 or Madeleine Bohrer at 727-518-6241.
Long Day Trip, Saturday, 10/28, 6 a.m., Emeralda Marsh - Water edge songbirds, raptors, waders and glossy ibis; grass trail plus drive 8 (plus) miles of freshwater impoundments northeast of Leesburg. Meet at Countryside Westfield Shopping Town (Countryside Mall). Contact Mike McDonald at 727-538-8688.
Fright-o-Ween, 10/31, 8 p.m., Moccasin Lake Nature Park - Shiver yer timbers and raise yer curly locks in the ghoulish habitat. Meet at fire circle for costume judging. Contact Dart Helgeson at 813-496-2148.