Outdoors: March 4

@BR LabelRed:ON THE HORIZON

Camp Uzita Living History Programs: DeSoto National Memorial, northwest Bradenton

Camp Uzita, a replica of a 16th-century Indian village during the occupation of Hernando de Soto, at DeSoto National Memorial has opened for its 28th year of living history programs. Visitors can learn about the 16th century, walk through a Spanish encampment and enjoy storytelling and demonstrations. All events and activities are free and event hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Demonstration times and events will be posted on the day of, all activities are subject to change due to weather. The camp is open through March 30. Information: 792-0458 or visit www.nps.gov/deso.

Kayaking: various locations

The American Littoral Society offers guided kayak tours in Manatee and Sarasota counties. Reservations are required. All kayak equipment will be provided and is included in the cost of the trip. A short training session will be provided prior to the trip. Participants are requested to bring insect repellent, sunscreen and water. For more information and launch locations, contact John Sarkozy at 966-7308.

n Sister Keys, Longboat Key, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. March 2. Cost: 20 members, $25 nonmembers.

n Myakka Estuary, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. March 4. Cost: $30 members, $35 nonmembers.

n Bird Key, South Lido Park, Sarasota, 1-4 p.m. March 6. COst: $20 members, $25 nonmembers.

n Myakka River State Park, Sarasota, 8:30-11:30 a.m. March 9. Cost: $20 members, $25 nonmembers.

n Historic Village of Cortez and “The Kitchen” Preserve, Bradenton, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. March 11. Cost: $25 members, $30 nonmembers.

Nature tours: various locations, Manatee County

Around the Bend Nature Tours offers the following guided walking and birding tours and other special events:

n Emerson Point Preserve: March 4, 18, 27 and April 3.

n Manatee Mineral Springs Family Archeology Day: March 13.

n Rye Preserve: March 13.

n Durante Park Mangrove Ecosystem: March 5 and 19.

n DeSoto Memorial Birding Tour: March 6.

n Leffis Key Family Dip Net Adventure: March 12 and 26.

All tours last approximately two hours and tickets are $15 per person. Reservations are required. For a full schedule and detailed information, call 794-8773 or e-mail Karen@aroundbend.com or visit www.AroundBend.com.

Moon over Myakka Bike Ride: Myakka State Park, Sarasota

Bring your bike and take a leisurely 10-mile round trip ride on the wild side under the full moon 7 p.m. March 25 with a park naturalist. Helmets are recommended and lights are required. Participants meet 6:30 p.m. at the Ranger Station. Space is limited and reservations are required. Cost: $5 members, $6 nonmembers. Information: 373-7839./friends.html.

Moon over Myakka “Owl Prowl”: Myakka State Park, Sarasota

Join Park Ranger Lisa Rhoding for a discussion of the natural history of owls and meet some actual owls, hear their stories and then take a tour to locate wild owls in the park 7 p.m. March 30. Participants will meet at the Log Pavilion. Cost: $20 members, $25 nonmembers. Reservations and information: 316-8139.