Outdoors: April 1

ON THE HORIZON

Nature tours: various locations, Manatee County

Around the Bend Nature Tours offers a guided walking tour April 3. 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.

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 Little Sarasota Bay, 9 a.m.-noon April 3. Cost: $20 members, $25 nonmembers.

n Historic Village of Cortez and “The Kitchen” Preserve, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. April 8. Cost: $25 members, $30 nonmembers.

n Phillippi Creek, Edwards Island, 9 a.m.-noon April 10. Cost: $20 members, $25 nonmembers.

n Sister Keys, Longboat Key, 9 a.m.-noon April 13. Cost: $20 members, $25 nonmembers.

Bay Biocruise: Sarasota Bay, Sarasota

Enjoy a hands-on learning experience aboard the Carefree Learner accompanied by a marine biologist of the American Littoral Society 1-3 p.m. April 6. Cost: $12 members, $18 nonmembers. Information and reservations; 927-3409.

Baylife Search: City Island, Sarasota

Explore the sea life near our beaches with American Littoral Society biologists 9:30-11:30 a.m. April 17. Participants will be observing, collecting, and discussing the natural history of some of the many interesting fish and other animals that inhabit Sarasota Bay. Wear wading shoes and bring sunscreen and water. Cost: $5. Information: 366-9479.

Bay Biocruise: Sarasota Bay, Sarasota

Enjoy a hands-on learning experience aboard the Carefree Learner accompanied by a marine biologist of the American Littoral Society 1-3 p.m. April 20. Cost: $12 members, $18 nonmembers. Information and reservations; 927-3409.

HORSEBACK RIDING

Napier’s Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary: 20010 State Road 64 E., Bradenton

Horseback riding is being offered by Napier’s Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary. No experience is necessary. Hours are by appointment. Donation: $25 per person, per hour. The rides are fun and educational and are geared toward first time riders. All proceeds going to house and feed the animals at the Sanctuary. Information: 750-8185 or visit www.NapierFamilyFarm.com.

NATURE TOURS

Emerson Point Preserve Nature Tours: Emerson Point Preserve, Snead Island

Master Gardeners will conduct free tours at 9 a.m. on at least one Saturday and one Sunday each month. Tours are limited to 12 people, and reservations must be made through the Master Gardener office. A portion of the tour is handicap accessible. The office is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Information: 722-4524.

Sarasota Bay Explorers: Mote Aquarium on City Island, Sarasota