Published: Thursday, Jul. 09, 2009

Updated: Thursday, Jul. 09, 2009

Outdoors

@BR LabelBW:ON THE HORIZON

Kayak trip: Tarpon Key, Tampa Bay

Enjoy a quiet morning kayak trip 9 a.m.-noon July 9 led by John Sarkozy of the American Littoral Society and see birds, wildlife and marine life of all sorts. Bring water and wear sunscreen and insect repellent. All equipment is provided and no experience is necessary. Cost: $25 members, $30 nonmembers. Information: 966-7308.

Seashore Surprise Shutter Stroll: Emerson Point Preserve, Palmetto

Join nature photographer Dotty Motta of the Manatee County Natural Resources Department 6:30-8:30 p.m. July 9 on a beach photography tour. Participants will learn more about macro photography, which will include subjects such as shells and other sea creatures. Wading will be permitted. Dress to get wet and wear close-toed shoes. The program is free and suitable for participants age 16 and older. Reservations are required. Information: 742-5757, ext. 9 or visit www.mymanatee.org

Wild Kids Weekends “Summer in the Salt Marsh:” Robinson Preserve, Bradenton

Join naturalist Melissa Nell of The Manatee County Natural Resources Department on a “Summer in the Salt Marsh” tour 9-11 a.m. July 11. Kids will learn about the creatures who inhabit the super salty marsh and look for tracks, scat and other signs of animals such as crabs, herons, foxes, and fish. All participants should dress to get wet as they will plant grass to help these animals have a happy home. The program is free and is suitable for children age 6 and older. Reservations are required. Information: 742-5757, ext. 4 or visits www.mymanatee.org

Volunteer work and construction day: Robinson Preserve, Bradenton

Volunteers are needed to help build “water watchers” out of 5-gallon buckets. This low impact work day will take place in the shade 3-5 p.m. July 11 and in which volunteers will learn to create these educational tools for the Department’s upcoming programs. The program is suitable for all ages. For more information, please call 742-5757, ext. 2.

Mote Marine Sea Turtle Walks: Longboat and Lido Key Beaches, Sarasota

Mote Marine Laboratory, in collaboration with Hilton Longboat Key Beachfront Resort and The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, will offer free Turtle Walks Saturdays through Sept. 12. The Ritz-Carlton walks begin at 7 a.m. every Saturday through Sept. 12 at the North Lido Lifeguard stand on Lido Key and will cover less than one mile. The Ritz-Carlton offers a 6:45 a.m. shuttle service for guests. The Hilton walks begin at 6:45 a.m. every Saturday in June and July. Participants should meet at Hilton’s pool area and expect a leisurely 1.5 mile walk on Longboat Key. Groups may find evidence of turtle nests and will learn how Mote scientists and trained volunteers carefully interpret and document signs of nests. Reservations and information: 388-4441, ext. 365 or 374-0081 or hrutger@mote.org

@BR LabelBW:HORSEBACK RIDING

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