Sarasota County Extension partnered with the County’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources and Libraries departments, the University of South Florida, and The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast on a lineup of local events for “Take a Child Outside Week,” including — Discovery Walk at Lemon Bay Park (Sept. 25): A family-fun discovery walk to learn about plants and animals in this Englewood park; Owls, Adaptations, and Pellets! (Sept. 28): Families can visit Bay Preserve in Osprey to learn about owls and the adaptations that make them great predators; Finding Peace in Difficult Times (Sept. 29): A virtual event to explore the healing power of mindfulness in nature; Master Gardener Volunteer Radio Show (Oct. 02): Sarasota County Extension’s Dr. Katherine Clements and Mindy Hanak discuss the benefits of getting children out in nature, and where to do that locally; “Explore Your World” backpack/kit: Designed by UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County in partnership with Sarasota County Libraries, this kit packs the tools and resources to help explorers of all ages get outside and explore.

Learn more about the benefits of connecting with nature and local opportunities at blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/2019/09/24/the-necessity-of-nature/. And, find more Extension events at ufsarasotaext.eventbrite.com.