Myakka River State Park Ranger Programs

• MYAKKA FRIENDS ADVENTURE SERIES
  Wed, Apr. 2
  Close Encounters with our Prairie Plants
  RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Discover the magic of a real Florida Prairie with Myakka’s legendary Dr. Mary Jelks. Whether you want to plant your very own prairie landscape or just get to understand what makes Florida prairies thrive, you are sure to be enchanted by Dr. Mary’s impassioned presentation. Florida prairies are classified globally imperiled and can be found no place else on earth. Learn to identify some of their colorful wildflowers and discover which plants are easy and which are difficult to propagate. Dr. Mary will also show you how to raise native plants from seeds and to recognize non-native plants that are invading Florida prairies. 10:00 a.m. until noon. Fee $15.
  Call Call the park at: 941-361-6511 for more details.
• MYAKKA FRIENDS ADVENTURE SERIES
  Mon, Apr. 7
  In Search of the Elusive Bachman’s Sparrows
  RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Don’t want to hike four miles into the Myakka prairie to reach the breeding territory of the Bachman’s sparrow? Join Senior Volunteer Bird Interpreter Owen Comora in the back of a four-wheel-drive truck on an excursion to the sparrow’s breeding grounds. No guarantees, but April is the prime month to see and hear these special birds. Bring hat, water, sturdy shoes, long pants, long-sleeved shirt and binoculars. We will supply the scope. 8:30 until 11:30 a.m. Fee $25.
  Call Call the park at: 941-361-6511 for more details.
• MYAKKA FRIENDS ADVENTURE SERIES
  Sat, Apr 26
  Born of Fire/No Stranger to Water
  RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Robert Dye, Myakka’s former park manager, will reveal how fire and water actually do mix. The two are the principal ingredients of the recipe for many Florida landscapes. Come witness some of the most dynamic ecosystems in the world and learn what makes them tick. Bring water, sunscreen, hats, etc., and be prepared to ride in back of a pickup truck. 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Fee $10.
  Call Call the park at: 941-361-6511 for more details.
• WHAT’S THAT BIRD?
  Mon – Sat, Mar. 24 - 29
  Myakka Volunteer Bird Interpreters share their expertise on identification and behavior of raptors, shorebirds, waterfowl and other avian visitors to the Birdwalk between the hours of 9 A.M. and 1 P.M. The Birdwalk is located on the North Park Drive about 2 miles south of the North Gate. No program fee.
  Call Call the park at: 941-361-6511 for more details.
• GRAMMY CRACKER
  Wed, Mar. 26
  Enjoy graham crackers, apple juice in the ambiance of a rustic log cabin with Grammy and her mostly-true stories about old times in Florida. 7:30 P.M. at the log pavilion. (The log pavilion is located just north of the Ranger Station). No fee.
  Call Call the park at: 941-361-6511 for more details.
• WHAT’S THAT BIRD?
  Mon – Sat, Mar. 31
  Myakka Volunteer Bird Interpreters share their expertise on identification and behavior of raptors, shorebirds, waterfowl and other avian visitors to the Birdwalk between the hours of 9 A.M. and 1 P.M. The Birdwalk is located on the North Park Drive about 2 miles south of the North Gate. No program fee
  Call Call the park at: 941-361-6511 for more details.
• MYAKKA FRIENDS ADVENTURE SERIES
  Fri, Mar 28
  An Introduction to the StarsRESERVAIONS REQUIRED. Learn to recognize the major constellations in Florida’s night sky with Teddie Mulcahy. In this course you will learn to use a star chart, become familiar with the best books for budding astronomers and get some practical experience recognizing stars and constellations. Bug spray andflashlights are recommended. 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. Fee $10.
  Call Call the park at: 941-361-6511 for more details.