December events will spotlight the county's preserves

Think of it like this, if you lived up north and the local government started telling you all about fun outdoors events in December, you'd wonder if someone spiked the eggnog.

But here in Florida in December, you can enjoy the great outdoors without getting frostbite. The county's preserves will have several events for all ages and interests in December.

• Saturday, Dec. 5, 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.: NATURALIST-LED WAGON TOURS – Roll through Robinson Preserve in a covered wagon. Your naturalist tour guide will explain the preserve’s history, resident wildlife, fabulous flowers and describe preserve highlights. Two 60-minute trips will be taken during the day. A fee of $3 per adult and $2 per child (includes tax) will be charged. Program is suitable for all ages. Reservations are suggested. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Call (941) 742-5757, Ext. 1.

• Wednesday, Dec. 9, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: MANATEE AUDUBON SOCIETY BIRDING TOUR – Search the skies for Florida’s fabulous fliers. Birder Lucette Wombacher will lead participants on a tour through Emerson Point’s coastal hammock and mangrove habitats. Check out the ”locals“ as well as the migratory birds as they move south on their annual journey. Program suitable for all ages. Call 941-748-4501, Ext. 4605, for more information.

• Thursday, Dec. 10, 6 to 8 p.m.: VOLUNTEER MEETING: EMERSON POINT RANGER STATION TEAM – Calling all past and present volunteers. Please join us for a brief meeting as we update our team on exciting preserve news and reconnect for the upcoming season. We’ll also discuss new Ranger Station procedures for 2010. Anyone who would like to help out at the Ranger Station is invited to come, too! Please call (941) 742-5757, Ext. 2.

• Saturday, Dec. 12, 9:00 to 11 a.m.: MASTER GARDENER TOUR – The Master Gardeners are back with a new season of terrific plant tours. Join Master Gardener Mike Corso for a leisurely nature walk through DeSoto National Memorial and Riverview Pointe Preserve. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Florida’s native plants. Program suitable for all ages. Call the Master Gardener Office for reservations at (941) 722-4524.

• Saturday, Dec. 12, 2 to 4 p.m.: WILD FL 101: NATURE’S ORIGAMI – Relax in beautiful Emerson Point Preserve and learn about the ancient art of origami. This Japanese technique of folding paper can be used to create everything from cups to cranes. In this class we will use paper to create exciting examples of origami based on nature and animals. Suitable for participants age 16 and older. Reservations are required. Call (941) 742-5757, Ext. 5.

• Sunday, Dec. 13, 9 to 11 a.m.: MASTER GARDENER TOUR – Each month, the Master Gardeners host a fabulous nature tour in the salt marshes at Robinson Preserve. Learn more about Florida’s native plants with Master Gardener Sam Starrett on a relaxing stroll through this beautiful coastal property. Program suitable for all ages. Call the Master Gardener Office for reservations at (941) 722-4524.

• Friday, Dec. 18, 10 to 11 a.m.: TALL TAILS TRIBE PRESCHOOL PROGRAM -- ”O“ IS FOR OWLS! – Whoooooo knows about owls? Come learn about the lives of these fabulous feathered night-fliers. We’ll discover what they eat, where they live, and even learn how to talk like an owl! Program suitable for children age 5 and under. Reservations are required. Call (941) 742-5757, Ext. 3.

• Saturday, Dec. 19, 9 to 11 a.m.: MASTER GARDENER TOUR – Which plants bloom in the cool winter weather at Emerson Point Preserve? Join the Master Gardeners for a relaxing stroll through Emerson Point Preserve to view firsthand the answer to this question. Program suitable for all ages. Call the Master Gardener Office for reservations at (941) 722-4524.

• Saturday, Dec. 19, 5 to 7 p.m.: WILD KIDS WEEKENDS: NIGHT OWLS ADVENTURE – Find out why just about everyone is fond of owls. These silent hunters are built for flourishing in a world of darkness. We’ll explore the life of these fabulously feathery birds and finish up the evening with a flashlight hike through the woods on a fabulous owl safari. Program suitable for all children age 6 and older. Reservations are required. Call (941) 742-5757, Ext. 4.

• Tuesday, Dec. 29, 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.: NATURALIST-LED WAGON TOURS – Roll through Robinson Preserve in a covered wagon. Your naturalist tour guide will explain the preserve’s history, resident wildlife, fabulous flowers, and describe preserve highlights. Two 60-minute trips will be taken during the day. A fee of $3 per adult and $2 per child (includes tax) will be charged. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are suggested. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please call (941) 742-5757, Ext. 1.