Calling All Night Owls: See the Geminid Meteor Shower at Red Bug Slough Preserve

Join Environmental Specialist Jeff Weber for a late night viewing of the Geminid Meteor Shower at Sarasota’s Red Bug Slough Preserve from 11:30 PM - 1:00 AM, Sunday, December 13, 2009. Bring a blanket or a folding chair to enjoy one of nature’s nighttime spectaculars. Viewing will be at its peak on this date during this time period, when participants can expect to see up to 100 shooting stars per hour!

Red Bug Slough Preserve is one of many natural areas available through the county’s environmental lands program. Come join us for a rare late night excursion as we look to the heavens and enjoy nature’s chorus of frogs and crickets and possibly even a barred owl or two.

Participants should dress appropriately for cool and damp late night conditions and bring a light jacket if weather is cool. Be sure to bring a flashlight, an old blanket or folding lawn/lounge chair, insect repellent, and light snacks or refreshments if you’d like.

Participants can reach Red Bug Slough Preserve, 5200 North Beneva Road by taking I -75 to Exit 205 (S.R. 72 or Clark Road). Go west on Clark Road and turn right onto Beneva Road. Continue north to the preserve entrance and parking area. From the parking area we will hike approximately ¼ mile to the open grassy viewing area near the lake.

Register on-line at www.scgov.net. Click Calendar of Events on the left. Click the 'All Events' drop down list, choose 'Nature Walks' and click 'go'. On the bottom of each nature walk is an area that states 'Click here for registration. Please be sure to provide a telephone number where you can be reached between 6:00 – 8:00 PM on December 13th in case it becomes necessary to cancel due to cloud cover or inclement weather. Space for this outing is limited to 20.

If you are having problems with on-line registration, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.