SBEP Offers Free Kayak Tour Trips in March and April

SARASOTA, FL – The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) has five free guided kayak excursions on Sarasota Bay remaining for this season. The next trips are to Blind Pass on Saturday, March 7 and 21, Philippi Creek on Sunday, March 29, and Lyons and Blackburn Bay Saturday, April 4 and 18. All of the SBEP kayak excursions require online registration at sarasotabay.org.

The SBEP Bay Wise Kayak Tour Program is a fun learning opportunity to discover the plants, animals, habitats, and restoration projects that distinguish Sarasota Bay. Brad Tanner, a professional guide and the School Programs Coordinator for Mote Marine Laboratory, is the kayak tour leader. Brad is also a member of the SBEP Citizens Advisory Committee.

Prior trips included Neal Preserve (12/6 and 12/20), Leffis and Jewfish Key (1/3 and 1/17) and the Lido Mangrove Tunnels (2/7 and 2/21). Additional information and online registration is available at sarasotabay.org. Participants are required to bring their own kayak and gear. Outfitters throughout the region rent kayaks and offer demonstrations and beginner classes.

The late Jack Taylor, a respected marine biologist and former member of the SBEP Citizens Advisory Committee, launched the kayak tour program in 2007 as part of a SBEP Bay Partners Grant. Jack earned a PhD in Marine Biology from the University of Florida. He was active with many conservation groups throughout the region and some of his poetry is also posted on the SBEP website at sarasotabay.org.