Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/227385
Sarasota News Leader December 13, 2013 Page 88 SBEP OFFERS FREE GUIDED KAYAK TRIPS OF SARASOTA BAY The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) has scheduled a number of free guided kayak excursions on Sarasota Bay from December through April, including a trip to Neal Preserve on Saturday, Dec. 21, the organization has announced. Additional trips are planned for Leffis and Jewfish Key (Jan. 4 and 18), Lido Mangrove Tunnels (Feb. 1 and 15), Blind Pass (March 1 and 15) and Lyons and Blackburn Bay (April 12 and 19). Participants are required to bring their own kayaks and gear, the release points out. "Outfitters throughout the region Neal Preserve is located in Manatee County, a rent kayaks and offer demonstrations and news release notes. beginner classes. The Bay Wise Kayak Tour All of the SBEP kayak excursions require Program is for experienced kayakers," the release says. online registration at sarasotabay.org. The SBEP Bay Wise Kayak Tour Program is an opportunity to discover the plants, animals, habitats and restoration projects "that distinguish Sarasota Bay," the release adds. Brad Tanner, a professional guide and the school programs coordinator for Mote Marine Laboratory, is the kayak tour leader. He is also a member of the SBEP Citizens Advisory Committee, the release says. "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 an SBEP Bay Partners Grant initiative, the release notes. He earned a doctorate in marine biology from the University of Florida and was active with many conservation groups throughout the region, the release continues. The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program has planned a number of guided kayak tours in the coming months. Contributed photo