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Sarasota News Leader October 26, 2012 SBEP OFFERS FREE GUIDED KAYAK TRIPS ON SARASOTA BAY The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program has sched- uled 10 free guided kayak excursions on Sara- sota Bay from December through April. The first two trips are to Neal Preserve on Saturday, Dec. 1, and Saturday, Dec. 15. Neal Preserve is located in Manatee County. All of the SBEP kayak excursions require online reg- istration at sarasotabay.org. "The SBEP Bay Wise Kayak Tour Program is a fun learning opportunity to discover the plants, animals, habitats, and restoration proj- ects that distinguish Sarasota Bay," a program news release says. 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 Citi- zens Advisory Committee. Additional trips are planned for Leffis and Jewfish Key (Jan. 5 and Jan. 19, 2013), Lido Mangrove Tunnels (Feb. 2 and Feb. 16), Blind Pass (March 2 and March 16) and Lyons Bay and Blackburn Bay (April 6 and April 20). More information and online registration is available at sarasotabay.org. Participants are required to bring their own kayaks and gear. Outfitters throughout the region rent kayaks and offer demonstrations and beginner classes, the release points out. The Bay Wise Kayak Tour Program is for ex- perienced kayakers. Page 69 Area students learning about kayaking at Ken Thompson Park in Sarasota. Contributed photo