Shamrock Park and Nature Center is an 82 acre park that encompass some of the last remaining scrub habitat in the coastal area of Sarasota County and supports populations of Florida scrub jay and gopher tortoise.

The park includes a 1.2 mile paved multi-use trail that winds through the central portion of the park. The park trail system connects to the Venetian Waterway Trail, which further connects to The Legacy Trail. This network of trails offers park visitors the opportunity to walk, bike or roller blade from Shamrock Park to downtown Venice, the historic train station, Caspersen Beach, and north to Sarasota with several parks to visit along the way. The beauty of the park and facilities can be enjoyed by residents and visitors seven days a week during park hours as follows:

April through October, 6 a.m.- 9 p.m.

November through March, 6 a.m.- 6 p.m.

The Nature Center includes two large meeting rooms that can be reserved (rented) for educational and training seminars, including business, organization, community and public meetings. There is a large recreation pavilion that can be reserved for large group picnics.

Pets, i. e., dogs, cats, iguanas, birds, horses, and others, are prohibited from Shamrock Park. Please visit http://www.scgov.net/ParksandRecreation/Parks/PawParks.asp to find information on Paw Parks and parks with ‘dog friendly’ trails/areas.

Activities

Lunch and Learn Nature Talks

• Join Sarasota County Parks Naturalists for Lunch and Learn nature topic talks

• Meeting location varies. April meets at pavilion. May-October meet in classroom

• Bring bag lunch to enjoy during the program

• For information contact jrogers@scgov.net or call the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000

• Thursdays, 12:15 - 1 p.m., on the following dates:

  • April 5, Alligators and Crocodiles

  • May 3, South Florida Pines

  • June 14, to be determined, call or email for suggestions

  • September 6, to be determined, call or email for suggestions

  • October 4, to be determined, call or email for suggestions

Nature Walks

• Join Sarasota County Park Naturalists for a nature walk through upland scrub and flatwoods. Learn about Florida scrub habitat, Florida Scrub Jays, and gopher tortoises, with chances to see both

• Meeting location within park varies each month. Call ahead for location

• It is recommended to wear appropriate shoes for walking on both paved and sandy trails. Recommended items to bring are camera, binoculars, drinking water, sun protection and insect repellent

• Fridays, 8 - 9:30 a.m. on the following dates:

  • April 13

  • May 11

  • June 8

  • September 14

  • October 12

  • December 14

Volunteer opportunities. Shamrock Park provides opportunities for volunteering! For information contact jrogers@scgov.net or the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000.