Go outside, find shapes in nature that resemble hearts. Take a digital photo and send to tlnc.director@gmail.com to enter the contest. Include your name, where taken, what the subject is (if you know) and a statement giving TLNC permission to use your photo.

     Winning photo gets a $100 Amazon gift card. Judging is based on uniqueness of photo subject. clarity of photo, and heart shape found. Photos will be display on our lobby TV in the weeks after the contest and may be used on Facebook or other TLNC promotional items with credit to the photographer.

Photo credit:  Carolyn Smith

     For over 50 years the international community has recognized the importance of learning and spending time in outdoors and in or with nature. Yet our time is increasingly spent indoors isolated from the natural world and our connection to nature suffers as a result. It is important for our physical and mental health to reconnect with nature.

     Florida and many areas of the world are experiencing environmental problems. Education is often considered part of the solution or prevention for most environmental challenges. Join us to learn what the current status of environmental education in Florida, the wider world and how TLNC and you can make a difference in your own family and community.

     This event is free to TLNC members but donations are appreciated. Non-members must pay a $5/vehicle entry fee.

     Annually we hold membership meetings to keep everyone up-to-date on what is happening at TLNC--what we've accomplished and what we are planning to do in the future. At this year's annual meeting, a bylaw change is being proposed for approval by the membership. The change will allow meeting notices to be sent via electronic notifications instead of requiring only postal notifications.

     Members are encouraged to attend and non-members are welcome too.

     Watercolor artist and teacher, Ellen Westerholm will teach how to paint with watercolors using nature as an inspiration. You will learn to paint various nature objects in this series of classes. You can attend one or all of the classes. Westerholm supplies all needed materials—paint, brushes, art paper, etc. At this class you will learn to paint a bee visiting a flower.

     Registration is required. To register, go to troutlakenaturecenter.com  Then, select the Inspired by Nature tab. Scroll down to select the class you want to register for. Each class costs $50 with the entry fee included and all needed painting supplies.

Upcoming classes are:

Feb. 7, 1:30 to 4 PM, Manatee

Feb. 24, 10 AM to Noon, Mushroom

Mar. 13, 1:30 to 4 PM, Otter

Mar. 23, 10:30 to Noon, Water lily

     Our canine companions enjoy getting out in nature, smelling the different smells and taking a walk on the "wild side." All well-mannered dogs are invited along with their person to take a meandering, gentle walk along our trails usually ending at the education dock. Handlers are required to pick up after their dogs and dispose of droppings appropriately.

     Since Florida is one of the states experiencing higher instances of the new, mysterious canine respiratory illness, dogs will practice physical distancing to reduce changes of infection. Dogs from the same household will not be distancing. TLNC staff checks regularly with a vet to determine the progression of this disease in Florida.