In Fine Feather

It’s Peak Birding Season Look for These Migrating 'Lifer' Birds Making a Stop in Sarasota

At the Celery Fields and in woodland areas like Pinecraft Park, you’ll spot numerous kinds of birds, from jaw-droppingly colorful painted buntings to chicken-like soras and flashy scarlet tanagers.

11/05/2025 By Megan McDonald

The Return of the Atala

Against All Odds, Florida’s Iridescent Atala Butterfly Makes a Triumphant Comeback

The Atala was considered extinct as recently as 50 years ago, the ill-timed consequence of urbanization and the overharvesting of its host plant. Now it's back—and thriving.

11/03/2025 By Kendall Southworth

Natural Beauty

Looking at the Winning Images From Big Waters Land Trust's Summer Photo Contest Will Reset Your Nervous System

For the sixth year, photographers of all ages and experience levels were invited to submit original work showcasing the beauty of natural Florida.

09/17/2025 By Megan McDonald

Deep Time

World-Famous Paleontologist Kenneth Lacovara Will Speak at Sarasota Climate Conference

A real-life Indiana Jones returns to speak at the Climate Adaptation Center's fifth annual Climate Forecast Conference on Nov. 13, 2025.

06/28/2025 By Bethany Ritz

Scent-Sational

A French Perfumer Is Inspired by the Many Fragrances of Florida

Paris-based Anastasia Sokolow has captured our state's unique essence in fragrance form.

04/03/2025 By Lauren Jackson

In Bloom

The Queen of the Night Cactus Will Bloom Tonight at Selby Gardens

The plant blooms one single night each year—and you're invited to watch it.

06/06/2024 By Staff

Looking Back

The Biggest Local Environmental Stories of 2023

From our summer heat wave to improvements in our wastewater treatment system, these are seven of the biggest environmental crises, and successes, of the past year.

12/01/2023 By Isaac Eger

Let's Get Together

Filmmaker Damon Gameau Headlines a Sarasota Conference on Nature and the Environment

December's EcoSummit and Green Living Expo will stimulate audiences with a wide range of speakers and activities, including talks by Gameau and novelist Carl Hiaasen.

10/17/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

On a Mission

Suncoast Waterkeeper's New Patrol Boat Helps Keep Local Waters Healthy

The boat, previously used for dolphin sightseeing tours, gives the Waterkeeper a more direct way to observe the environment.

08/17/2023 By Emma Moneuse

Q & A

A New Nonprofit Wants to Rehabilitate Hundreds of Acres of Local Oyster Habitat

“Anything I can do in my power to improve the fisheries and water quality, I’m pushing hard to do it,” says Oyster River Ecology founder and executive director Damon Moore. “We’re not aiming small."

08/14/2023 By Matthew Gutierrez

Caught on Film

Conservation Foundation Opens Its Virtual Summer Photo Contest Exhibit

The beauty of natural Florida is showcased in this juried exhibition. Here's a look at the winners.

06/22/2023 By Staff

They Only Come Out at Night

The Night-Blooming Cactus Is (Almost) Here

Here are the five best spots in town to see these ethereal flowers, which bloom just once a year.

05/26/2023 By Isaac Eger

Flashback

Myakka River State Park, Circa 1950

One of the first protected lands in our area, the park opened in 1942.

05/18/2023 By Bethany Ritz

Wild at Heart

Shot by Shot, Photographer Carlton Ward Jr. Is Saving Wild Florida

Ward's 2023 book, Path of the Panther: New Hope for Wild Florida, showcases his incredible wildlife photography.

05/03/2023 By Isaac Eger

Earth Day Delights

How to Celebrate Earth Day in Sarasota-Manatee

From a scrub jay festival to tree giveaways, these events provide inspiration—or a sapling that will keep the celebration going year-round.

04/19/2023 By Bethany Ritz

Taking Root

A New Local Mapping Project Aims to Protect Mangroves

The project will track mangrove growth and conditions along northern Sarasota Bay, Palma Sola Bay, southern Tampa Bay, Terra Ceia Bay and the Manatee River.

04/07/2023 By Emma Moneuse

Putting Down Roots

One Man's Quest to Re-Wild the Intracoastal's Forgotten Islands

“I can’t stop the real estate developers, but I can save little pieces of Florida here and there,” John Hoover says.

03/01/2023 By Isaac Eger

Trees, Please

Sarasota County's First Micro Forest Has Macro Impact

Local groups are fighting climate change by planting micro forests. You can see the first local one at the Celery Fields, where it doubles as an outdoor classroom.

11/29/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Essential Intelligence

Mangroves Are Powerful Coastal Guardians

Beyond their inherent value as living organisms, mangrove trees are vital when it comes to protecting healthy waters and fisheries—and even human development.

11/12/2022 By Yasi Bahmanabadi

The Climate Crisis

What Is Coastal Resilience and Why Is It Crucial for Sarasota?

Hurricane Ian decimated parts of the Gulf Coast. Now, local leaders are sharing insights into how we can rebuild in a sustainable way.

10/24/2022 By Laura Paquette

Sarasota Magazine

Nature