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

Island Hopping

Virgin Islands National Park Is One of the Country's Least-Visited Parks. You Should Go.

There are many good reasons to visit this tropical paradise, aside from its pristine beaches and abundant coral reefs.

10/19/2022 By Matt McGowan

Rollin' on the River

The Little Manatee River is One Step Closer to Being a Protected Waterway

The bill aims to designate the river as “scenic,” which would protect it from development and maintain it for future generations.

10/07/2022 Photography by Kim Doleatto

The Storm

How Has Hurricane Ian Affected Sarasota's Water Quality?

Environmentalists say things will likely get worse before they get better.

09/30/2022 By Isaac Eger

Nature

See the Winners of the Conservation Foundation's Summer Photo Contest

Best in Show went to Englewood photographer Susan Smart, among five category winners.

08/05/2022 By Allison Forsyth

Sitting Empty

Who Killed the Florida House?

Jostling between a construction industry trade organization and multiple governmental bodies has left the house in limbo.

07/25/2022 By Isaac Eger

Science

Researchers Are Studying How Red Tide Affects Our Long-Term Health

Studies have found red tide can have a lasting effect on the brain and lungs.

07/21/2022 By Allison Forsyth

We All Live in a Yellow Submarine

This Sarasota Duo Is Killing Invasive Lionfish in a Tiny Yellow Submarine

Scott Gonnello and Scott Cassell are finding new ways to rid the waters of the invasive species wreaking havoc on coral reefs.

07/07/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Nature Lover

Rattlesnake Key Slated to Become a State Park

The Manatee County island, just south of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Terra Ceia Bay, is a slice of undeveloped Old Florida.

06/09/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Bee Smart

'Discover the Wonder of Bees' at a Free, Family-Friendly Event

This Saturday, April 30, beekeepers will lead activity stations with interactive demonstration hives, honey tastings, games, crafts and story time.

04/27/2022 By Samantha Lane

Bay Watch

Help the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Check on Our Seagrass This Weekend

Become a citizen scientist by recording the health and quality of Sarasota Bay seagrass.

04/26/2022 By Allison Forsyth

The Green Living Toolkit

How to Turn Your Yard Into a Paradise for Florida Wildlife

Two experts explain how your yard (or even just your balcony) can have a positive effect on the environment.

04/14/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Nature

Manatee County Parks Will Celebrate Arbor Day with a Scavenger Hunt

UF/IFAS Extension and Manatee County Parks will host a community-wide scavenger hunt for native trees.

01/07/2022 By Staff

Nature

Myakka River State Park Purchases All-Terrain Wheelchair to Improve Accessibility

A grant from the William G. & Marie Selby Foundation made the move possible.

01/05/2022 By Staff

Q & A

New York Times Contributor Margaret Renkl Discusses Nature, Politics and Her New Book

Renkl’s new book Graceland, at Last: Notes on Hope and Heartache From the American South collects 60 of her opinion pieces.

09/14/2021 By Marc Griffin

Rock Out

'Sarasota Rocks' Rock Painting Group Brings Smiles to Locals

The popular group has more than 8,000 members on Facebook.

08/02/2021 By Allison Forsyth

Water quality

Red Tide Continues to Affect Sarasota's Beaches and Wildlife

Experts say drought conditions and the Piney Point disaster have combined to create a red tide bloom that may linger.

08/02/2021 By Elizabeth Djinis

On Par

The Bobby Jones Nature Trails Have Reopened

The paths are again open to the public now that demolition to make way for future renovations has been completed.

07/22/2021 By Kim Doleatto