They Only Come Out at Night

The Night-Blooming Cactus Is 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

This week sees the publication of "Path of the Panther: New Hope for Wild Florida," Ward's new book of Florida 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

Deep Time

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

A real-life Indiana Jones will be the first speaker at this year's Climate Adaptation Center conference on Thursday, Feb. 9.

02/01/2023 By Bethany Ritz

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