This blog is dedicated to the environmental well-being of our Florida coastal habitat.

This blog is
dedicated to the environmental well-being of coastal habitat.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Bay Friendly Suggestion from Sarasota Bay Estuary Program

"SBEP reminds residents to use fertilizers with slow-release nitrogen for their lawn or flower beds during the Spring season. Slow-release products feed your lawn and plants gradually and for a longer period of time. They ultimately help reduce the flow of fertilizer chemicals into Sarasota Bay as a result of stormwater runoff. Another important Bay-friendly suggestion is not fertilizing during the summer months from June through September. "

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Spring at South Lido

Spring is nesting season at South Lido.  Portions of the back beach are roped off
 Castles and multitudes of tourists appear at New Pass beach
Various vehicles park along the beach.


Sea Grape - Spring Colors

Manatee River @ Bradenton Downtown

Manatee Statue at Marina
Yachts at Bradenton Marina
Protest on bridge over Manatee River

Monday, March 12, 2012

Sarasota Bay Watch Upcoming Events

March
24th:  Second Annual Skiers Island Cleanup with Riverview High School National Honor Society.
27-28th Community Foundation's Giving Partner's Project.  A 36 hour challenge with matching funds!
April
TBD:  Second Scallop Larvae Release.  Funded by the 2011 Scallopalooza event, the release date is dependent upon scallop development.  Stay tuned for the announcement.
22nd:  Oscar Scherer Earth Day.  a one day festival with family activities, and exhibits.  Come by our booth!
 

May
12th: 4th Annual Sister Keys Cleanup.  A boating workday partnered by Town of Longboat Key and Mar Vista on our adopted island.
June
9th: Scallopalooza.  The Sarasota Yacht Club hosts this event that launched our scallop restoration project.  An fun evening of entertainment, presentations, silent auction, and food.
August
TBD: 5th Annual Scallop Search.  A terrific family activity that helps us monitor the local scallop populations.  Stay tuned for details.

Bay Guardians at Quick Point Preserve

The above photo was taken at a recent Saturday volunteer outing with the SBEP Bay Guardians at Quick Point Preserve on Longboat Key. Fifty-six student and adult volunteers helped remove invasive plants and debris before enjoying a picnic lunch. The photo shows students with Future Leaders Academy in Sarasota. Other participating groups included Martha B. King Middle School in Bradenton and the Mote Marine Laboratory High School Intern Program.

Bay Guardians do more than help complete projects that enhance our local preserves and Sarasota Bay. They also learn about local aquatic life, birds, habitat and the importance of conservation.

Waterway blacklist updated

- Sarasota Herald Tribune

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Craig Tucker's Snow Birds

 We call all our winter visitors to Florida, "SNOW BIRDS".
That includes white pelicans and other seasonal residents.

Photos by W. Craig Tucker

6 acres in Manatee on conservation land sale list

- Sarasota Herald Tribune

Friday, March 2, 2012

Bay-friendly landscaping.: Sunbow Bay Open House March 24

Sarasota Bay Estuary Program has supported the project with Bay Partners Grants in 2010 and 2011. SBEP also provided technical assistance along with Michelle Atkinson with the Florida Yards and Neighborhood Program and Jim Derwenko, a green-certified landscaper. The key contact person at Sunbow Bay is Denise Elliott and you can reach Ms. Elliott at dndelliott@gmail.com. Denise has provided timely leadership in making Bay-friendly landscaping a priority at Sunbow Bay.

 The public is invited to the open house and a local Girl Scout Troop from Bradenton will be on hand to sell water and lemonade to raise funds for a future camping trip. The Girl Scouts will also be visiting Sunbow Bay March 10 to do some volunteer work in the garden while learning more about Bay-friendly landscaping