Native Planting at North Lido

Sarasota Bay Guardians Host Volunteer Event

Native Planting at North Lido

SBEP Restoration Site

Local contractors working with the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program have completed the development of a new tidal tributary at North Lido Park adjacent to the beach access.

The tidal wetland was created to provide essential habitat for estuarine dependent fish species, according to Jay Leverone, PhD, SBEP's staff scientist. "The restoration also provides improved habitat for birds, reptiles and other wildlife," he added. "Local citizens have already reported seeing eagles, ospreys, a gopher tortoise, and numerous schools of small fish in the park."

Sarasota Bay Estuary Program is partnering with the City of Sarasota and Around the Bend Nature Tours to bring you this native planting event.

This event is suitable for all ages.

Please wear hat, sunscreen, close-toed shoes (old tennis shoes work great), clothes that can get dirty and work gloves. Also, please bring a water bottle if you have one to reduce our plastic pollution.

Bay Guardians shirts will be available for all volunteers! If you already have one please wear your shirt to the event. Parking is limited. Please carpool if you can!

WHAT: Bay Guardians Native Planting at North Lido
WHERE: North Lido Restoration Site: 154 Emerson Drive Sarasota, FL 34236

WHEN: Saturday, July 9, 2011, 9:00am-12:00pm

Lunch will be provided for all volunteers after the planting is done!

RSVP Required: Click here to register!

Questions? Contact sara@sarasotabay.org, 941-955-8085 or Karen@aroundbend.com,

941-794-8773.

Major funding for the restoration project comes from Southwest Florida Water Management District and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Other project partners include the City of Sarasota and Sarasota County. Individuals and organizations supporting the project include the Lido Shores Property Owners Association, Lido Key Residents Association, Sarasota Audubon Society, and Captain Jeffrey Karr with the Sarasota Police Department.

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program is dedicated to restoring the area's greatest natural asset-Sarasota Bay. Its unique program strives to improve water quality, increase habitat and enhance the natural resources of the area for use and enjoyment by the public. Sarasota Bay is one of 28 estuaries in the United States that have been named by the U.S. Congress as an "estuary of national significance."