SARASOTA COUNTY – Sarasota County’s Seagrass Survey returns this month for the fifth year of educating the community of the importance of seagrasses. This free, fun and family-friendly event on Saturday, June 15, provides the public with a hands-on opportunity to learn about seagrass habitat up close. Registered volunteers will take to the waters in and around Sarasota Bay to count and identify seagrass species, in an effort to collect data for the county’s Seagrass Monitoring Program. No previous experience is necessary, but registration is required. After the survey, there will be a free festival with nature-themed games, crafts and educational booths to enjoy until 2 p.m.; there will also be live music and food trucks. The Seagrass Survey celebrates Sarasota County’s commitment to protecting its water resources and focuses on increasing awareness of the economic and environmental value of seagrass habitat. Seagrasses provide food and shelter to many marine species. They are one of the most productive ecosystems in the world. Seventy percent of Florida’s fisheries species, including scallops, crabs, shrimp, grouper and snapper, spend part of their lives in seagrass beds. The event, which is held in partnership with the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program will be at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron, 1717 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota. Agenda: Volunteer sign-in: 7:30-8 a.m.On-site volunteer training: 8-9 a.m.Data collection: 9 a.m. to noon.Volunteer lunch: noon to 1 p.m.Free festival with nature-themed games, crafts and more: noon to 2 p.m.To register or for more information, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000 or visit scgov.net. Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at scgov.net (keywords: ADA compliance) |