 SARASOTA COUNTY — Join sustainability experts, policy makers, business leaders, community members and more at a virtual workshop to help build healthy, resilient, equitable communities. The 16th Annual Sustainable Communities Workshop on Nov. 10 is a full-day, online event that will provide valuable insight on environmental, economic, and social aspects of sustainability. Attendees will learn the latest strategies, resources, and best practices essential to developing the deep roots of a sustainable future. The event’s virtual setting enables participants to gather from wherever they are and enhances safety related to the COVID-19 pandemic, while still offering visitors ways to engage with others in networking areas, exhibitor booths, panel sessions, chat rooms and more. “The virtual setting also allows us to invite a more diverse pool of speakers from different industries and locations, as well as reach a broader spectrum of participants,” said Alia Garrett, sustainability outreach coordinator with Sarasota County UF/IAS Extension and Sustainability. “And, hosting the event virtually also significantly lowers the carbon footprint by reducing the amount of travel, food, materials, and waste typically produced at in-person events.” Register at https://ufsarasotaext.eventbrite.com for the 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. event, and learn the latest on myriad sustainability issues, including: Climate change, Canopy science, Indigenous perspectives, Water quality, Urban agriculture, Social equity and health, Sustainable living, and Youth involvement. Featured speakers throughout the day include: Meg Lowman, a global pioneer of canopy science; activist and humanitarian Rob Greenfield; and Tai Simpson, Indigenous activist and community organizer. The $10 workshop cost (students pay just $5) provides online access to all expert speakers and breakout sessions, as well as networking and visiting exhibitors. There also is an option to donate a ticket for those needing financial help to attend. In conjunction with the Sustainable Communities Workshop, activities this year include a suite of free, community events: “The Sound of the Sea” – Florida author Cynthia Barnett discusses seashells, the animals that build them, and our changing oceans. Online, 4-6 p.m. Nov. 06. www.eventbrite.com/e/169650795095 Robinson Preserve Expansion Paddle – An easy, kayak tour to highlight designs, habitat improvements and future plans. Robinson Preserve, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton, 4-6 p.m. Nov. 09. www.eventbrite.com/e/170194726007 Celery Fields Sustainability Day – Tour the Sarasota Audubon Society building and gardens, and learn about natural Florida. Celery Fields, 6893 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota, 9 a.m. to noon, Nov. 11. www.eventbrite.com/e/177231763977 Top-level sponsors for this year’s workshop include the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, and WSLR/Fogartyville, with 14 organizations in total helping to make this event possible. For more information on the workshop, speakers, and topics, an outline of the day’s activities, and to register, visit www.scgov.net/SustainableCommunitiesor call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000. UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County partners county, state and federal resources to deliver research-based information and programs across six core areas: sustainable agriculture; gardening and landscaping; natural resources; nutrition and healthy living; sustainability; and youth development. Learn more at http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasota, or call 941-861-5000 or email sarasota@ifas.ufl.edu.An Equal Opportunity Institution. UF/IFAS Extension, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Tom Obreza, interim dean for UF/IFAS Extension. Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at www.scgov.net/ADA.  |
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