As our world becomes more digitized and urbanized, it may seem more challenging to choose to spend time outdoors. Yet, spending that time outside and connecting with nature on a deeper emotional level provides numerous proven benefits for ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Health & Nutrition, Natural Resources
Today’s youth are spending less and less time outdoors connecting with nature. Why does this matter? For both nature lovers and those who may be a little hesitant when it comes to spending time outdoors, there are a variety of mental, physical, ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth, Health & Nutrition, Natural Resources, Relationships & Family"Nature-Deficit Disorder" Prompts Greater Focus on Getting Children Outside “Take a Child Outside Week” occurs annually from September 24th - 30th, initiated by the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences as an effort to raise awareness ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth, Conservation, Natural Resources, Recreation, Relationships & Family, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife
Hi all! My name is Evelyn Spencer and I worked as one of the Environmental Education & Outreach Interns for Summer 2025 with UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County. I am currently enrolled at USF's Patel College of Global Sustainability ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Professional Development, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife, Work & Life
Your five-star review of a park may have more weight than you think. Scientists just turned it into data, thanks to artificial intelligence (AI). Researchers at the University of Florida based in Fort Lauderdale used machine learning ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Research, WildlifeFor many of us, nature is a place to play, enjoy, be amazed, connect with others, or find solitude. Nature offers an abundance of opportunities that provide positive benefits to our physical, mental, and emotional health. With increasing urbanization ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Health & Nutrition, Natural Resources
What is LIFE? The Learning in Florida’s Environment (LIFE) program is a science-based educational experience that engages 4th and 5th grade students in Sarasota County in 1-hour preparatory in-class presentations followed by a 3-hour field ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth, Coasts & Marine, Community Volunteers, Conservation, Natural Resources, Water, Wildlife
Eastern Screech Owl: Our Smallest Florida Owl Eastern Screech Owls are one of five native owl species found in Florida. They are our smallest owl, being only about 6-10 inches tall, with a wingspan of 18-24 inches. They are short and stocky, ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Home Landscapes, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, Wildlife
First Missions are Live! This month, Venice Area Audubon Rookery was transformed into Sarasota County’s first Agents of Discovery mission location! Agents of Discovery is an interactive, location-based mobile app featuring games and challenges ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth, Natural Resources, Recreation, Relationships & Family, Water, WildlifeCalling all Special Agents! UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County in partnership with Sarasota County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources is excited to launch our new interactive learning experience, Agents of Discovery! Agents of Discovery ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth, Conservation, Natural Resources, Relationships & Family