As our region grows, we observe impacts of climate change such as an increase in days with extreme heat conditions, number and intensity of storms and hurricanes, and water shortages. This brings to light how important our actions are in response to these realities through a two-pronged approach. Adapting to the changing conditions we are already experiencing helps our communities become more resilient. At the same time, reducing the carbon released into the atmosphere as it drives many of the climate changes we are seeing.

What “Our Power, Our Planet” Means for Sarasota

This year’s official Earth Day theme from EARTHDAY.ORG is a continuation of last year with Our Power, Our Planet^TM. This celebrates the opportunity our collective communities have to make sustainable decisions about the future of our planet’s environmental conditions that influence food systems, water availability, energy access, disaster risk, and economic resilience across all regions.

Sarasota is no stranger to caring deeply about our local environment and its precious resources, recreational opportunities, wildlife, and natural beauty. Sarasota County residents in past and present days have taken actions to protect our land and coastline. Some past examples that showcase Sarasota’s long history of commitment to the Earth and sustainability include –

• 1877 – Sarasota’s first green business, the Florida Fish Oil and Fertilizer Company, begins its operations taking remaining fish scraps from oil processing and composting them for use in fertilizers, creating two products using all parts the fish.
• 1927 – Sarasota County UF IFAS Extension is born with P.M. Childers as our very first agent. During his first year of work, Mr. Childers completed 586 visits to 126 farms in the county, capturing the story of current agricultural work and helping farmers implement best practices and find local resources and information to support their work.
• 2001 – The Science and Environmental Council of Southwest Florida is established. This network is comprised of over 40 leading science-based environmental groups that work together to act for our communities using its knowledge base and increased capacity to inform policy and enhance public awareness of science-based conservation and sustainable practices to protect and restore our natural environment.

With so many in our county caring deeply for our local environment, join one of the many opportunities to act together with others toward protecting and restoring our natural lands and wildlife. You will find there is no shortage of others nearby to join forces with.

Celebrate Arbor Day by Planting a Tree

Arbor Day, celebrated on April 24, complements Earth Day in April, extending the celebration of our natural world and the many benefits it provides. From the shade of a

tree on a hot summer day to the habitat it offers for songbirds that fill the air with music, trees enrich our lives in countless ways—many of them simple pleasures we often take for granted.

Arbor day began in 1872 in Nebraska City, NE first honoring tree enthusiast Julius Sterling Morton. This day holds the tradition of remembering a past loved one as you plant a tree for the Earth providing opportunity for reflecting on the wisdom of those who came before us while fostering future growth and stewardship.

Receive and plant a free tree this year with one of the many opportunities in Sarasota County –

• Sarasota County Arbor Month Events (multiple dates)
• City of Sarasota Tree Giveaway (Saturday, April 18 at 10 a.m.)
• City of North Port Tree Giveaway (Friday, April 24 from 4-6 p.m.)

Ways You Can Celebrate Earth Day in Sarasota

• Join us for Earth Day at The Bay on Saturday, April 18 from 11a.m. – 1 p.m. – Celebrate Earth Day at The Bay with free family activities and visit our Sarasota County Sustainability table.
• Join the Englewood Earth Day Festival on Sunday April 19 from 11am. – 4p.m. – The family-friendly festival includes crafts, educational programs, live music, demonstrations, and food.
• Climate Future Film Festival on Sunday, April 19 and May 17 at 1p.m. – Enjoy a two‑hour Earth Day film program featuring award‑winning shorts.
• Join the Great American Cleanup in Sarasota County on Saturday, April 18
• Green Living Toolkit – Discover local tips, tools, and events to help you live greener on Florida’s Suncoast.
• 50 Easy Ways to Help the Planet Every Day – Find simple daily actions to protect our environment (EARTHDAY.ORG)
• Volunteer locally with an organization whose mission you care about.

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