8 Sustainable Adventures in Sarasota County

Are you stuck doing the same things for fun and looking for affordable ways to enjoy Sarasota County? Luckily, Sarasota County offers a load of sustainable adventures, from its beaches and parks to its sunny weather and countless attractions. When planning an outing, it’s important to keep sustainability in mind because not only does it benefit you financially, but it ensures the plants and animals thrive.

Kayaking

The Gulf Coast of Florida is world-famous for its pristine water and diverse marine life, so why not take advantage of it? Sarasota County offers many different water-access locations, including 29 kayak launches. Lido Key’s mangrove tunnels at Ted Sperling Park include breathtaking views of Florida’s coastline, providing an invigorating kayak experience. If you’re looking for a more rugged experience of viewing Florida’s old wetlands, Deer Prairie Creek Preserve is just the spot for you. Sarasota County’s kayaking trails are some of the best ways to get up close to nature and cool down during the hot seasons.

Hiking

Sarasota County offers an abundant number of trails winding through wildflower-covered prairies, wetland preserves, gorgeous pine flatwoods, and white-sand beaches. Myakka River State Park is open 365 days a year with over 37,000 acres of land, showcasing Florida’s diverse, species-rich natural landscape. Known for its canopy walk, thirty-nine miles of trails, plethora of wildlife, and airboat tours, Myakka River State Park is a great place to take a walk, relax, and connect with nature. Oscar Scherer State Park is a hidden gem, best known for its Florida scrub-jay habitat and bald eagle nests. With 15 miles of trails, this park is perfect for walking, biking, and camping. While these are some of the more popular locations, Sarasota County has dozens of preserves and spots to enjoy Florida’s natural beauty.

Trail at Myakka State Park with green trees and shrubs — Photo Credit: Sarasota County

Photography

Feeling creative? Pick up a camera and snap some photos of Sarasota County’s natural beauty. If you’re a beginner, you could start off by snapping some shots around your neighborhood or a local park. Abundant wildlife thrives throughout the county’s species-rich parks and trails, offering endless opportunities for incredible wildlife photography. Not only is photography a creative outlet, but it also offers profound mental, physical, and emotional benefits.

Farmer’s Market + Cooking

Looking for a way to support sustainable agriculture and enjoy a more diverse, nutritious diet? Sarasota County offers over 10 farmers markets, both traditional and seasonal, stretching from north Sarasota, down to Englewood. Supporting a local farmers market not only boosts the local economy but also provides dietary diversity. Buying fresh food from a farmers market provides an opportunity to upgrade your culinary skills and make delicious and nutritious homemade meals. Not only do these markets sell food, many sell handmade goods, art, and clothes.

Large group of people shopping at Phillippi Creek Estate Farmers Market — Photo Credit: Sarasota County

Gardening

Whether you want to grow your own produce or spruce up your yard with some flowers, gardening offers a multitude of opportunities. If you don’t have seeds, head over to your local nursery and buy some! Gardening is a natural stress reliever and provides physical health benefits. Not sure what to do or where to start? Sarasota County’s UF/IFAS Extension office offers many classes, free seeds, and a master gardener program!

Two people standing in the garden smile as they exchange conversation — Photo Credit: Sarasota County

Volunteering

One of the greatest ways to get out of the house and make a positive impact on the community is by volunteering. According to St. Peter’s Health volunteering:

Reduces stress and anxiety
Improves self-esteem and confidence
Increases physical activity and lowers blood pressure
Enhances social connections and skills
Stimulates the mind
Reduces the risk of cognitive decline

Sarasota County offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, from parks to emergency services, and everything in between. When deciding where to volunteer, it’s important to choose something you are passionate about and will genuinely enjoy doing.

Nature Journaling

Looking for a peaceful way to spend time and relax in nature? Nature journaling is a great way to practice mindfulness, record observations, and appreciate Sarasota County’s natural beauty. You don’t have to be an artist or a poet to nature journal. Keep it simple: start off with a basic notebook and a pencil/pen. Find a quiet spot, either in your backyard or along one of Sarasota County’s many trails. Write down what you see, hear, and feel. Draw simple sketches of the landscape, animals, or plants. You can even count the number of leaves on branches, record the temperature, or guess the height of a tree. Nature journaling is all about immersing yourself in nature and doing what feels best to you.

Two notebooks with drawings of a butterfly and bird — Photo Credit: Sarasota County

Beach Clean-Up

In Sarasota County, we take pride in keeping our beaches clean. That’s why we encourage everyone to properly dispose of their trash. Unfortunately, not everyone cleans up after themselves, which can leave litter behind and harm our beautiful coastal environment. Because of this, beach clean-ups are important to keep Sarasota County beautiful and protect our wildlife. Every year, Keep Sarasota County Beautiful (KSCB) hosts community cleanup projects to help keep our county free of litter. However, this is not the only time you can do a beach clean-up. Call up a few of your friends, grab some trash bags and gloves, and pick up trash on the beach!