Are you looking to find more ways for you and your family to ex•plore all Sarasota County has to offer?
From award-winning beaches to natural areas and trails, from mangrove tunnels to fishing holes, birding sites, gardens and more, Sarasota County has something for everyone! UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County’s new “ex•plore” program is here to help you find your perfect adventure.
Local data shows that residents are increasingly interested in hands-on and field-trip style learning opportunities. Extension is here to fill that need! Whether you’re looking to trek through count park, paddle down a tree-lined creek, visit a Sarasota County facility, or craft shark-tooth jewelry while learning about our aquatic friends, we have you covered. Maybe you would rather explore the county online, bring home a family activity kit, or embark on a scavenger hunt at a local library. We’ve have that too!
“Ex•plore with Extension”: a strategic adventure
Over the past year, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County focused efforts one increasing hands-on learning opportunities, offering guided trips to new places, and even releasing web-based adventures. The adventure, however, doesn’t stop there! Three are always fun and exciting opportunities to “ex•plore with extension”. If you would like to come along for an adventure, we’ve made it easy by curating an ongoing collection of upcoming events.
Ex•plore on your own
Whether you are more of a solo adventurer, have a busy schedule, or would rather spend time indoors or with family, you can still get in on the fun! We’ve done the legwork for you; we’ve even mapped out a list of places we think you would enjoy exploring. Most locations listed are open to explore free of charge, with a limited number charging and admission of under $10. Our new map factsheet lists locations geographically and include an icon key of attractions at each site, making it easy to find your perfect adventure. Check it out to plan your next outing.
Ex•plore family-friendly activities
Self-paced family activities are available at many Sarasota County locations. Family-friendly Eco-Explorer Backpack Kits, developed by UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County in partnership with Sarasota County Libraries, are available to check-out with your library card at all Sarasota County Libraries locations.
Eco-Explorer Backpack Kits are available in three different themes: the Explore Your World kit, Insect Investigator kit, and Family Green Living kit. If you are looking for more of a treasure-hunt-style adventure, check out Treasure Quest, a series of “adventure booklets” available at multiple locations throughout Sarasota County.
Still looking for more?
Play and learn outdoors with the new Agents of Discovery Mobile App! This free mobile adventure app turns the great outdoors into a fun and interactive learning game. UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County in partnership with Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources launch live missions at select Sarasota County Parks. Check the Agents of Discovery Schedule to see when missions are active to play. Missions can be played at any point during the multi-month time window.
Ex•plore online
Opportunities to ex•plore Sarasota County are also available online. Adventure through virtual maps of Sarasota County in the Water Quality Story Map, Natural Areas Story Map, and the Community and Demonstration Gardens Story Map.
Through the Ex•plore with Extension blog series, you can read about some of the places Extension explored over this past year, including:
- ex•plore: A Paddler’s Journey on Deer Prairie Creek
- ex•plore: A New Appreciation for the Tap (T. Mabry Carlton Water Treatment Facility)
- ex•plore: The Monty Andrews Arboretum
- ex•plore: Sarasota County Mosquito Management Services Facility Tour
- ex•plore: Turn off the Lights for Nature at Night
- ex•plore: Edible Gardening with Extension
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