UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County has launched a local pilot to recycle used pickleballs as part of our going “Beyond the Bin” recycling initiative to divert non-traditional, hard-to-recycle items. A typical pickleball is said to last ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation
Blog co-authored by Mary Ellen Boelhower, Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) graduate. Meet Tish Sacks Graduates form the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) routinely influence others with their knowledge of the natural world, ... READ MORE
Category: Community Volunteers, Conservation, Natural Resources, Professional Development, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife, Work & Life
Last week, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) voted to extend the current Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage Restrictions through October 1, 2026.Before officials enacted these restrictions earlier this year, we had ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Lawn, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Turf, Water, Work & Life![a hand with an empty plastic water bottle reaches into a blue bin to recycle the waste. [credit: uf/ifas, tyler jones]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2024/05/2016_Waste_recycleBottleBin01_ifasTylerJonesCROP1650x470TINY.png)
Waste Reduction & Recycling in Sarasota County The state has set targets for each Florida county to achieve a 75% waste stream recycling rate. Sarasota County is working to achieve these rates through increased recycling efforts, waste ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation
Summer rains will hopefully be here soon, bringing with them the potential for flooding. Litter, yard debris, and other objects can block the roadside inlets that route excess rainfall away from our homes. Keeping these storm drains clear is ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Water
World Ocean Day is today. It was created to advocate for and inspire people to take action every day, not just today. This year’s theme for World Ocean Day is Reimagine. The idea behind this year’s theme is to invite people to change ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources
Blog co-authored by Mary Ellen Boelhower, Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) graduate Meet Kristen Sturgeon Meet Kristen Sturgeon, an Environmental Specialist III with Sarasota County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources. In this ... READ MORE
Category: Community Volunteers, Conservation, Natural Resources, Professional Development, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife, Work & Life![potential shoppers walk along a sidewalk in a downtown business district, as potted plants frame a business doorway and a bike leans against a storefront window. [credit: uf/ifas, javier edwards]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2026/02/2014_Waste_downtownBusinessDistrict_ifasEdwardsJavierCROP1650x470.png)
We want to wish a hearty welcome to our newest Green Business Partnership member: Sarasota Alliance for Historical Preservation. About the Green Business Partner Key information about our newest partner, as shared by the company. Sarasota ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation![Fans watch a University of Florida football game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville. [credit: uf/ifas, tyler jones]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2026/05/2023_Waste_greensportsUFFootballGame01_ifasTylerJones_CROP1650x470.png)
How do we turn a day at the ballpark into a win for waste reduction? UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County helped answer that question by hosting a university poster session at the Green Sports Alliance Summit in Cleveland. Set against the backdrop ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation
Blog co-authored by Mary Ellen Boelhower, Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) graduate Meet Dr. Davis This is Dr. Mary Davis, a retired PhD Ecologist and Sarasota County volunteer. She is also a Florida Master Naturalist Program graduate. ... READ MORE
Category: Community Volunteers, Conservation, Natural Resources, Professional Development, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife, Work & Life