This month we'd like to take a closer look at Neighborhood Natural Environment, which was identified as one of the top two priorities in our Neighborhood Services survey earlier this year.  The largest environmental interests fell within natural habitats and water quality.

           As you know, we are working diligently to assemble the Florida Neighborhoods Conference, which will be hosted by Sarasota County this October (in Venice).  Does this workshop description appeal to you?

" Navigating the responsibilities of neighborhood water bodies and natural lands can be a difficult task.   Let Andrea Lipstein be your guide through the evolution of local and statewide environmental protection rules, common neighborhood-level environmental features, resources for determining the status of those features in your neighborhood, and how to find a vendor that is qualified to care for them."  (Andrea Lipstein is an Environmental Specialist with Sarasota County government.)

We'll keep you posted when registration for the conference opens.  In the meantime, enjoy this photograph from one of our recent Neighborhood Initiative Grant projects.  The Woodland Park neighborhood decided to address water quality with the installation of a floating island - which has quickly become a favorite hangout for some local wildlife!  (Yes, that's a floating alligator.)  NIGP workshops conclude June 30, so if your neighborhood would like to get certified to apply for the next round of grants, contact [email protected] today.

The Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) relies on the recommendations it receives from its thirty-plus Advisory Councils . Current openings include:

Keep Sarasota County Beautiful Advisory Board 

Sarasota Tree Advisory Council 

Neighborhood Initiative Grant Advisory Committee 

and many others.  

Submit your application to serve on an advisory council today!

Sarasota County Openly Plans for Excellence (SCOPE) is a non-profit agency dedicated to - well, you guessed it - planning for Sarasota County's excellence!  They are conducting a 2016 Transportation Needs Assessment, and will use the results to make transportation for seniors in Sarasota County easier and more affordable.  If you are are a full- or part-time resident of Sarasota County, aged 65 or older, you are invited to take this ten-minute survey.

How can we improve the appearance of our common grounds without breaking our budget?

Florida-Friendly Landscaping is both budget-friendly AND environmentally-friendly.  It utilizes plants and practices that require less fertilization and less water - in short, less maintenance!  Because these plants thrive in Florida's natural conditions, they are also less likely to need replacing. That makes it better for our water quality, better for our existing native plants and animals, and better for your bank account!  Learn more about the program with the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods handbook, and take your learning further with a class offered by UF/IFAS Extension Services.