NATURAL RESOURCES

Florida has a rich heritage and diversity of natural resources that provide the quality of life tens of millions of year-round and “snowbird” seasonal residents, as well as spectacular experiences for its 83,900,000 annual tourists (2006 data). Natural resources can be understood as the Natural Capitalism that earns the dividends to provide our quality of life, prosperous economies, and long-term sustainability. To live in harmony with the Florida environment, we all need to be aware of how our lives intersect with and affect it.

Sarasota County has demonstrated a commitment to stewardship of natural resources and is a recognized leader by its progressive efforts. The conservation of our natural resources offers a practical way of "thinking globally and acting locally" to responsibly address challenges such as global warming and regional water shortages. To this end, Sarasota County Extension offers information and programs about the animal and plant species that live here, as well as the native ecosystems of the coasts, estuaries, forests, swamps, lakes, hammocks, and wetlands that make our state unique, so you can enjoy--and help preserve--these treasures. This education strives to empower you to acquire the necessary tools to participate fully at the local, county and state levels and in support of individual to community-based efforts.

Learn more about:

• Backyard Landscapes for Wildlife Program
• Master Naturalist Program
• Wildland-Urban Interface Program
• Florida Wildlife