SBEP Bay Guardian Volunteers Complete Project at Perico Preserve

Bay Guardian volunteers included Felicia Burks and her family. Ms. Burks is Program Manager for NEP under the EPA.

SARASOTA – The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) Bay Guardian volunteers planted thousands of Florida-native plants April 12 at Perico Preserve. More than 100 volunteers including boy scouts, girl scouts and a 4H group installed 12,000 plugs of marsh grass that were donated by FWC Redfish Hatchery at Port Manatee. Perico Preserve is located on the west side of Manatee County near Anna Maria Island.

The project was the fourth volunteer outing for the Bay Guardians in 2014. Prior projects were completed at Bowlees Creek Island, Jiggs Landing and Arlington Park.

The Bay Guardians are the largest and most active volunteer program in the region focused on Sarasota Bay. The award-winning program is managed by SBEP in partnership with Around the Bend Nature Tours. New volunteers receive a blue tee shirt featuring the Bay Guardians logo. Each outing features environmental education and a picnic lunch. Join the Bay Guardians for a single project or as an ongoing commitment. Local school, scout and church groups interested in volunteering should contact Sara Kane at sara@sarasotabay.org.

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program is dedicated to restoring the area's greatest natural asset — Sarasota Bay. Its unique program strives to improve water quality, increase habitat and enhance the natural resources of the area for use and enjoyment by the public. Sarasota Bay is one of 28 estuaries in the United States that have been named by the U.S. Congress as an "estuary of national significance." Partners include Sarasota County, Manatee County, City of Sarasota, City of Bradenton, Town of Longboat Key, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Southwest Florida Water Management District, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.