Sarasota Audubon Society’s Gift of Nature Campaign is now accepting contributions to build a Nature Center at the Celery Fields, an oasis of restored wetlands and prime birding and wildlife habitat owned by Sarasota County.
The Center will provide local residents and visiting eco-tourists with exceptional opportunities for environmental education and outdoor activities in the 300+ acre nature preserve. The Center will be owned and operated by the Sarasota Audubon Society in partnership with Sarasota County government, which is providing the land and many improvements.
With a Nature Center, Sarasota Audubon will be able to expand its environmental education programs for children. We are working on the following: Junior Naturalist Program, Date With Nature events, and an Environmental Summer Camp. In addition, as stewards of the Celery Fields, Sarasota Audubon will ensure that the site maintains its role as a haven for wildlife.
The unique collaboration between Sarasota Audubon Society and Sarasota County will protect this outstanding wildlife habitat. It will provide hands-on educational experiences for children, and an exceptional destination for eco-tourists from all parts of the globe. The Center will provide a significant contribution to our quality of life while boosting our local tourism industry.
Last year tourists and residents spent over $1.3 billion watching Florida wildlife. Just off of I-75 and Fruitville Road, the Celery Fields are easily accessible to local residents and out-of-town visitors. The new center will serve as an information resource about all of Sarasota County’s natural experiences, directing visitors to our local network of parks and public lands available for exploration and enjoyment.
