Resources
Additional resources to help you discover Sarasota County’s natural assets are available at:
Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail
http://www.floridapaddlingtrails.com/showpage.asp?page=ctseg10
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/paddling/saltwater.htm
It's the saltwater version of the Appalachian Trail. Beginning at Big Lagoon State Park near Pensacola, extending around the Florida peninsula and Keys, and ending at Fort Clinch State Park near the Georgia border, the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail is a 1,515-mile sea kayaking paradise. The trail includes every Florida coastal habitat type, from barrier island dune systems to salt marsh to mangroves. Several historical sites and points of interest are accessible by kayak along with colorful fishing communities and urban centers.
The Sarasota segment begins at Lido Beach and ends at Stump Pass Beach State Park. The trail stretches through 36 miles of spectacular scenery. Before you go, be aware of the long stretch of 23 miles from Oscar Scherer State Park to Weston's Resort, which has limited camping opportunities. As with most South Florida segments, boat traffic can be heavy, especially on weekends. The primary campsites and distances between Lido Beach to Oscar Scherer State Park, (13 miles) and Oscar Scherer State Park to Weston's, (23 miles).
Gulf Coast Heritage Trail
The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program was at the forefront of recognizing the economic value of linking and promoting Sarasota Bay’s cultural, historical, and environmental heritage. The Gulf Coast Heritage Trail was the culmination of this recognition and was the first regional eco-heritage based tourism trail program within the state of Florida. Gulf Coast Heritage Trail maps are available at the Sarasota Convention & Visitors Bureau or from Sarasota Bay Estuary Program.
The Gulf Coast Heritage Trail highlights Sarasota Bay’s bountiful natural and cultural heritage that define our sense of place. A sense of place is the culture, heritage and diversity of a region. It is finding inspiration in the past, creating meaning for the present and planning for the future. For the eco-heritage tourist the Gulf Coast Heritage Trail map is a must have. Whether your passion is birding, kayaking or visiting our areas educational, natural and cultural destinations. Beginning at the Sunshine Skyway Fishing Pier State Park in NorthernManatee County and ending at Cedar Point Environmental Center on Lemon Bay in Englewood, the Gulf Coast Heritage Trail map highlights 127 must visit destinations near and along Sarasota Bay.
There is a downloadable PDF and an interactive map at http://www.sarasotabay.org/tourism-ght.html
The Great Florida Birding Trail
http://myfwc.com/gfbt/
The Great Florida Birding Trail (GFBT) is a program of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). At its core is a network of 489 sites throughout Florida selected for their excellent birdwatching or bird education opportunities. This 2000-mile, self-guided highway trail is designed to conserve and enhance Florida's bird habitat by promoting birdwatching activities, conservation education and economic opportunity.
Sarasota Audubon
http://www.sarasotaaudubon.org/
As a local chapter of the National Audubon Society, Sarasota Audubon Society is dedicated to the protection, conservation and enjoyment of birds, wildlife and the environment here in sunny Sarasota.
Florida West Coast Resource Conservation & Development Council
http://www.fwcrcd.org/
Local food and agriculture is becoming one of the most important issues of our times. Florida West Coast Resource Conservation & Development Council is a nonprofit in the southwest Florida area working with both consumers and farmers.
Sarasota County Green Map
http://ags.scgov.net/GreenMapFlex/bin-release/index.html
The Sarasota County Green Map® is an online interactive map that provides a fun, easy way to find locally available green activities, organizations and facilities.
By highlighting "green" assets throughout the community, this interactive mapping tool will raise awareness of sustainable living issues, and encourage you to explore and enjoy the sustainability resources, businesses and services available in our area.
The Sarasota County Green Map is a collaborative effort of Sarasota County Government and SCOPE, and is part of an award-winning global Green Map movement, developed to encourage environmental awareness and sustainability consciousness. Today there are more than 400 Green Map projects in 51 countries helping people locate sustainable urban and rural places and institutions.
Visit www.greenmap.org to learn more about the Green Map movement.
