Cedar Point Environmental Park

06/23/2026

👏🙏 Thank you to all of the firefighters and first responders for getting this fire under control. Another reminder of how dry it is out there!

06/22/2026

"The start of the rainy season can create the impression that the drought is over, but the National Weather Service says that is not the case yet. Recent rain has helped in some areas, but the region still needs a consistent pattern of regular, near-daily rainfall to substantially ease drought conditions. Warm temperatures also make recovery harder because vegetation is using more water and evaporation increases.

UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County reported that the region needs about 19 inches of rainfall to improve drought conditions. That does not mean one storm will fix the problem. What the Suncoast needs is steady rainfall over time that can soak into the soil, refill ponds and lakes, recharge groundwater and restore river flow."

https://www.suncoastpost.com/srq-scoop/florida-suncoast-drought-deepens-rainfall-shortages-water-restrictions-and-what-residents-need-to-know/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSmPt5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE4eEJXNkpYUDJBNFl5RkQ5c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuWG6bKNkUSaHIJjfLAMoAQ0edfxXgQygyhpkVd54uBpzkggd_LKbHfFgF2G_aem_BX0xwrMKA5T62gj77Jx0ew

Florida Suncoast drought conditions deepen as rainfall shortages, water restrictions, river impacts and conservation needs continue across the region.

06/22/2026

🐦🌿 Why Are Birds Important to the Estuary? 🌿🐦

Birds are some of the most visible—and important—members of a healthy estuary ecosystem.

Wading birds like herons and egrets help keep fish and crab populations in balance, while ospreys and pelicans rely on healthy fisheries for survival. Many birds help disperse seeds that support mangroves and coastal plants, while shorebirds and waterfowl help move and recycle nutrients throughout the food web.

Birds are also excellent indicators of environmental health. When bird populations thrive, it’s often a sign that the estuary is providing the food, shelter, and water quality needed to support a diverse and productive ecosystem.

The next time you spot a bird along the shoreline, remember that it’s doing much more than simply enjoying the view—it’s playing an important role in the health of our estuaries and the wildlife that depends on them. 💙

06/19/2026

Week 3: Fish Week has come to an end, and what an amazing week it was! 🎣🐟

Our campers explored the estuary, learned about different fish species and the important roles they play in healthy ecosystems, dissected a glow-in-the-dark fish, and enjoyed plenty of hands-on adventures along the way.

A special thank you to the Englewood Fishing Club (EFC) only members can post for joining us today and sharing their knowledge, fishing skills, and love of the outdoors with our campers. We had an incredible time learning, fishing, and making memories!

We can’t wait to see what adventures await in Week 4!

06/19/2026

We love our Charlotte County Parks and Recreation field scientist!! They work so hard for our community and wildlife. We are also thrilled to see so many sea turtle nest this year!!

Current status: tagged out. 😴🐢

Nearly 250 nests tagged over the last two days, and our coastal team is feeling every step. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, hundreds of nests are documented and protected! 👏

06/18/2026

We love to see this, and agree that more homeowners should share in the biofiltration and shoreline restoration fun.

Most of Florida's living shoreline restoration has happened on public lands by local governments. There are more than 33 such efforts known across the state.

06/18/2026

Please share and attend if you are resident of Englewood or anywhere in Sarastota county.

Has your neighborhood been chosen?

This map shows locations of priority areas (in blue polygons) for reducing flooding and improving water quality in the Lemon Bay Watershed. Sarasota County Stormwater staff worked with experts to identify flooding and water quality hotspots and to develop potential project concepts for improvement.

You and your neighbors are invited to join us for a Neighborhood Workshop to learn about potential project areas and concepts.

The online Neighborhood Workshop will be hosted June 23–24, 2026 at multiple times.

Please visit the project webpage for times and a meeting link at https://loom.ly/2dKTxKA

06/17/2026

🐟 Wildlife Wednesday: Fish of the Estuary 🐟

Did you know our estuaries serve as important nurseries for many fish species? Seagrass beds, mangrove roots, and oyster reefs provide shelter, food, and protection for young fish as they grow. From tiny baitfish to popular sportfish like snook, redfish, and mangrove snapper, many species depend on healthy estuaries during some stage of their lives.

Every fish plays a role in the food web, helping keep our ecosystems balanced and thriving. The healthier our waters are, the healthier our fish populations will be!

🌊 Have you spotted any fish in the estuary lately? Tell us what you’ve seen in the comments!

Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center
Connecting People to Nature 💙

06/15/2026

🐟🌿 Week 3 of Estuary Explorers is underway, and this week is all about FISH! 🌿🐟

One of the best parts of camp is hearing our campers share stories about their fishing and hunting adventures with their families. These outdoor traditions teach so much more than just how to catch a fish or harvest food. They help children develop patience, observation skills, self-reliance, and a deeper understanding of the natural world around them.

When kids spend time outdoors, they begin to understand how ecosystems work, where their food comes from, and why conservation matters. The future of our fish, wildlife, and natural resources depends on the next generation learning to appreciate and care for them.

Today’s wading adventure was full of discoveries! We caught schools of baitfish, found a horseshoe crab, collected several conchs, explored seagrass habitat, and searched for all the amazing creatures that call our estuary home. Every trip into the water is a reminder that even the smallest critters play an important role in keeping our ecosystems healthy.

These campers are quickly becoming true estuary explorers! 💙🌊🦀🐚🐟

06/13/2026

This week our Estuary Explorers learned about the incredible world of mangroves and how all living things are connected in an estuary ecosystem.

We explored the differences between red, black, and white mangroves and discovered why these amazing trees are so important. Their roots help protect our shorelines from erosion, improve water quality, provide habitat for wildlife, and serve as nurseries for many of the fish we love to catch and eat.

We also talked about how healthy ecosystems depend on countless connections. From the soil beneath our feet to detritus breaking down fallen leaves, from tiny algae and oysters filtering the water to crabs scavenging the shoreline, every living thing has a role to play. Bees pollinate plants, seagrass provides shelter for marine life, fish feed birds and mammals, and each piece helps support the web of life—including humans.

One of the most important lessons we can teach children is that nature isn’t made up of separate parts. Everything is connected. When we care for our water, wildlife, and habitats, we are also caring for ourselves and future generations.

The future of our estuaries is in good hands with these curious young explorers! 🌿🦀🐟🦪🐝🌊

From fallen leaves to fish, from oysters to people—every living thing has a role in the story of a healthy estuary. 💙