An edition of: WaterAtlas.orgPresented By: USF Water Institute

Water-Related News

Project at Selby Gardens recognizes importance of bay health

News Image

The tidal lagoon at Selby Gardens is an oasis of nature in downtown Sarasota. The installation of the lagoon began in 1997 with the removal of a grass lawn that extended from the mansion down to Sarasota Bay. After the excavation of the lagoon, native plant species were added creating several habitats ranging from brackish marsh to upland hammock.

This restoration project addressed the need to re-establish coastal habitats along the Sarasota bayfront as well as to provide a stormwater retention function. The lagoon intercepts and filters polluted stormwater runoff, allowing it to percolate through vegetation and sediment before flowing into the bay.

Nitrogen in lawn fertilizer is one source of water pollution. You too can help protect our water bodies from pollutants by using only slow-release fertilizer, following package directions, and never fertilizing before a heavy rain.

According to Rob Wright, coordinator for Sarasota County’s Neighborhood Environmental Stewardship Team (NEST) program, there are three simple rules that homeowners can put into practice in their own backyards to keep Sarasota County’s coastal waters pollution-free: