Volunteers needed for Tidy Island planting project Sept. 25th

New College of Florida and the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program seek volunteers to help plant native plants on Tidy Island, a large mangrove peninsula in upper Sarasota Bay.

The Project

The most extensive mangrove swamp in Sarasota Bay, located at Tidy Island, is deeded to New College for teaching and research. Until 2021, much of the uplands areas were carpeted with invasive exotic plants that reduced the area's habitat value for wildlife. With a grant from the EPA Gulf of Mexico Program, New College of Florida and the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program removed 12 acres of exotic vegetation. Now, we need volunteer help to replant the area with native plants.

Access

The planting site is not accessible by land and there is no motorized boat parking available, so we will shuttle volunteers from the Coquina South Boat Ramp. Shuttle spots are limited. Paddlers may pull boats ashore on Tidy Island. Please make sure to choose the correct ticket type when you register.

What to Expect

Volunteers should be prepared for a hot, sunny, and buggy day of shoveling and planting.