Partnership Blooms for Tomorrow's Environmental Caretakers

Our region’s relationship with the beaches, swamps, pastures and estuaries that enrich our lives is inseparable. This is something many of us only rediscovered during the pandemic (or gave greater priority to), and this rekindling of greater appreciation for the outdoors has conjured childhood fascinations of the natural world.

To help ensure today’s young people who are fascinated with the natural world keep that inquisitive sense of wonder, we at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County are proud to partner with Marie Selby Botanical Gardens to ensure the next generation has access to the world-class assets and possibilities blooming at our community’s botanical garden.

Through a three-year partnership with our Community Foundation and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, local students interested in the growing field of environmental sustainability will have access to hands-on, real-life experiences to nurture their goals of pursuing a career in the natural sciences. A new Education Lab Series, being developed by Selby Gardens and reviewed by Sarasota County Schools, will open these college and career-readiness pathways for middle and high school youth, guided by a curriculum focused on renewable energy science. Students will be able to take an active role in developing their own studies, sharing feedback alongside their teachers, school administrators, and industry experts.

Read more about our blooming partnership with Selby Gardens in SRQ Daily