Celery Fields rewilding project wins $75,000 grant

The Sarasota Audubon Society has received a $75,000 grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation to assist in a project to rewild the Quad Parcels at the Celery Fields, a joint effort with the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast. 

The two environmental nonprofits have collaborated since late 2020 when Sarasota County conveyed the 33-acre property adjacent to the Celery Fields as a conservation easement. Together they are raising funds to improve the property.

The Quad Parcels, located at the intersection of Palmer Boulevard and Apex Road, buffer the western edge of the 440-acre Celery Fields from industrial areas. With more than 250 species, Celery Fields is a nationally and internationally recognized birding destination and is vital to water quality and flood protection in the region. 

The rewilding will increase habitat for birds and other wildlife while expanding water storage and filtration.

Planned improvements include plantings, meadows, woodland areas, trails, shaded picnic areas, ADA-compliant walkways, a bird observation platform and a discovery area for children.