For immediate release january 13, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2015

Media Contact: Sara Kane

Public Outreach Manager
Sarasota Bay Estuary Program
941-955-8085 / [e-mail]
www.sarasotabay.org

SBEP Bay Guardian Volunteers to Host Clean Up Event in Sarasota February 7

Sarasota, FL – The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) will host a Bay Guardian volunteer event at North Water Tower Park on Saturday, February 7 starting at 9am. Volunteers will be removing air potato which is an invasive vine that covers and shades beneficial native plants. Lunch will be provided with registration at 12pm. The park is located at 4700 Rilma Ave., Sarasota, FL 34234.

The air potato vine grows a large tuber that looks like a hanging potato. There will be a contest with prizes for the smallest, biggest, weirdest-looking, and most air potatoes collected. Volunteers will also remove trash.
Participants must wear closed toed shoes and its recommend to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants. The event is suitable for all ages. Online registration is required. Please visit SarasotaBay.org.
The volunteer event will also be the kickoff of a three-year restoration, stormwater improvement and environmental education project at North Water Tower Park. The project was made possible from two grants. Funding was awarded to SBEP from the EPA Gulf of Mexico Program for community engagement and education, exotic species removal and beautification elements. Sarasota County was awarded a grant from the Southwest Florida Water Management District for design and construction of the stormwater improvements. SBEP, Sarasota County, and the City of Sarasota are the managing partners of the project.

Please contact Sara Kane at [e-mail] to learn more about the project or to get involved as a Bay Guardian volunteer.

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The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program is dedicated to restoring the area's greatest natural asset—Sarasota Bay. Its unique program strives to improve water quality, increase habitat and enhance the natural resources of the area for use and enjoyment by the public. Sarasota Bay is one of 28 estuaries in the United States that have been named by the U.S. Congress as an "estuary of national significance." Partners include Sarasota County, Manatee County, City of Sarasota, City of Bradenton, Town of Longboat Key, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Southwest Florida Water Management District, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.