SARASOTA COUNTY – Take a virtual hike through one or more of Sarasota County’s many natural areas or spend some screen time exploring shared gardening spaces in the area, with a pair of new interactive web applications developed by Sarasota County.

The “story map” tools, available via computer, tablet or smartphone, allow users to learn more about the habitats, wildlife, history and more at an array of county preserves and parks, and to get information about the locations and history of community and demonstration gardens across the area. They also offer an accessibility option for individuals who otherwise might have difficulty visiting these spaces.
 
“With the abundance of research indicating the health benefits of spending time in nature, these story maps provide an opportunity to explore and connect with Sarasota County’s natural resources,” said Dr .Katherine Clements, ecology and natural resources educator with Sarasota County Extension. “Viewing images of nature has been shown to provide similar benefits, and we invite you to experience our natural areas and gardens from anywhere you are.”
 
As Sarasota County continues to grow, county leaders continue to look for innovative ways to connect residents and visitors alike with the many outdoor- and nature-related experiences and activities available at county locations.
 
Story maps offer just such an avenue. They combine text, maps, images, videos, and more into interactive applications that allow users to explore areas of the county they might not otherwise have the chance to experience, and to dive more deeply into information available about those spaces.
 
Developed as a collaboration between multiple Sarasota County departments and offices—Extension and Sustainability; Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources; Libraries and Historical Resources; and Enterprise Information Technology—the tools contain a wealth of information about the sites to enrich the “visit.”
 
With the Natural Areas Story Map, users can take a virtual, guided hike along a trail in some of the unique and precious natural areas in Sarasota County to learn more about the plants, animals, and habitats found at each site, view photos taken along the trail, and find additional information and resources about Sarasota County’s natural areas. Users also can use the app while visiting sites to enrich the in-person experience.

The Community and Demonstration Gardens Story Map highlights the locations of various gardens, links to venue information, and provides history of the gardens and photos of resources at each site. The tool helps showcase how gardens serve as community connection spaces and areas to grow fresh food, support sustainable landscaping and native wildlife, and much more.
 
The two new story maps join a Water Quality Initiatives Story Map released by the county earlier this year. That tool shares information about the commitment by the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners to water quality, with investments totaling into the hundreds of millions of dollars for infrastructure improvements, restoration projects, and more.
 
Please note operating hours when visiting public parks, preserves or gardens. To help protect environmentally sensitive areas, some park locations do not allow dogs or other pets. Learn more at Sarasota County’s parks and libraries websites and Extension’s gardens website and gardens event listings page.
 
For more information about these story maps, visit tiny.cc/ufsaraext_storymaps or call 311.

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