SBEP and King Middle School Team Up to Clean Cortez FISH Preserve

CORTEZ – A group of 52 Bay Guardian volunteers removed invasive plants at FISH Preserve Saturday while also learning about the area habitat from guides with Around the Bend Nature Tours. The volunteers included students, teachers and parents from King Middle School. Representatives of the Cortez Fishing Village provided a lunch featuring smoked mullet. 

FISH Preserve is a 95-acre parcel adjacent to Sarasota Bay within the Village of Cortez in Manatee County. FISH, which stands for Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, is a non-profit organization that purchased the property in 1999 to help restore, conserve and protect the upland and wetland habitats and adjacent waters. 

SBEP is supporting the ongoing restoration at FISH Preserve. The first phase of the large-scale project was completed in the summer and involved the removal of exotic vegetation, creation of a tidal wetland, and mangrove restoration. Two bridges were also constructed to connect hiking trails. Future plans involve creation of kayak trails and converting two stormwater retention ponds into more natural wetland features. 

The Sarasota Bay Guardians is a family-friendly volunteer program that SBEP manages in partnership with Around the Bend Nature Tours. The program was established to attract volunteers interested in helping restore Sarasota Bay’s habitat. The program is a fun way to volunteer while learning more about the Bay. New volunteers receive a t-shirt featuring the Bay Guardians logo. Groups can learn more at sara@sarasotabay.org.