Pictured: Young attendees enjoyed Kona Ice during the public grand opening of the SE Quad Parcel. Provided photo.

This past weekend, environmental organizations Big Waters Land Trust and Sarasota Audubon celebrated the grand opening of the Southeast Quad Parcel adjacent to the Celery Fields. The SE Quad represents Phase I of a three-parcel re-wilding project that will improve a total of 33 acres, with the goal of improving wildlife habitat, buffering the Celery Fields from industrial uses and I-75 to the west, and providing low-impact public access. On Friday, the two organizations and Sarasota County marked the completion of the SE Quad with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting; on Saturday, approximately 500 community members enjoyed a morning in nature that featured guided nature and birdwatching tours of the 11-acre site, family-friendly activities, and information provided by Audubon and Big Waters, with Kona Ice on site to provide cool treats to all visitors. Now, the organizations will focus on Phase II, which will improve the Southwest Quad Parcel. This phase will include features for visitors of all ages: a Celery Fields history walk along a winding path, a natural play area for kids, shaded picnic tables, open areas, along with parking and facilities. Trails and walkways will be ADA-compliant. A $1 million community matching campaign has been funded by Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, and several generous area philanthropic families to inspire giving.

Pictured: Young attendees enjoyed Kona Ice during the public grand opening of the SE Quad Parcel. Provided photo.