(Sarasota, FL) – When Master of Ceremonies John McCarthy stepped up to the podium and a large flock of wild parakeets flew overhead screaming, it seemed the perfect kick-off for the dedication of the Sarasota Audubon Nature Center at the Celery Fields.
Sarasota Audubon Board of Directors and President Jeanne Dubi welcomed more than 300 people to the Grand Opening this past Saturday, January 9 at the new facility. The culmination of a ten-year vision, the five-year capital campaign raised more than $1.3 million from 865 donors from all corners of the county and beyond.
"This is a big deal for Sarasota Audubon, Sarasota County and Florida," said McCarthy, SCOPE executive director and Sarasota County history buff.
Honorary Speaker Eric Draper, Executive Director of Audubon Florida, capped off the speeches by encouraging guests to practice 'toe-gripping conservation' – to hold onto natural places like the Celery Fields and protect the birds and wildlife that depend on them.
Guest speakers shared their personal and professional connections to the Celery Fields and the Nature Center campaign in lively two-minute segments. Speakers included Jon Thaxton, Gulf Coast Community Foundation; John Annis, Community Foundation of Sarasota County; Molly Williams, Public Utilities, Storm Water; Carolyn Brown, Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources; John Lambie, Florida House Institute; Virginia Haley, Visit Sarasota; Michael Carlson, Carlson Studio Architecture; Tim Rumage, Ringling College of Arts & Design and Alan Maio, Sarasota County Commission.
One of the highlights earlier in the day was the dedication of the Dr. Mary Larson Jelks Butterfly Garden with more than 35 nectar producing plants. A retired pediatrician, avid environmentalist and gardener, Dr. Jelks cut the grapevine ribbon with three generations of Jelks in attendance: husband Dr. Alan Jelks, children Helen, Howard and Alice and grandson Daniel.
The 440-acre Celery Fields is both a storm water treatment center and habitat for 220-recorded birds and other wildlife. "The Sarasota Audubon Nature Center is a dream realized," said Dubi.
http://www.sarasotaaudubon.org/
About Sarasota Audubon:
Our mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity. We are dedicated to protecting nature and connecting with others using the combination of science, education, and the restoration of our local wildlife habitats.
