By Nanette Wiser
BEAUTIFY OUR BEACHES Pinellas County Park volunteers work hard to keep beaches clean by collecting trash year-round, and now, it’s easier than ever thanks to Parks & Conservation Resources’ Baskets for Beaches program. Park visitors will notice stands with yellow baskets at Fort De Soto, Sand Key and Fred Howard parks. You can make a difference by picking up one of the reusable baskets and collecting trash as you walk the beach. The collected trash can then be disposed of in the appropriate container, and the basket can be returned to the rack for the next guest. FYI: 727-582-2100.
Breaking news! Thank you, Congressman Charlie Crist, for securing a major grant to investigate red tide on Gulf shores and algae choking Florida estuaries: “Florida’s waters are in crisis. Today, I’m announcing $15.2 million in National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) funding for harmful algae bloom research to put America’s greatest minds to work and end the scourge of red tide!”
SHARK TANK The Tampa Bay Estuary Program and Restore America’s Estuaries awarded a $165,111 grant to New College of Florida associate professor Jayne Gardiner to fund shark research in Tampa and assess population trends for Tampa Bay shark species. “Juvenile sharks are a critical component of a healthy Tampa Bay ecosystem, but they’ve historically been overlooked in many monitoring programs,” Gardiner said. “Young sharks of several species have been documented in lower Tampa Bay and our research will help us better understand the Bay’s potential role as a nursery.”
GREEN GIRL The Urban Harvest was created by Elise Pickett in 2014 to help others cultivate a more sustainable home and healthy diet by teaching them about growing their own vegetables at home so “they can lead healthier, happier lives and have a positive impact on our planet that leaves a legacy for our children to be proud of.” You can join the seed club, take a class, or purchase veggies or herbs from her. After taking classes on composting, worm composting, raising chickens, vegetable gardening, microgreens and aquaponics, Elise launched her enterprise. You can order online and pick up seeds or seasonal garden delights from her directly. www.theurbanharvest.com/seed-shop
