Past Grant Recipients

The Jackson Way Access Coastal Hammock Restoration site consisted of a 0.3-acre degraded semi-tropical coastal hammock impacted by the incursion of non-native and invasive vegetation. This project removed native species and replanted with natives.

Debris removal events at Bowlees Creek, Perico Bayou/Palma Sola Bay, Coquina North & South Boat Ramps, and the Leffis Key area.

Installation of two electric pumps and a holding tank where water from bird enclosures will be treated and neutralized before being released back into Sarasota Bay.

Fabrication, installation, and monitoring of 600 vertical oyster gardens in the Pelican Cove Harbor.

Grant supported programs that promote the environmental, community, and cultural value of local green spaces in and around Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park and Whitaker Bayou.

The NCF PUSH/SUCCESS program introduces pre-college-age students to immersive scientific activities. In 2024, programming showed students how scientists use the scientific method, how science is communicated, and how science is reviewed using critical thinking.

Utilizing videoconferencing technology, Mote team members, including certified naturalists and trained volunteers, lead student groups through a virtual, real-time exploration of the estuary.

A comprehensive community education project designed to inform both residents and visitors about the ecological and cultural history of the Cortez Village. Outcomes included signage, brochures, website resources, and maps in both English and Spanish.

Provide underserved youth with a fully funded week-long, Monday–Friday educational experience, allowing them to explore new places in the Sarasota Bay watershed while learning about bay ecology, health, threats, and career opportunities in environmental fields.

Installing native aquatic plants throughout community ponds.

Expansion of a five year-old pond improvement program by assessing 85 ponds and selecting ponds that would benefit the most from native aquatic plantings.

Educational presentations, hands-on composting demonstrations, and distribution/installation of compost bins for residents to engage in composting.

Partnership with The Multicultural Health Institute to create a youth leadership program aimed at addressing environmental justice concerns and communicating the risks of climate change to communities within the Whitaker Bayou watershed.

Six underwater cleanups in Sarasota Bay and the Gulf.

Restoration of 4,375 square feet of land from invasive to native habitat.

Students learned how to build vertical oyster gardens (VOGs), hang them from the dock behind Riverview, and monitor them over the semester.

Climate change and environmental stewardship education, tours, and cleanups for students.

Providing kayaking and watershed clean-up opportunities for Veterans in Sarasota Bay to address two crises: environmental degradation and mental illness among veterans.

Mircoforest planting at the Mangrove School’s new property
at the Corner of Palmer Road and Center Road.

Food, t-shirts, and trashbags for volunteer cleanups.