Environmental Heritage Center

People for Trees, Inc. has partnered with the Lemon Bay Conservancy to bring an all-encompassing multi-faceted environmental awareness / outdoor recreational center to North Port.

North Port considers land purchase for park.

This center will embrace, promote and preserve the natural heritage of southwest Florida. The EHC will be "kid-friendly" to encourage children (and adults) to get in touch with nature. Inside, the main center building will include working models, interactive displays and exciting exhibits. Outside, there will be a tree canopy walk, learning nature trails and even a tree house or two.

Plans for the EHC include:

• The buildings will be built using the latest in green technology and will be designed in the "Florida Cracker" style of architecture (tin roofs and wrap-around porches)utilizing rain barrels and drought-tolerant landscaping so it will be educational and functional.
• An equestrian Center to connect with over 500 acres of horse trails.
• Trailheads for mountain-biking and hiking.
• A working beehive in a Bee House.
• A Bat Cave to showcase the Florida Bat.
• A Gopher Tortoise Dome to learn about this wonderful animal.
• An Eco-Kids Clubhouse for our monthly Eco-Kids Club, summer nature day camps, and even an after-school care program with nature-based activities to encourage children to reconnect with nature.
• The EHC will be the place to host our Florida-friendly clinics, workshops, and classes.
• It will be the location for our annual tree festival.
• Native flora and Florida-friendly landscaping will be showcased in demonstration plots and trails.
• A native tree nursery open to the public that will also serve to promote proper tree care.
• Quaint B&B cabins so you can really understand the experiences of the early Florida pioneers.
• The EHC could also contain a prototype "Green Station" for residents to learn about and get the latest information about recycling and what they can do to create a "greener" home.

Environmental Heritage Center Update

Many of you have been asking about the progress we’re making to create our own environmental center:

• While the North Port City Commissioners and various city department officials support the concept and idea of our environmental center, they will not extend that support to commit to funding for the land and/or buildings. I can only conclude that since money has been “found” to fund other projects (i.e. a second pool, $2 million/improving existing ball fields, $4.5 million/$6.5 million to purchase Warm Mineral Springs) that our project isn’t high enough on the city’s priority totem pole to warrant using available funds.
• However, Sarasota County very much supports the idea of establishing partnerships with groups who can and will provide services and programs for residents. (This has become even more of a viable option considering the yearly budget cuts that have greatly reduced the ability for local governments to provide for its residents.) I had a very positive and enthusiastic meeting with John McCarthy, Sarasota County Parks Director. For example, a project that involves the Audubon Society using one of Sarasota County’s parklands is nearing completion.
• The land that is being purchased at the eastern end of North Port (but not in city limits) with SWFMD and County monies can be an option for establishing such a partnership with Sarasota County.
• The Blackburn 63-acre parcel that we had originally been interested in seeing either the county or the city acquire is off the table. Both the county and city saw too many obstacles to overcome that would make that parcel a viable option.
• We can buy a 3-5 acre parcel of land to establish our own center without any government ties and build from there. We should take advantage of the land prices being at an all-time low.
• Our first projects should be creating the Eco-Kids Clubhouse and the tree house canopy walks. These would enable us to offer programs and generate the interest needed to secure additional funding/donations/etc. in order to expand. (The Eco-Kids Clubhouse would accommodate an after-school program, weekend programs, summer camps, etc. and the tree house canopy walk would be a tourist magnet.) Creating a huge main building that has a ½ million dollar price tag would drain us financially in no time with the upkeep costs, leaving little if anything to provide the programs we want to do in the first place!
• Major fundraisers have to be held to get this project off the ground. Our first will be an organized bike ride through North Port. “Tour de North Port” is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 24 and will have offer three distance options: 15/35/65 miles. North Port has agreed to co-sponsor the event. Registration fees and t-shirt sales will generate the money. We’re currently looking for sponsors, especially a location that will be the ride’s start/finish (breakfast and lunch will need to be available).
• Another idea is to organize a “Taste of North Port” where participants can sample a number of appetizers for an admittance fee. Cooking demonstrations, free samples, and spotlighting local eateries would be featured. Appetizers would be contributed by members of various non-profits who would then be able to share the profits. Need a date suggestion for this one.
• Go to our Store to purchase an acre or Donate to support  this project.
• Please Contact Us with your comments or suggestions.