Recognition comes for initiative to rebrand programs that purchase environmentally sensitive lands and park parcels
The Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department (PRNR) has received the 2025 Conservation Award from the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials (NACPRO) for its work on the Land Acquisition and Management Program rebranding and community education plan, county staff has announced.
“The NACPRO Conservation Award is presented annually to organizations that demonstrate exceptional efforts to acquire, restore and preserve natural or significant conservation areas, and to those that create public awareness and appreciation for conservation initiatives,” a news release explains. “Sarasota County was selected from among nominees nationwide,” the release notes.
“This award recognizes the hard work and innovation of our team in engaging the community around land conservation,” said Nicole Rissler, director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, in the release. “We’re honored to receive national recognition for a program that helps preserve Sarasota County’s natural heritage for generations to come,” she added.
“PRNR’s communications plan included rebranding the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program and the Neighborhood Parkland Acquisition Program under the unified Land Acquisition and Management Program,” the release points out.
Funded through voter-approved referenda in 1999 and 2005, “the programs support the acquisition, protection and management of natural lands and parklands,” the release continues. “In November 2026, Sarasota County residents will be asked to consider extending the program through a referendum on the ballot,” the release adds.
“To increase public awareness,” the release continues, PRNR staff implemented a strategic outreach initiative that featured not only a community education plan and new branding, but also “a dedicated website, social media content and promotional materials. The initiative aims to inform residents about the county’s conservation efforts, promote public access to preserved lands and encourage community participation in the land nomination process,” the release explains.
The award was presented on June 12, during the NACPRO annual meeting, which was held in Detroit. “NACPRO is a nonprofit professional organization that supports county and regional parks, recreation and conservation initiatives and is affiliated with the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA),” the release notes.
For more information about Sarasota County’s land conservation efforts, visit www.SarasotaCountyParks.com/landacquisitions.