Sarasota County event to run from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Phillippi Estate Park in Sarasota

Sarasota County staff is inviting members of the community to celebrate National Public Lands Day and Take a Child Outside Week from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 27, at Phillippi Estate Park in Sarasota, county staff has announced.

The park stands at 5500 S. Tamiami Trail.

“For more than 30 years, National Public Lands Day has inspired communities to give back to the nation’s public lands in every state and U.S. territory,” a news release explains. This month, “communities across the country will unite to celebrate and care for public lands – for current and future generations,” the release adds.

The 2025 observance’s theme is Our Home Outdoors — “a reminder that these lands are not just physical spaces — they are where relationships grow, stories are shared, lasting memories are made and communities take shape,” the release points out.

Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to participate with Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources staff in various activities, including litter pick-up, nuisance-plant removal and mulching at Phillippi Estate Park.

“Volunteers play a vital role in caring for our parks and natural areas. Their commitment reflects a shared responsibility to protect and enhance ‘Our Home Outdoors’ for future generations,” said Nicole Rissler, director of Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, in the release.

Registration is required for the event. Further, volunteers are encouraged to bring hand pruners, work gloves, hats, sunglasses, refillable water bottles, bug spray and sunscreen, the release notes. Additionally, closed-toe and closed-heel shoes, such as hiking boots or sneakers, are recommended, it adds.

Interested volunteers may register here, the release says.

“Families and individuals of all ages also are encouraged to visit a variety of hands-on, nature-themed ‘Exploration Stations’ at the park” on Sept. 27, as part of celebrating Take a Child Outside Week from Sept. 24 to Sept. 30, the release continues.

Organized by staff of the Sarasota County University of Florida/Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension and Sustainability program, stations will offer kayaking and birdwatching opportunities, as well as live animals and other options, “to showcase the benefits of time spent in nature for children’s growth and development, academic success and overall well-being,” the release points out. All stations will feature free access, with no registration needed, the release adds.

For more information about National Public Lands Day or park volunteer opportunities, visit SarasotaCountyParks.com or call 311.

To learn more about UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability program and other opportunities to connect with nature, visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasota.