Friends of Myakka River News

Nearly 1,000 Students Discover the Magic of Myakka Through Hands-On Learning

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 19:22:28 GMT

In just a single visit to Myakka River State Park, visitors make lifelong memories as they experience moments of magic at the park. Despite the 34 miles of the Myakka River running through Sarasota County being designated as Florida’s only state-designated Wild and Scenic River, there are many youth in Sarasota County that have never seen the Myakka River or visited the state park. However, a partnership between Friends of Myakka River and UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County is changing that. Since 2023, Friends of Myakka River has provided bus funding for students from Title I schools to visit the park as part of the award winning Learning in Florida’s Environment (LIFE) Program.

The LIFE Program is a 4th and 5th grade environmental education program locally developed and coordinated by UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County. Aligned with Florida State Science Standards, the program includes in-class preparatory education followed by 2-3-hour field trips. Through hands-on science activities and instruction from scientists, rangers, educators, and land managers, the program brings science to life, supports standardized test success, exposes youth to careers in science and natural resources, and inspires youth to be responsible stewards of Sarasota’s unique and beautiful ecosystems.

Several agencies, organizations, and volunteers are brought together to make this work possible, including Florida State Parks, Big Waters Land Trust, Sarasota County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources, and volunteers from the UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County Master Gardener Volunteer Program, Sarasota County, and Florida State Parks. Since the program’s start in Sarasota County in 2017, Myakka River State Park has graciously provided support throughout the years, first as a partnering site for field trips along with Oscar Scherer State Park and Lemon Bay County Park. In recent years, Myakka has bolstered its support of the LIFE program in Sarasota County by providing staff and volunteer support, leading lab activities, and revising educational materials. During the 2018-2019 school year, over 150 Sarasota County youth had the opportunity to visit and learn in Myakka River State Park. With the increased support provided by the park, the number of youth participating in the program climbed to 243 students in 2022.

Transportation is one critical barrier that prevents many youth from connecting with and exploring nature, and for Title I schools with limited resources, busing students to field trips is not always possible. In 2023, Friends of Myakka River provided nearly $5,000 to fund buses for students from Title I schools to attend LIFE Program field trips to Myakka River State Park. In the 2023-2024 school year, 17 field trips brought over 600 students to the park. 69% of those students were from Title I schools, with 72% of students visiting Myakka River State Park for the first time. Friends of Myakka River has continued to support the program over the years. As a result, the numbers of students attending field trips has only continued to rise, with 841 4th and 5th graders participating in the program during the 2024-2025 school year, and an astounding 25 field trips bringing nearly 1,000 local students to Myakka River State Park during the 2025-2026 school year.

During their field trips, youth have the opportunity to investigate the Myakka River’s freshwater ecosystem as they learn how energy flows through the food chain, from microscopic freshwater plankton to alligators, and investigate the water quality of the Myakka River by testing the pH, temperature and oxygen levels of the water. Friends of Myakka River has also supported the program by providing over $700 to purchase scientific equipment for students to use, such as water quality testing kits, new microscopes and an impressive digital projecting microscope that allows students who struggle to use traditional microscopes to see samples of plankton up close.

Students also learn how pollution impacts biodiversity while searching for sensitive aquatic macroinvertebrates such as dragonfly nymphs and water scorpions. After learning how to use binoculars, the next generation of passionate birders is created as students survey for birds and collect field data on their adaptations and behaviors. Seeing the bright pink plumage of Roseate Spoonbills, hearing the shrieking call of snail-eating Limpkins, and watching Great Blue Herons expertly spear and eat fish leaves LIFE program participants with the sense of wonder, awe, and joy that fosters a conservation ethic and appreciation for Florida’s spectacular natural environment and parks.

Board Treasurer and LIFE Program volunteer Sandy Plette says “Friends of Myakka River is proud to support the LIFE program, helping remove barriers and enhance the learning experience for all students, especially those from underserved communities.” “By investing in environmental education, we’re nurturing the next generation of conservationists and ensuring the future protection of Myakka’s natural treasures.”

In March 2026, Myakka River State Park, Friends of Myakka River, and UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County were honored with the Florida State Parks’ Community Partnership of the Year award in recognition of their outstanding successes in 2025. This achievement highlights the important work of the LIFE program in connecting local youth to nature and Florida’s public lands. We are proud to support this meaningful program and look forward to its continued impact.

Help us continue our support of educational programing at Myakka River State Park by donating today.

Thank you for Being the One to Share Myakka's Magic during the 2022 Giving Challenge!

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 16:13:32 GMT

Two years ago, during the 2022 Giving Challenge, we invited you to Be the One to Share Myakka’s Magic by supporting our new Outreach and Environmental Education Program. Inspired by Sir David Attenborough, who noted that ‘no one will protect what they don’t care about and no one will care about what they’ve never experienced', we designed this program to help our community better understand the increasing challenges Myakka River State Park and its fragile ecosystems face.

Thanks to your very generous support, we raised over $37,000 during the 2022 Giving Challenge! Your gifts helped us continue to share Myakka’s Magic by funding a part-time position to spearhead social media, print media and in-person programming in support of the park and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River. Because of donors like you, since the 2022 Giving Challenge, hundreds of thousands meaningfully experienced Myakka through our impactful social media posts and print media articles. This content also increased their commitment to protecting this environmentally significant place. And, as most individuals were experiencing Myakka’s Magic remotely, you helped us minimize potential negative impact on Myakka’s sensitive ecosystems.

Importantly, as your gifts also allowed us to supercharge our fundraising and programming on behalf of the park, in 2023 we received a generous capacity building grant from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation to keep this impactful momentum going! The timely funding is helping support our organization’s first full-time staff position, our executive director Miri Hardy, who is allowing us to further increase our education efforts, outreach and membership growth. And this would not have happened without you!

As a result of our increased capacity, we’re also able to augment our efforts to actively protect Myakka’s Magic. Because now more than ever, as a result of environmental changes and encroaching development, there is an urgent need to help conserve this beloved natural gem!

To that end, we’re building relationships with organizations such as Conservation Foundation of Gulf Coast, Florida State Park Foundation, Athletic Brewing Company and William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, and securing grants to support important park initiatives, infrastructure and equipment needs. We’re funding access to impactful nature connection programs at Myakka River State Park for at-risk youth and continuing to grow our advocacy and outreach efforts on behalf of the park and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River.

But we can’t do it alone!

On April 9-10, from noon to noon, we invite you to Be the One to Protect Myakka’s Magic by supporting Friends of Myakka River during the 2024 Giving Challenge. See

We thank you in advance for your gifts. Together, we’re protecting and sharing Myakka’s Magic, to the benefit of future generations and our own!

To Watch our 2024 Giving Challenge Commercial, click HERE.

See our Giving Challenge fundraising page, click HERE.

Participants experience Myakka's dark skies during inaugural Experiencing Myakka's Magic program

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 19:44:52 GMT

Thanks to Myakka River State Park's location in a mostly rural area, the night sky remains fairly dark. Indeed, during our Astronomy Night in the Park - the inaugural program of our new series of one off Myakka-centric experiences Experiencing Myakka's Magic - over 160 participants enjoyed being able to observe and learn about planets, galaxies, and star clusters from the Suncoast Stargazers. This astronomy club servicing the Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice and surrounding Florida communities came out in force, bringing with them impressive state-of-the-art telescopes.

And in an important environmental education follow up, our February Wild Florida feature in The Observer expanded on why dark skies not only delight park visitors, but are also critical for helping protect the park’s flora and fauna.

You can read more about the importance of dark skies, and how we can all help reduce light pollution in our article Light pollution disrupts lives of plants and animals.

Moon Over Myakka Sponsorship Program raises $13,000 to support Myakka River State Park

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 17:22:06 GMT

Our new Friends of Myakka River Moon Over Myakka Sponsorship Program is supercharging the fundraising capabilities of our unique and popular concert series. In 2024, with this new fundraising program, we raised $13,000 to directly support Myakka River State Park and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River.

Thanks to our Moon over Myakka Sponsors, more members of our community will be able to meaningfully engage with Myakka's Magic through outreach efforts in support of Myakka River State Park and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River this year. And our sponsors' generosity will also support important park initiatives that will help directly protect the park’s sensitive ecosystems.

Many thanks to our 2024 Moon Over Myakka Sponsors for their support:

FULL MOON SPONSOR:

J. Robert Donnelly and Mary Jane Donnelly Charitable Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County

HALF MOON SPONSORS

Elizabeth Moore
Beautiful Ponds

CRESCENT MOON SPONSORS

Lowe Morrison & Leiza Fitzgerald
Mark Steinwachs & Jarred Wilson

NEW MOON SPONSORS

Bill and Janice Zoller
Myakka Communications

Interested in becoming 2025 Moon Over Myakka Sponsor? Curious to learn more about our sponsorship program benefits? Please contact us HERE

Friends of Myakka River appoints Jarred Wilson to the Board of Directors

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 11:31:40 GMT

We are very pleased to announce the recent appointment of Jarred Wilson to the Friends of Myakka River Board of Directors.

Jarred's appointment reflects the board's continued commitment to sustaining our organizational growth, while substantially increasing our financial support of Myakka River State Park.

A Manatee County native, Jarred has enjoyed Myakka River State Park since childhood. He holds a Master’s Degree in Information Studies and has worked in various cultural heritage management and nonprofit fundraising roles. Jarred’s interest in Myakka River State Park and the broader Myakka River includes understanding and sharing the history of the people who have lived, worked, and played on this land and water.

"We've greatly appreciated Jarred's meaningful contributions to our organization over the past few years in an advisory role" said President of the Board Bob Frank. "As we continue to grow our organization and build our fundraising capabilities, in support of Myakka River State Park and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River, Jarred's enthusiasm, talents and skill-set will be an invaluable asset to our board”.

Interested in Helping us Protect and Share Myakka's Magic? Join us as a Board Member!

Becoming a member of the Friends of Myakka River’s Board of Directors can be a rewarding, high impact way to get involved with a community of like-minded individuals, who are helping support and grow one of Florida's oldest, and largest state parks.

It is also a meaningful way to apply your passion for Wild Florida, experience and expertise to help the Friends advance our mission to support Myakka River State Park and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River.

Curious to learn more about current initiatives where Friends of Myakka River could directly benefit from your talents and knowledge?
Passionate about helping us fundraise to support Myakka River State Park?
Ready to get involved and want to complete a Board Member application?

Please click HERE

Second Annual Celebrating Myakka's Magic Members Event and Meeting a Huge Success

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 19:32:59 GMT

Photo: Tracy Calla

With over 120 Friends of Myakka River members and Florida Park Service staff and volunteers in attendance, it was a beautiful day to, together, celebrate Myakka's Magic during our second annual Members Event and Meeting.

We enjoyed fun activities, fantastic music from the The Gator Ridge Ramblers (who donated their talent and time), as well as great conversations. And thanks to generous donations, silent auction bids and new memberships, together we raised nearly $3,000 to support Myakka River State Park and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River!

This is an exciting time for our organization and we appreciated the opportunity to share with our members and guests what, together, we accomplished last year, as well as our plans for this year.

Thanks to everyone who joined us and we hope you too had a great time!

And a special thank you to Jean Blackburn, Rosalie Coddington, Nancy Cusack, Bob Frank, Virginia Hoffman, Hike It Florida, Rob Hurth Photography, Nancy Klein, Memphis Barbree, Steve White and Dick Pfaff for their generous donation of arts and goods to our fundraising silent auction!

Photo: Carol Lackey

Friends of Myakka River receives grant from Selby Foundation to support impactful educational trailer for Myakka River State Park

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 15:56:46 GMT

Environmental interpretation helps us understand our natural world and why we should care about it. We're thrilled to share that, thanks to a $15,000 “Small and Mighty” grant from William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, along with matching funds from Friends of Myakka River, Myakka River State Park will soon be receiving a new vehicle for interpretation, figuratively and literally. A mobile interpretive trailer to support the park’s environmental education mission!

This “pop up” educational station, chock full of tools and activities, will be easily positioned in different areas in and outside the park, allowing for impactful interpretive interactions. It will also provide the infrastructure the park needs for developing engaging new environmental education offerings at Myakka River State Park and beyond.

We're extremely grateful to William G. and Marie Selby Foundation for their steadfast support of local nonprofits.

The new interpretive trailer will be placed in high traffic areas, such as the bridge on Main Park Drive, allowing for impactful and meaningful educational opportunities.

Photo: Miri Hardy

Friends of Myakka River supports Access to Impactful Environmental Education Program at Myakka River State Park

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 11:07:48 GMT

Through programs like UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County's impactful "Learning in Florida's Environment" (LIFE) Program, Myakka's Florida Park Service team regularly helps share Myakka's Magic with 4th and 5th grade students. Through collaborations with community educators, students become wildlife biologists, entomologists, marine scientists, and horticulturalists for the day. And importantly, such nature connection programs help build the foundation not only for appreciation of our precious Myakka, but for future stewardship of our public lands too.

Unfortunately, some children don’t experience this opportunity to meaningfully connect with Myakka’s Magic, as their schools can't afford the cost of busing to the park. Also, these programs can result in prohibitive equipment costs to Myakka River State Park.

Thanks to funding from Friends of Myakka River, nearly 500 students from Sarasota County Title 1 schools will participate in field trips to Myakka River State Park in the 2023-24 school year. Two of the three schools attending have never been to Myakka River State Park before. Friends of Myakka River also funded additional microscopes and plankton nets needed for the program.

"In a world where natural resources and time spent outdoors is increasingly limited, and screen time and physical and mental health issues are a continued challenge, LIFE provides a critical opportunity for children to have an enjoyable, hands-on educational experience in nature." said Dr. Katherine Clements of UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County, who developed and leads the program. "We're extremely thankful to Friends of Myakka River for removing cost as a barrier for access to this important opportunity."

“Actively helping our youth build meaningful connections with Myakka River State Park is critical for the future protection of this important natural gem.” said Friends of Myakka River Executive Director Miri Hardy, PhD. “We are thankful to Dr. Katherine for her important work and honored to be able to support this impactful program at Myakka River State Park, to the benefit of our youth, future generations and our own.”

To support impactful Friends of Myakka River funding initiatives such as this one, please donate to our Giving Tuesday and Year End Appeal HERE. We thank you in advance for your gift!

For more information on other funding initiatives, please contact Friends of Myakka River.

Photo: Miri Hardy

ATHLETIC BREWING COMPANY AWARDS FRIENDS OF MYAKKA RIVER OVER $24K FOR WAYFINDING IMPROVEMENTS IN MYAKKA RIVER STATE PARK’S BACKCOUNTRY

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 16:09:40 GMT

With over 37,000 acres of unique Wild Florida landscapes, waterscapes, flora and fauna, Myakka River State Park is one of Florida's oldest and largest state parks. A seven mile paved road provides access to park amenities for hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The majority of this well-loved local gem, however, lies beyond paved roads, in Myakka’s extensive backcountry.

Exploring Myakka’s backcountry helps cultivate a sense of nature appreciation, wonder, independence and responsibility for nature stewardship. It also helps better appreciate the increasing challenges Myakka’s fragile ecosystems and park staff face, especially in light of encroaching development. But unfortunately, most park visitors do not venture into the backcountry, largely due to a lack of clear wayfinding and trail markers.

The lack of markers and trailhead maps represents an accessibility barrier for many visitors, who don’t feel safe, empowered or encouraged to explore the backcountry. And, some who venture out to the backcountry do indeed get lost. This results in a negative and potentially dangerous experience for visitors and creates a substantial drain on park resources. Restricted by both human resource capacity and cost, the park has not been able to take on this large but desired project.

Thankfully, wayfinding improvements in Myakka’s backcountry are coming soon, as Friends of Myakka River, a nonprofit organization that supports Myakka River State Park and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River, was recently chosen to receive a Two for the Trails grant from Athletic Brewing Company. Named after Co-Founder and CEO Bill Shufelt's family tradition of taking two brews to toast post-trail adventures, this program donates up to $2 million annually to nonprofits working to protect protect and restore local trails, waterways, and urban greenspaces around the world.

“Since 2018, we’ve provided essential funding to projects across 43 states, the United Kingdom, and Canada." said Athletic Brewing Brand Manager, B Corp & Two For The Trails, Cara Wilson. "The Two For The Trails program allows us to enhance and protect the quality of outdoor spaces in the communities where our customers live, work, and adventure.”

The $24,540 grant will be used by Friends of Myakka River to purchase and place custom trail markers in Myakka’s backcountry, as well as wayfinding trailhead kiosks. Approximately 200 trail markers and 4 trailhead kiosks will be installed in Myakka’s backcountry as part of this impactful project, greatly enhancing accessibility to these off the beaten path areas. And by empowering and encouraging park visitors to explore, enjoy and learn about Myakka’s magnificent and environmentally significant backcountry, this exciting project will add substantial value to our community and our environment for years to come.

“Myakka’s backcountry offers an unparalleled and increasingly rare opportunity to experience expansive Wild Florida ecosystems” said Friends of Myakka River's Executive Director Miri Hardy. “With our newly-formed dedicated workforce of members we call 'Super Friends', who are allowing us to dream bigger and accomplish more, and Athletic Brewing’s very generous support, we’re excited to be able to take on this large and highly desired project on behalf of the park.”

To support impactful Friends of Myakka River funding initiatives such as this one, please donate to our Giving Tuesday and Year End Appeal HERE. We thank you in advance for your gift!

For more information about Friends of Myakka River, and to learn how you can support Myakka River State Park through service projects or in other ways, please visit friendsofmyakkariver.org or contact HERE

In a recent service project, dedicated members of Friends of Myakka River supported Myakka River State Park by salvaging boards and screws from a portion of the Birdwalk damaged by Hurricane Ian. In 2024, thanks to funds from Athletic Brewing Company and our Super Friends workforce, we'll be enhancing wayfinding in Myakka's Backcountry!

Photo: Miri Hardy

Friends of Myakka River selected by REI Sarasota as Grand Opening Nonprofit Partner

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 16:01:14 GMT

Friends of Myakka River, a nonprofit organization that supports Myakka River State Park and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River, was selected by REI Sarasota as their local nonprofit partner for the store's grand opening celebration morning festivities on November 10-12, 2023 at 161 N Cattlemen Road, Sarasota.

"REI Sarasota is thrilled to partner with Friends of Myakka River for our grand opening celebration." said REI Sarasota Store Manager Lisa Hofmeister. "They do such incredible work to protect the magic of Myakka for our local community through outreach and inspiring environmental education programs." She added "Myakka River State Park is cherished by locals and visitors alike, and we're proud to help preserve it for current and future generations to enjoy!"

During the grand opening celebration REI’s doors will open at 10 a.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday. Giveaways will be available while supplies last. Community members who join the morning festivities, which begin an hour before the store opens, will enjoy complimentary coffee and receive an exclusive camp mug with a donation to Friends of the Myakka River.

Special giveaways will be available in-store once doors open at 10 a.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday, while supplies last.

"REI invests millions annually in hundreds of local and national nonprofits that create access to—and steward—the outdoor places that inspire us all" said Friends of Myakka River Executive Director Miri Hardy. "We're thankful to be one of them and are gratified that our new programming resonates with our partners at REI Sarasota".

For more information about the morning festivities, see HERE.

Friends of Myakka River Members Support Myakka River State Park by Marking Culverts.

Sat, 14 Oct 2023 15:10:04 GMT

On Saturday, August 14, eight dedicated Friends of Myakka River members (aka "Super Friends") supported Myakka River State Park by digging holes and placing 32 posts to mark 8 of the many culverts on Main and North Park Drive. The culvert marking process has been ongoing at the park. Our concentrated volunteer effort was designed to help our Myakka team by taking this job off their already busy schedules.

Culverts are underground structures put in place to channel water under the road but can pose a potential hazard for park visitors who pull over to the side of the road without realizing that there is a culvert there. And by marking each culvert with a unique number, our work will also allow park staff, volunteers and visitors to reference a clearly identifiable landmark when needed.

As a "Bike Myakka for Good" project, in the spirit of sustainability, and to add some fun to this project, our group traveled from culvert to culvert on bikes. Ranger Zack Westmark supported the team's efforts with expert post hole digging and placement training, and by transporting the tools from culvert to culvert.

If you’re a member who is Interested in supporting future special service projects like this one, please email us at info@friendsofmyakkariver.org

Not a member yet? Join us NOW.

Photo: Ed Alaniz

Friends of Myakka River celebrates National Public Lands Day and Bike Your Park Day with Bike Myakka for Biodiversity.

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 21:04:38 GMT

On September 23, 2023, we celebrated National Public Lands Day and Bike Your Park Day at Myakka River State Park with our award winning program Bike Myakka for Biodiversity.

During the event, we shared Myakka's Magic and protected it too. In addition to a fun and educational bike ride, focused on biodiversity of course, the events 30 participants supported the park with a service project during which they removed highly invasive plants, such as air potato vine and Caesar's weed. And thanks to a generous grant from Extreme Terrain's Clean Trail Initiative Program, we had ample new tools for our participants, that helped us get the job done!

Having built up quite the appetite, we enjoyed lunch together, sponsored by Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, and refreshing NA brews from Athletic Brewing.

We're thankful to our sponsors - we greatly appreciate your support! And we're grateful to everyone who joined us for what was an extremely fun, scenic, informative and meaningful day in the park. Finally, a very special welcome goes out to our 8 new members, who joined us as result of this event.

See you in the park!

Photo: Miri Hardy

Friends of Myakka River Members Support Myakka River State Park by Salvaging Damaged Section of the Birdwalk.

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 15:14:21 GMT

On July 15, 2023 and August 12, 2023, dedicated Friends of Myakka River members supported Myakka River State Park by dismantling a large section of the Birdwalk, which was severely damaged by Hurricane Ian and had to be removed.

Thanks to our "Super Friends", an impressive bounty of usable boards and screws were recovered, in what was an extremely satisfying and meaningful team effort.

Watch the video below to see images from our July 15th Friends of Myakka River Members Birdwalk Dismantling Service Project.

Interested in being notified about future “Members Only” volunteer opportunities to support Myakka River State Park? Please click HERE.

Not a Member yet? Join us NOW.

Meet our Newest Board Members Sandy Plette and Stacey Mazza-Gilkison.

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 18:40:15 GMT

We are pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to the Friends of Myakka River Board of Directors. Their appointments reflect the board's continued commitment to growing Friends of Myakka River's impact in our community, while increasing our financial support of Myakka River State Park.

Sandy Plette (Treasurer):

Having retired to Florida from Maine, where she and her husband Andre’ (who also volunteers in the Park) continue to spend their summer months, Sandy Plette’s professional career included tenures as an insurance company executive specializing in investments and finance as well as a practice administrator for a group of physicians. In addition, she served in various positions on several boards of directors for charitable organizations in Maine.

Her passions for both being in nature and of service to others led Sandy to support various visitor service and administrative roles within Myakka River State Park over the past 5 years. A lifetime member of Friends of Myakka River, she also served as a valued advisor to our Board of Directors.

“Sandy’s deep understanding of both the Park and our organization, as well as her keen financial insights, have greatly benefited Friends of Myakka River over the past few years” said Bob Frank, President of Friends of Myakka River. “As we continue to grow our fundraising efforts in support of the Park, Sandy’s new leadership role as an officer of our organization will greatly benefit of our beloved Myakka.”

At Myakka River State Park, Sandy enjoys walking the trails, gazing at the alligators and birds, encountering occasional deer along her way and myriad sights, sounds, and smells of nature. She looks forward to supporting our efforts to wisely deploy the funds with which our donors entrust us.

Stacey Mazza- Gilkison (Board Member):

A Sarasota native, Stacey Mazza-Gilkison has been visiting Myakka River State Park for over 47 years. She fondly recalls visiting the park as a child with her oldest sister on a school project, observing and documenting the foraging habits of ibises and egrets. Stacey and her husband Mike became members in 2021 at our inaugural Bike Myakka event. They live and operate a small business in Myakka City, where they also foster senior dogs and add them to their growing dachshund pack.

Driven by her strong desire to preserve our park while helping others understand the importance of protecting our fragile environment, Stacey, who is an avid animal rights activist, has actively supported our new Outreach and Environmental Education Program since its inception. As a board member, she strives to further advance our strategic priorities, especially as they relate to direct partnerships with our community at large.

“Stacey’s enthusiastic support of our new initiatives has greatly enhanced our organization’s impact and growth over the past two years” noted Bob Frank, President of Friends of Myakka River. “We are thrilled to add her energy, creativity, idealism and local and environmental insights to our board, and look forward to working together to continue to protect and share Myakka’s Magic”.

In her spare time, Stacey enjoys running & biking, volunteering for various environmental & animal rights organizations, being out in nature, and relaxing with her husband and their dogs.

Want to Help us Protect and Share Myakka's Magic? Join us as a Board Member!

Curious to learn more about current initiatives where Friends of Myakka River could directly benefit from your talents and knowledge?
Passionate about helping us fundraise to support Myakka River State Park?
Ready to get involved and want to complete a Board Member application?

Please contact us HERE

Friends of Myakka River Purchase Containers to Support Resource Management at the Park

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 21:47:41 GMT

Friends of Myakka River recently purchased two storage containers for Myakka River State Park to support resource management needs. The non-profit organization, which exists to support the park, and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River, then covered the costs of supplies needed to paint the containers, as well as two others recently acquired by the park, and also a number of additional upgrades that will increase their safety, sustainability and usability.

And, thanks to 13 dedicated and hard working members, Friends of Myakka River provided the workforce needed to paint these essential storage solutions in what was a fun, fulfilling and very satisfying service project!

Watch the video below to see images from our recent Friends of Myakka River Container Painting Service Project. And if you're interested in being notified about future “Members Only” volunteer opportunities to support Myakka River State Park, please email Miri Hardy.

Not a member yet? Join us HERE.

Friends Of Myakka River Bolsters Capacity with Full-Time Executive Director

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 17:34:10 GMT

Myakka River State Park is a well-loved local natural gem. To help our community better understand the increasing challenges its fragile ecosystems face, Friends of Myakka River, a local non-profit organization that supports the park, recently expanded its outreach and education efforts. “We were inspired by Sir David Attenborough, who noted that ‘no one will protect what they don’t care about and no one will care about what they’ve never experienced',” said Executive Director Miri Hardy, who joined the non-profit citizen support organization last year. “So we started actively sharing Myakka’s Magic.”

The organization leveraged social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, and created a monthly print feature called “Wild Florida”, which addresses important environmental topics in a colloquial manner. They also launched an award-winning service program called Bike Myakka for Good, which offers the community an opportunity to give back to the park while learning about Myakka's natural communities and history in the friendly company of like-minded individuals.

Under Hardy’s leadership, the new programming has allowed hundreds of thousands to personally experience Myakka while increasing their commitment to protecting this environmentally significant place. And, as most individuals were experiencing Myakka’s Magic remotely, potential negative impact on Myakka’s sensitive ecosystems was minimized by design. The organization has substantially increased financial support for the park's conservation mission while growing its membership.

Thanks to capacity building support from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, the nonprofit will be able to further increase its education efforts, outreach, and impact by retaining Hardy as its first full-time executive director. “I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity, which will allow us to continue to reach our community through our new Protecting and Sharing Myakka’s Magic roadshow, and create additional programs that will build meaningful and lasting connections with our beloved Myakka, to the benefit of this important natural resource, and our own.” said Hardy.

“Friends of Myakka River is strongly committed to preserving this rich piece of our local ecosystem and Sarasota County history,” commented Barancik President | CEO Teri A Hansen. “We are excited to see how the organization grows and continues to be strengthened through Dr. Hardy’s leadership as the nonprofit’s first full-time Executive Director.”

“Building on the superb foundation created by our Executive Director Miri Hardy, we look forward to growing our educational impact,” said President Bob Frank. “And we’re thrilled to be able to better serve Myakka River State Park by having the capacity to raise funds for upcoming capital projects that will enhance our community’s enjoyment and appreciation of Myakka. The next several years will be very exciting!”.

For more information about Friends of Myakka River, click HERE and for more details about scheduling a roadshow speaking engagement at your interest club, faith-based organization or community meeting, please contact miri@friendsofmyakkariver.org.

Friends of Myakka River's award winning new program, Bike Myakka for Good, supports Myakka River State Park through service projects, environmental education and outreach. Photo: Miri Hardy

Friends of Myakka River receives Florida State Parks Foundation Small Grant Award

Wed, 17 May 2023 19:38:17 GMT

Friends of Myakka River is one of 10 Florida State Parks Citizen Support Organizations (CSOs or “Friends” groups) selected to receive the Florida State Parks Foundation’s small grant award for 2023. The $5,000 grant will fund two cargo bikes that will support the organization's impactful “Bike Myakka for Good” program.

The Foundation each year allocates $50,000 to its small grants program, which awards $5,000 to CSOs or parks without a CSO to advocate for their affiliated state parks and provide direct park operations assistance. The grants are used to enhance visitor experiences, accessibility features and park improvement efforts.

"Since the program’s inception, we’ve been making efforts to further increase Bike Myakka for Good's sustainability. " Said Executive Director Miri Hardy, PhD. "And thanks to the generous support of Florida State Parks Foundation, we're looking forward to Going Even Greener at Myakka River State Park with our new Bike Myakka for Good Cargo Bikes, which will replace two fossil fuel-based vehicles "

“We congratulate Friends of Myakka River for being a 2023 small grants award recipient,” said Tammy Gustafson, president of the Florida State Parks Foundation. “Our small grants program has funded a wide array of projects that make a positive impact at dozens of state parks and helped to ensure the continued award-winning experiences visitors know and love at Florida State Parks.”

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The Florida State Parks Foundation, founded in 1993 as Friends of Florida State Parks and renamed in 2018, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation whose mission is to support and help sustain the Florida Park Service, its 175 award-winning parks and trails, local Friends groups and more than 20,000 park volunteers.

It does this through programs that preserve and protect state parks, educate visitors about the value of state parks, encourage community engagement and active use of state parks, and advocacy. These grants are through the Florida State Parks Foundation Services LLC, which is a limited liability company affiliate of the Foundation.

The Friends of Myakka River (FOMR) is a non-profit organization that exists to support Myakka River State Park, and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River.

FOMR was founded in 1994 by Dr. Mary Jelks, a prominent, well-loved Sarasota pediatrician and philanthropist, with a great passion for environmental conservation. As a Citizen Support Organization for Myakka River State Park, FOMR continues to work in partnership with the Florida Park Service staff, providing financial support for crucial initiatives and infrastructure, as well as augmenting the park's environmental education programming and community outreach. Together, we're protecting and sharing Myakka's Magic, to the benefit of future generations, and our own.

Introducing the Friends of Myakka River Community Outreach Roadshow

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 17:24:59 GMT

As part of the organization’s new Outreach and Environmental Education Program, Friends of Myakka River, a non-profit organization that exists to support Myakka River State Park and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River, recently introduced a community “roadshow” named Protecting and Sharing Myakka's Magic. Using evocative photographs and storytelling, these presentations highlight one of our area's most popular parks and help our community better understand its fragile ecosystem.

Executive Director Miri Hardy launched the roadshow at the March General Meeting of the Sarasota Garden Club, in front of an engaged audience of 50 members and guests. “By meaningfully sharing Myakka’s Magic with our community, we aim to raise awareness about important conservation and restoration efforts at Myakka River State Park, while also helping our Sarasota community understand why this work matters.” she said. “Such outreach is especially important with projects like the ongoing floodplain marsh habitat restoration, where public support and buy-in can directly impact project success.”

To invite Friends of Myakka River to speak at your interest club, faith-based organization or community meeting, please contact Miri Hardy.

Photo by Carol Lackey

Bike Myakka for Good wins Florida State Parks Award

Sat, 11 Mar 2023 21:42:05 GMT

Friends of Myakka River recently received a 2022 Citizen Support Organization of the Year award from the Florida Park Service and Florida State Parks Foundation for their new program Bike Myakka for Good.

The organization designed Bike Myakka for Good to encourage biking at Myakka as a sustainable (and low impact) mode of transportation, while also supporting Myakka and our region’s natural resources by removing invasive plants or otherwise supporting Myakka River State Park. The program also supports the park through education and outreach. And importantly, through this program, Friends of Myakka River has been successfully building a sustainable membership-based volunteer corps to support its own initiatives, and growing as an organization.

“We designed Bike Myakka for Good to offer our community an opportunity to give back to this beautiful place, while learning a bit more about Myakka's delicate ecosystems and history in the friendly company of like-minded individuals.” said Executive Director, Miri Hardy. “We’re thrilled by the positive response to this program this past year and are honored to have its significant impact recognized by our Florida Park Service and Florida State Park Foundation colleagues”.

Since the program’s inception, Friends of Myakka River has been making efforts to further increase its sustainability. For example, to minimize use of plastic bags, they procured reusable bags, made from upcycled feed bags.

To further grow the program and its sustainability, the organization is currently pursuing funding for two cargo bikes, which would be used to transport tools and supplies for the service projects, thus further reducing dependence on motor vehicles. The cargo bikes will minimize wear and tear on Myakka’s infrastructure and park owned vehicles, reduce fuel usage and emissions, and will save valuable staff time.

To register for an upcoming Bike Myakka for Good Service Ride, see EVENTS or contact Miri Hardy.

(L-R) Friends of Myakka River Assistant Treasurer Sandra Bernardi, Executive Director Miri Hardy, Vice President Steven Schaefer, Treasurer Sandy Plette and President Bob Frank celebrating Bike Myakka for Good's Success.

Photo: Jean Blackburn

Friends of Myakka River Announces the Non-Profit's 2023 Priority Initiatives

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 17:59:45 GMT

Friends of Myakka River recently announced their four priority initiatives for 2023, which reflect the organization's strategic programming and fundraising focus for the year.

"Working in partnership with park management and staff, we identified initiatives that truly reflect our mission to protect and share Myakka's Magic." said Friends of Myakka River President Bob Frank. "By focusing both our fundraising and communications on these initiatives, we're excited to get to work to help substantially and meaningfully support Myakka River State Park, and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River this year".

To support or learn more about these initiatives, please contact the organization's Executive Director, Miri Hardy.

Friends of Myakka River receives grant funds from Adventure Cycling Association and the National Environmental Education Foundation

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 15:30:50 GMT

Friends of Myakka River recently received $1,500 in grant funds from Adventure Cycling Association and The National Environmental Education Foundation. The funds will be used to support the organization's Bike Myakka! initiative, and the upcoming National Public Lands Day / Bike Your Park Day event Bike Myakka! for Biodiversity. This event will take place at Myakka River State Park on September 24, 2022, in partnership with Myakka River State Park staff .

“We are thrilled to support Friends of Myakka River and Bike Myakka!” said Carmen Aiken, of Adventure Cycling Association. “Their ability to share such a beautiful natural resource and the joy of biking with their community through incredible events while promoting stewardship via bicycle is something we hope inspires people across the bike community”.

Read about last year's award-winning Bike Myakka! for Biodiversity event in a current feature on Adventure Cycling's website HERE.

Friends of Myakka River Announces the Appointment of 3 New Board Members

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 14:51:37 GMT

We are pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to the Friends of Myakka River Board of Directors. Their appointments reflect the board's continued commitment to growing Friends of Myakka River's impact in our community, and to our new Outreach and Environmental Education Program.

Dr. Helen Jelks King, the daughter of Friends founder Dr. Mary Jelks, and longtime Friends of Myakka River member, is recently retired from her optometry practice in Sarasota. She has a long and significant personal history with Myakka River State Park and the Myakka River, and is excited to forge a path for the future of the park that will benefit people and nature alike.

Tracey Long Beeker brings her impressive background in communication and public relations to the Friends along with her passion for the Myakka River State Park. She has significant experience helping non-profit organizations improve their fund-raising activities, strategic planning and community impact.

Jeannie Hendrick Perales is a 4th generation Floridian who is committed to protecting Wild Florida in general and Myakka River State Park in particular. Her strong connections to the local non-profit community experience building meaningful community outreach programs will be invaluable as we explore future opportunities to serve the needs of the park, our community and our members.

To learn more about our new board members, please see their profiles HERE.

Friends of Myakka River won 6 awards during the 2022 Giving Challenge, raising an additional $11,100 for a new total of over $38,000.

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 14:32:53 GMT

Friends of Myakka River are extremely pleased to report that before, during and after the 2022 Giving Challenge, we won $11,100 in awards, including the coveted First Place for Best Overall Campaign - A $5,000 prize!

Our 2022 Giving Challenge Video Commercial, highlighting our new Outreach and Environmental Education Program was one of 10 selected from over 40 applicants as a recipient of a $1,500 Best Video Commercial Prize.

We also won $2,000 prizes for Best Giving Challenge Turnaround, awarded to the organization with the best turnaround performance from the 2020 Giving Challenge, and a prize for Best Use of Social Media. And thanks to our online voters, our Giving Challenge Photo submission (pictured below), which used evocative photos from our social media campaign, and screen captures from our video commercial to illustrate how we Share Myakka's Magic through our new Outreach and Environmental Program, was one of 20 to receive the most public votes, and a $500 for Best Giving Challenge Photo!

"We are extremely grateful to our members, volunteers, the community at large and our local philanthropists, whose incredible support helped make this fundraiser such a huge success!" said Miri Hardy, PhD, Executive Director, "And we are thrilled by this resounding support for our new program."

The award monies bring our 2022 Giving Challenge fundraiser total to over $38,000. And, thanks to these funds, we look forward to continuing to increase the Friends of Myakka River's impact in the areas of outreach, community engagement and environmental education moving forward! And if YOU would like to get involved in our new program, we'd love to hear from you.

For more information about our new Outreach and Environmental Education Program, visit our Giving Partner Profile or contact us at info@friendsofmyakkariver.org

Miles Millwee steps down as Friends of Myakka River's President of the Board.

Fri, 13 May 2022 18:48:38 GMT

After 10 years of service to Friends of Myakka River as a board member, including, most recently, 5 years as president of the board, Miles Millwee has resigned from the organization's board of directors.

“We are extremely grateful for Miles's many contributions, and for the dedication, enthusiasm and countless hours he has given to the Friends, and the park, over the past 10 year.” noted Executive Director Miri Hardy. Most recently, largely thanks to his leadership, the organization has been successfully expanding their impact in the areas of outreach, community engagement and education.

“It has been my honor to serve on the board of directors of Friends of the Myakka River.” said Millwee. “Our organization is in a unique position to benefit the preservation of this amazing ecosystem that is right in our back yard” he added. “I am proud of all the work and passion that has contributed to making the Friends the successful organization that it is today, which will allow the organization to continue its important work in the future.”

Miles will be succeeded as president by Bob Frank, PhD, who joined the board in February.

“I am grateful to Miles for his superb leadership of the organization for so many years” remarked Frank. Reflecting on his role moving forward, he noted that “Myakka River State Park and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River are treasures that must be supported and protected both now and in the future.” Moreover, he pointed out that “There are real opportunities to grow the level of support the Friends provides and I look forward to continuing to work on programs that will help us share Myakka’s magic with more people more often.”

To learn more about Bob Frank, please see his Board of Directors PROFILE.

Friends of Myakka River Raises over $28,000 for new Outreach and Environmental Education Program

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 08:53:31 GMT

Friends of Myakka River recently participated in the 2022 Giving Challenge, presented by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, with giving strengthened by the Patterson Foundation. The nonprofit organization, which exists to support Myakka River State Park, and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River, fundraised to support their new Outreach and Environmental Program, which augments the park's offering through use of social media, print media and in-person programming.

Using the theme "Be the One to Share Myakka's Magic", the organization raised $28,178 during the 24-hr challenge, thanks to donations from 142 donors, matching funds from the Patterson Foundation, as well as two dedicated Friends of the Friends and prize money from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Due to their fundraising success, the non-profit was included in the top 20 Small Organizations Leaderboard.

"We are grateful to our members, volunteers, the community at large and our local philanthropists, whose incredible support helped make this fundraiser such a huge success" Executive Director Miri Hardy said. "We are thrilled by this resounding support for our new program, and look forward to continuing to increase the Friends of Myakka River's impact in the areas of outreach, community engagement and environmental education”.

For more information about the Friend of Myakka River new Outreach and Environmental Education Program, visit the Friends of Myakka River Giving Partner Profile or contact us at info@friendsofmyakkariver.org

Wood Historical Report on Upper Myakka Dam (CCC Weir)

Friends of Myakka River — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 20:09:01 GMT

Friends of Myakka River will offer Free Admission to Myakka River State Park for 250 Cars During Upcoming Earth Day Celebration

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 13:17:44 GMT

Sarasota, FL - Friends of Myakka River, a local nonprofit organization that supports the Myakka River State Park and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River, will be holding a free, Earth Day Celebration on April 23^rd, from 9am to 12pm.

“Thanks to the generosity of our 2021 Giving Tuesday donors, we are able to cover park admission fees for 250 cars, during our Earth Day Celebration" said Miri Hardy, Executive Director of Friends of Myakka River. "And all visitors who attend our celebration will be able to enjoy a range of free nature connection activities, suitable for all ages”

As part of the Earth Day celebration, Jan Williams and Richard Skaare will be read from their children's book, “https://herotheheron.com/Heronymus Heron Discovers His Shadow (and a whole lot more)”. Storytime will take place at 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30. Self guided and guided activities will be available throughout the event.

For more information, visit friendsofmyakkariver.org/events .

Friends of Myakka River wins 2022 Giving Challenge Best Video Commercial Prize

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 09:20:02 GMT

Friends of Myakka River, a non-profit organization that exists to support the Myakka River State Park, and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River, was one of the 10 organizations selected from over 40 applicants by the 2022 Giving Challenge judging committee as a recipient for the Best Video Commercial – a $1,500 prize.

The Giving Challenge, a 24-hour community-wide fundraising event, is presented by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, with giving strengthened by the Patterson Foundation. During this year's Giving Challenge, Friends of Myakka River will be raising funds for their new Outreach and Environmental Education Program.

Click HERE to view the Friends of Myakka River award-winning Video Commercial.

Click HERE to see the Friends of Myakka River's 2022 Giving Challenge Campaign.

Bob Frank joins Friends of Myakka River's Board of Directors.

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 15:04:33 GMT

The Board of Directors of Friends of Myakka River is pleased to announce that we recently elected Robert (Bob) Frank as a new member of Friends of Myakka River's board of directors.

Bob has been visiting Myakka River State Park for over 25 years. During his working years, he was a professor and dean at several universities in Ohio. Trained as a neuroscientist, he conducted research in the areas of drug abuse and human taste and smell perception. Bob retired several years ago and moved to Osprey, allowing him to visit the park more frequently.

In joining the board, Bob looks forward to supporting projects that help inform more people about the value of the park and the remaining natural areas in Florida. And he is excited to, together with the organization and Florida Park Service staff and volunteers, work to ensure that Myakka River State Park is here to inspire future generations.

“We are excited to add Bob's enthusiasm and skill-set to our board” noted Miles Millwee, President of Friends of Myakka River. “With his commitment to our new Environmental Education and Community Outreach program, he has already added an important element to our board, and we look forward to working together in the future”.

In his spare time, Frank and his wife enjoy wildlife photography, cycling and summer trips in their travel trailer

FRIENDS OF MYAKKA RIVER INTRODUCES MONTHLY BIKE RIDES TO SUPPORT MYAKKA RIVER STATE PARK

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 10:43:43 GMT

Friends of Myakka River recently launched a monthly program called “Bike Myakka! for Good”.

“Biking at Myakka is good for the body, mind and soul” Executive Director Miri Hardy said. And, as a low impact form of transportation, biking is also good for Myakka. “Our new service rides offer our Greater Sarasota community an opportunity to give back to this beautiful place, while learning about Myakka's delicate ecosystems, and history.”

With a free lunch, waived park admission fees and camaraderie also included, the inaugural ride on February 5^thquickly reached capacity. Participants enjoyed a “Wild and Scenic” bike ride to the Clay Gully Pavilion, learned a bit about the history of roads and waterways in the park and completed an invasive plant removal project. In under an hour, the group removed enough Caesar Weed, a highly invasive plant which damages Myakka's habitats and displaces native plants, to fill 18 large trash bags.

Future rides will take place on the first Saturday of each month, with preregistration required. For more information, visit friendsofmyakkariver.org/events

Photo by Miri Hardy

FRIENDS OF MYAKKA RIVER HIRES MIRI HARDY AS FIRST EVER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Sun, 02 Jan 2022 17:22:14 GMT

The Board of Directors of Friends of Myakka River is pleased to announce that we recently appointed Miri Hardy, PhD, as our first Executive Director.

With over 25 years of academic and global business experience, Miri brings an extensive background in strategic planning, marketing and education to our organization.

Driven by her passion for protecting Wild Florida, she recently worked with Save Our Seabirds, where she conceptualized an educational bird-themed playscape. On their behalf, she also wrote a weekly feature for The Longboat Key Observer about birds, threats they face in our environment, and how we can protect them.

This past year, Miri worked with Friends of Myakka River to increase our social media impact. Thanks to her engaging environmental education posts, videos and photography, she grew the Friends' Social Media following by 22%, and reached over 90,000 individuals; an increase of over 2122%. She also spearheaded new programming to build meaningful, and lasting connections with Myakka.

“We have grown from the beginning vision of our founder Dr. Mary Jelks, (Dr. Mary, as she was affectionately called), to where we are today; a well funded organization, supporting Myakka River State Park, one of Florida’s largest state parks, and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River.” noted Miles Millwee, President of the Friends of Myakka River. “And moving forward, with the creativity and strategies that Dr. Miri brings to our team, we'll be able to achieve an exciting new level of impact, especially in the areas of outreach, community engagement and education”.

In her new role, Miri is working with the board to develop and implement a strategic plan for the organization, which includes building awareness about Friends of Myakka River, further increasing the non-profit's impact through environmental education, and continuing to ensure the organization's long-term financial viability.

A Sarasota resident since 2014, Miri holds a PhD in Social Psychology from Washington University in Saint Louis. She is happiest exploring Wild Florida, oftentimes on her bike, and capturing its beauty through the lens of her camera.

Photo by John Jones

New Bicycle Amenities

Zack Westmark — Sat, 29 May 2021 16:34:24 GMT

Thanks to volunteers and Friends members Earl Cross and Tom Adler for installing the bicycle work station in the south parking area and bicycle parking docks at the visitor center.