Trash cleanup will be treasure for Sister Keys

Volunteers found plastic chairs, a toilet and old antique bottles at last year’s Sarasota Bay Watch Sister Keys Cleanup. But the real treasure in all that trash was the fact that participants removed approximately 2,000 pounds of trash from Sister Keys.

This year’s cleanup will be no different, with volunteers gathering to remove trash so that future generations can treasure the town-preserved mangrove islands. The cleanup is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 7. Volunteers will meet next to the town boat ramp at Linley Street and Lois Avenue in the Longbeach Village to be transported to Sister Keys by boat. The islands are typically not open to the public, so the cleanup offers a unique opportunity to visit the preserve and see the impact of a $1.2 million mitigation project completed in 2008. After participants are done collecting trash, they’ll be treated to lunch at Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub.

According to Sarasota Bay Watch founder Rusty Chinnis, the event will likely draw around 80 volunteers.
“It’s a great opportunity to get a morning out on the bay and be able to see the wonderful restoration project out on Sister Keys,” Chinnis said. “Plus, you get a wonderful meal at Mar Vista out by the buttonwood trees. It’s really a win-win.”

The event is held in cooperation with the town of Longboat Key and the Chiles Restaurant Group. Volunteers should wear long-sleeve shirts, pants, eye protection, gloves, sunblock and appropriate shoes.

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected].

IF YOU GO
Sarasota Bay Watch Sister Keys Cleanup
When: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 7
Where: Meet next to the town boat ramp at Linley Street and Lois Avenue in the Longbeach Village to be transported to Sister Keys by boat.
Contact: Call Sarasota Bay Watch at 953-5333 or visit sarasotabaywatch.org.

Click here to see a map of where Sister Keys is located.