Volunteers Needed for Native Planting at Feather Sound

Tampa Bay Estuary Program, Tampa Bay Watch, Pinellas County and the Southwest Florida Water Management District are recruiting volunteers to plant native coastal upland plants such as sea grapes, buttonwood and Florida privet to restore Feather Sound from 9 am to noon on Saturday, March 9.

The meeting location is Feather Sound Drive south of the Feather Sound Country Club, 2201 Feather Sound Dr. Clearwater, FL 33762. A habitat restoration plan aims to restore more than 30 acres of marsh and mangrove wetlands in the area along Feather Sound Drive, including around the borrow pit and near Ulmerton Road. Invasive, exotic vegetation has been removed, now native coastal upland plants will be planted that will provide habitat for wildlife and help clean runoff before it enters the bay. Registration is required. Click here to sign up.

Last modified on 12 March 2013

Tara LaSalla

Inspiration can sometimes be found in the most unusual ways. For Tara, it came in the form of a movie based on a Peter Benchley novel. Steven Spielberg's version of 'JAWS' became a worldwide phenomenon at the time, but unfortunately it also served to spread a great deal of misinformation about sharks.

Tara was fascinated by these creatures from a young age and throughout her schooling she realized that these fish were vital to the health of the world's oceans. This led her to attend Eckerd College in St Petersburg, FL where she received her degree in marine biology.

Tara remains in the St. Petersburg area as an active community leader in the form of environmental and marine conservation and education. Her work with the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Tampa Bay Watch and other local organizations continues to inspire those around her to protect our natural resources. She holds true to one of Mahatma Gandhi's principles: "Be the change you want to see in the world."

Tara is proud to partner with Going Green Tampa and shares their vision of offering the local community resources to become eco-friendly as well as to live a sustainable lifestyle.