Sarasota News Leader

05/03/2013

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Sarasota News Leader May 3, 2013 Page 57 swales and rain gardens to treat stormwater The $7.2 million Celery Fields project was runoff and vegetative buffers." built on an approximately 450-acre site formerly used to grow celery, the release points The $1.1 million Siesta/Casey keys water main out. "The stormwater project provides flood project replaced a leaking pipeline serving protection, floodplain storage, water quality both barrier islands, the release continues. "Since the location crossed sensitive marine improvements and wetland restoration habihabitats and a marine preserve, it required tat," the release says. "[The Celery Fields is] extensive permitting and coordination with also a passive recreational site, with walking regulatory authorities, as well as innovative trails around the perimeter of the facility, an construction techniques involving a horizontal improved walking and bicycle trail on the directional bore under environmentally sensi- 75-foot-tall Observation Mound, sidewalks tive areas," the release adds. "The new water- and a parking area at the gazebo," the release main significantly improved water reliability continues. "It has become a major site for bird and increased fire flow availability from 470 watching, with at least 216 species identified. gallons per minute (GPM) to more than 840 The grand opening of the facility was celebrated in April 2011." GPM," the release notes. An observation deck at the Celery Fields looks out over marsh that teems with wildlife, especially during heavy migration periods. Photo by Rachel Hackney

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