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Sarasota News Leader December 27, 2013 The Celery Fields, which was historically agricultural land until Sarasota County purchased it in 1995, is getting two new additions that will improve it for residents and tourists alike. Page 24 Construction is slated to start in June 2014 and take six to eight months, Dubi said. Nature center visitors will use the public restrooms in the county structure. 'AN EXCITING PROJECT' In the first project, the county is constructing permanent restrooms and parking spaces. The center has been designed to house eduThat work began Nov. 13, with completion cational sessions and receptions. When it is not in use for those programs, it will feature estimated for spring 2014. exhibits such as a history of the Celery Fields Adjacent to the restrooms and parking area, — named after one of the primary crops the Sarasota Audubon chapter will be build- grown on the land when it was farmed. ing a $1 million nature center. The society will operate the facility and fund its upkeep Outside, the education and visitor center through donations. The group will lease the will feature a patio and a native-plant garden land from the county for $10 per year. So far, designed by students in an environmenSarasota Audubon has raised 70 percent of tal science class taught by Ringling College Professor Tim Rumage. the total needed to build the center. Sandhill cranes stroll through the water. Photo by Roger Drouin