This painting above which depicts some of FL's wildlife was created by folk artist Martha Stevenson who resides in Venice, FL.
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North Port Friends of Wildlife is a chapter of Friends of Sarasota County Parks (FOSCP). NPFOWL was founded in 2014 by individuals who, in consideration of North Port’s fast paced growth, felt wildlife and wildlife habitat needed protection.
In 2026, NPFOWL expanded to include students from North Port High School. The organization has blended the North Port Hight School Environmental Club, the Work Study Program and Biology students to create a program where students can learn about the environment, conservation and conservation activism. This helps to foster engagement within the community to raise awareness on these matters.
NPFOWL initially was founded with the desire to protect wildlife and natural resources - trees, air and water and hopes to continue in that vein for protection of these resources for future generations.
Student activities include:
* Maintenance of a community garden; the plants are sold at the weekly farmers market located at North Port high School every Saturday. This helps to raise funds for its mission.
* Engage in beach clean-ups and tree plantings.
* Maintain a chicken coop whose organic free-range eggs are sold at the market.
* Effective April, bee hives will be incorporated into the garden area. A local bee educator will be donating his time to teach students about pollinators and to later sell honey at the market.
