Mangrove Walk at Phillippi Estate Park
Join us for an engaging walk into the fantastic world of mangroves on a tour through Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.
Our leisurely walk will focus on the ecology of white, red, and black mangroves, and how they are essential to our coastlines. We will be led by Armando Ubeda, Florida Sea Grant Agent with the University of Florida IFAS Extension Sarasota County.
Cost: $11 per person
When: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
10 am to 11:30 am
Where: Phillippi Estate Park
5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Meet in front of the Edson Keith Mansion. A large parking lot is to the right of the mansion.
Bring your VNC nametag, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and water. You may want to bring a hoodie or poncho, as we will hold the event if there is light rain.
Below is some information about our highly experienced guide:
Armando J. Ubeda is the Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent of UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County. His Extension program focuses on the FL Master Naturalist Program, Living Shorelines, Mangrove Best Management Practices, Sustainable Fisheries, Marine Resource Conservation, Marine Debris prevention, and Water Quality/Quantity. He brings his experience and training to these courses from his time as a coral reef researcher in Nicaragua, from his time as a staff biologist at the Department of Shark Research at Mote Marine Laboratory in the USA, and from his former position as a Mesoamerican Program Manager for a conservation organization called LightHawk. Armando received his bachelor’s degree in marine sciences with a minor in chemistry from the University of Mobile’s Latin American campus and his master’s degree in marine resource management from Oregon State University. Ubeda has also completed postgraduate courses in marine ecology, crocodile ecology, and environmental impact assessment. Armando received a Fulbright scholarship as well as several other competitive scholarships such as the Hatfield Marine Science Center’s Mamie Markham Research Award from Oregon State University, and he was a Global Fellow at the Duke University Marine Laboratory. Armando is also a Ph.D. student at the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department at the University of Florida, his research focuses on shark behavior and population structure.