Selby Gardens Advances Sustainable Campus Transformation

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens continues to gain national attention for its ambitious sustainability initiative. The multi-phase redevelopment project aims to make the downtown Sarasota campus one of the first net-positive energy botanical gardens in the world.

Solar panels, stormwater management systems, and elevated structures designed to withstand hurricanes are central to the redesign. The first completed phase includes a new welcome center and expanded plant research facilities.

Garden leadership has emphasized environmental stewardship as a core mission, aligning with Sarasota’s coastal vulnerabilities and climate awareness. The project has also enhanced visitor amenities, including shaded walkways and expanded exhibit space.

Selby Gardens remains one of Sarasota’s most visited attractions, blending conservation science with tourism and education.