Welcome! The name of our Branch comes from the Myakka River, which spans approximately 66 miles from Myakka Head to its outfall in Charlotte Harbor and drains an area of nearly 600 square miles. The Myakka River Watershed is located in portions of several counties, including Hardee, Desoto and Charlotte, with the majority of the watershed located in Manatee and Sarasota Counties. It is an important part of our local ecology and a vibrant example of our natural sustainable heritage. When searching for an identity for our Branch, it seemed an appropriate symbol to represent the ideals for which we stand.
The Myakka River Branch was formed in March 2009. The Branch is one of three operating under the umbrella of the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter. the Myakka River Branch was created primarily to serve members in the greater Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto and Hardee county areas, although ALL members of the Chapter are welcome to attend the Branch's programs.
Membership
Membership in the USGBC Florida Gulf Coast Chapter means you are an active member of all Branches, including the Myakka River Branch. To join the Chapter, click here. Membership has its privileges! In addition to getting discounted admission to Branch events, you get to associate yourself with a like-minded group of green-thinking professionals, as well as secure benefits such as appearance in our popular online, searchable membership directory.
Volunteer Opportunities
We love our volunteers! Our volunteer family is our lifeblood and their contributions are priceless. They are smart and passionate, fun and tireless, giving and successful. They know that their actions have the potential to make a huge difference in our Gulf Coast community -- now and in the future -- by helping educate, enlighten and empower our region to adopt an approach to building that is both ecologically and economically sustainable.
And they have a heckuva lot of fun while making industry connections and new friends while educating members and friends!
If you are interested in volunteering at the Myakka River Branch, contact John Bryant or Tony Stefan.
Branch Events
The Myakka River Branch holds monthly educational programs at various venues throughout the area. Programs provide great opportunities for socializing and GREENworking with fellow Branch members and visitors. Please check the Calendar of Events for information about upcoming Branch programs. Chapter membership also assures that you will receive email notification about our programs.
CANstruction
Kudos to the Myakka River Branch's Emerging Professionals, who participated in CANstruction at the Westfield Southgate Mall. Their structure received the Smallest Footprint Award. Click here for the statistics on the EP's REALLY COOL CANstruction effort!
CANstruction is a unique charity that annually hosts competitions, exhibitions and events around the world showcasing colossal structures made entirely out of full cans of food. After the structures are built, the creations go on display to the public as a giant art exhibit. At the end of the event, all food is donated to local hunger-relief organizations. CANstruction has helped donate 21 million pounds of food since 1992!
