Who We Are
We protect the land and water in Southwest Florida for the benefit of people and nature.
We are the last generation that can save this land. Together, we will ensure that the human and natural worlds of Southwest Florida flourish together.
By saving land forever, we protect wild places for kids and grown-ups, for wildlife and waterways.
Landowner Resources
Save Your Land
Big Waters protects natural areas and ranchlands here in Southwest Florida. Together with landowners like you, we are working to maintain the health and productivity of Florida’s land and water, while at the same time preserving the natural beauty and rural character of our community as more and more land is developed.
Get Involved
Volunteer Opportunities
Our volunteer program is growing and the opportunities to get involved are as varied as the landscapes we protect. One thing all our volunteers have in common is a strong belief in our mission and the desire to use their talents to help safeguard Florida’s land and water.
What We Do
At Big Waters Land Trust, we envision a future in which the human and natural worlds of Southwest Florida flourish together.
Safeguard Our Water
Land conservation is essential to protecting water quality because what happens on land directly impacts the quality of the water flowing through and from it.
Connect People with Nature
Many of the lands we conserve are open for public enjoyment, contributing deeply to the health and vibrancy of our community.
Create Corridors
Connectivity is one of our top priorities when evaluating opportunities for conservation. When we connect protected landscapes, we create corridors, which are critical to the future of both people and nature.
Protect Nature
When we preserve natural areas, we safeguard critical habitats for diverse wildlife. Florida is home to a remarkable array of endemic species.
Big News at Big Waters
Big Waters’ Wild About Nature Festival is back!
OSPREY, FL (March 18, 2025) …
Big Waters’ rebranding reveal wins Silver ADDY and Public Service Amy Award
In December, Big Waters Land Trust, formerly Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, concluded their twentieth anniversary year with a surprise name change announcement. The new name was revealed at their Annual Conservation Celebration event via a mission-forward video celebrating the critical importance of land conservation and the impact of the regional not-for-profit land trust. The approximately 90-second announcement closed with the reveal of their new name, Big Waters Land Trust. Big Waters is thrilled to share with the community the exciting news that the video recently received honors during the 2025 American Advertising Awards (ADDYs).
Registration open for Big Waters’ Bay Explorers Summer Experience
Big Waters Land Trust, formerly Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, is delighted to introduce a new Bay Explorers Summer Experience! Registration is open now for this immersive week of education and exploration designed for historically underserved youth ages 14 to 18. The free program was specifically designed to be accessible to youth in the North Sarasota and Newtown neighborhoods; however, any youth ages 14 to 18 residing in Sarasota or Manatee counties with need are eligible to apply.
Big Waters Land Trust launches new online store
Big Waters Land Trust, formerly Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, is thrilled to announce the launch of their first webstore! Featuring a variety of branded items for all ages, online purchases through the store directly support Big Waters’ mission to protect the land and water in Southwest Florida for the benefit of people and nature.
Upcoming Events
We provide many opportunities for you and your family to get involved in Big ways. Explore some of our event categories or view all our events.
Upper Myakka Preserve Volunteer Day
2025-03-28T09:00:00
We need volunteer help at Upper Myakka Preserve! During this event, you will help with land restoration. Most likely, we …
Path of the Panther Film Screening and Panel Discussion
2025-04-02T18:00:00
Join Big Waters Land Trust, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County, and SunCoast Friends of the Florida Master Naturalist Program as we …
Wild About Nature Festival
2025-04-05T11:00:00
Get ready for a fun-filled day on the shore of Little Sarasota Bay at this free community festival on Saturday, …
Johnson Preserve Braden River Paddle
2025-04-26T11:00:00
Join us for a guided paddle launching from Johnson Preserve. As we paddle downstream, your naturalist guide will interpret the plants …
Carlton Reserve Wildflower Walk
2025-05-22T09:00:00
Join us for a naturalist-guided walk at the T. Mabry Carlton Jr. Memorial Reserve as we look for Florida’s spring …
May Lunch and Learn
2025-05-14T11:30:00
You’re invited to join Big Waters for an in-depth look at the role we play in protecting the places that make a …
Freshwater Macroinvertebrate Youth Science Program
2025-05-08T10:00:00
Join us for an immersive experience where you’ll learn how to collect and identify small freshwater creatures, unlocking vital insights …
Upper Myakka Preserve Volunteer Day
2025-03-28T09:00:00
We need volunteer help at Upper Myakka Preserve! During this event, you will help with land restoration. Most likely, we …
Tatum Sawgrass Scrub Preserve Volunteer Day
2025-04-25T09:00:00
We need volunteer help at Tatum Sawgrass Scrub Preserve! During this event, you will help with land restoration. Most likely, …
We are the last generation that can save this land.
Together, we will ensure that the human and natural worlds of Southwest Florida flourish together.
Population Growth
Over the next 25 years, population in our region is expected to grow by almost
40%
Water Consumption
By 2039, Future demand for water will exceed capacity by
538 Million Gallons per Day
Land Loss
2.7 million acres of native habitat will be lost to roads, shopping malls, and subdivisions within the next 45 years.
2.7 Million acres
Help Save Nature
