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.
Safeguarding Our Waters
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.
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Protecting Imperiled Nature
When we preserve natural areas, we safeguard critical habitats for diverse wildlife. Saving land protects native plants and animals by safeguarding the places they need to survive.
Increasing Climate Resilience
Land conservation plays a crucial role in enhancing climate resiliency. Every acre conserved, wetland restored, and tree planted contributes to a more resilient and sustainable future.
Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainable agriculture depends on healthy soils, clean water, and intact ecosystems.
Access For All
Many of the lands we conserve are open for public enjoyment, contributing deeply to the health and vibrancy of our community.
Big News at Big Waters
Community Foundation of Sarasota County invests in Big Waters experiential education
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County awarded a $20,000 grant to Big Waters Land Trust to support its Community Outreach and Education Program. The funding will expand inclusive, nature-based programming for underserved youth, families, and differently-abled individuals in Southwest Florida.
“This generous support will help more people connect with nature and each other,” said Christine P. Johnson, president of Big Waters Land Trust.
The grant was funded by the Donald W. Hogue Fund, the Eleanor “Ellie” A. Herring Charitable Fund II, and the Kathleen D. Baylis Fund.
Celebrate the beauty of the Sunshine State and submit your photos now to Big Waters Land Trust’s sixth annual Summer Photo Contest
Big Waters Land Trust is thrilled to welcome back its popular Virtual Summer Photo Contest, now in its sixth year and proudly sponsored by Sarasota Scene Magazine. From May 1 to May 31, photographers of all ages and experience levels are invited to submit up to three original images celebrating Florida’s natural beauty.
How can Big Waters Land Trust factor into your estate plan?
In Back to the Future Part II, Marty McFly gets transported to a 2015 dystopian version of his hometown, Hill Valley. The city’s public schools had been burned down, historic portions of downtown Hill Valley were leveled and replaced with toxic waste reclamation plants, and the town’s iconic courthouse was converted into a casino. Thankfully, Marty had a time machine and was able to go back in time and undo what had become of his beloved Hill Valley.
Big Waters Land Trust reveals new Conservation Plan targeting Southwest Florida’s most urgent conservation opportunities
Big Waters Land Trust proudly announces the release of its inaugural Strategic Conservation Plan (SCP) — a bold, data-driven roadmap designed to protect Southwest Florida’s most critical natural resources. Grounded in science and community collaboration, the plan centers around six guiding Conservation Values: Clean Water, Imperiled Species, Coastal Resiliency, Sustainable Agriculture, Access for All, and Carbon Sequestration. Through advanced geospatial analysis and extensive research, Big Waters has identified nine high-impact Focus Areas where strategic conservation efforts will deliver the greatest benefit to both nature and people.
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.
Community Art Show Opening Reception
2025-06-04T17:00:00
Join Big Waters Land Trust for the opening reception of our second annual Community Art Show! This juried art exhibit …
Living with Alligators Presentation
2025-06-06T14:00:00
Love them or hate them, alligators are found nearly everywhere in Florida. In this engaging lecture-style session for teens and …
Myakka Headwaters Preserve Volunteer Day
2025-06-13T08:00:00
We need volunteer help at Myakka Headwaters Preserve! During this event, you will help with land restoration. June is a …
Bay Preserve Full Moon Paddle
2025-09-07T19:00:00
During this special full moon paddle, we will make our way west across Little Sarasota Bay as the sun dips …
Mushroom Walk at Sleeping Turtles Preserve
2025-07-17T08:00:00
Join us for a naturalist-guided hike at Sleeping Turtles Preserve North as we explore the fascinating world of fungi! Participants …
Manasota Scrub Preserve Guided Walk
2025-07-25T08:00:00
Join us for a naturalist-guided hike at Manasota Scrub Preserve, where we’ll look for local wildlife and learn about native habitats! …
Walk in a Wetland
2025-07-12T08:00:00
Join us for a naturalist-guided tour and wet walk at Big Waters Land Trust’s Myakka Headwaters Preserve. Along the way, participants …
Myakka Headwaters Preserve Volunteer Day
2025-06-13T08:00:00
We need volunteer help at Myakka Headwaters Preserve! During this event, you will help with land restoration. June is a …
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
