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.

Creating 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.

Protecting Critical Habitat

At its core, land conservation safeguards essential resources including forests, wetlands, rivers, and wildlife habitats.

Connecting People to Nature

Protecting land and water opens doors for people of all ages and backgrounds to connect with nature and enjoy the benefits of time outdoors

join us to feast upon the fields! Sunday, february 23 at walton ranch Learn More

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.

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.
Carlton Preserve

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.
Legacy Trail

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.
Old Miakka Preserve

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.
Florida Black Bear

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

Re-Wilding the Quad Parcels Breaks Ground

Representatives from Sarasota Audubon Society, Big Waters Land Trust (formerly Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast), and Sarasota County came together to put shovels in the ground on the morning of Thursday, January 23, celebrating their first steps in Re-wilding the Quad Parcels at the Celery Fields.  Community investors, stakeholders, staff, and members attended the private program, which was originally planned to take place on the southeastern parcel, but instead held at the Audubon Nature Center due to the weather.

Weathering the Storm: How Florida’s Wildlife Responds to Hurricanes

Hurricanes are a powerful force …

The Florida Highwaymen return to Bay Preserve on February 1

Big Waters Land Trust, formerly Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, is thrilled to host a collective of Florida Highwaymen and their heirs for a special one-day-only exhibition of their legendary art. The event will take place, Saturday, February 1, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at Big Waters’ Bay Preserve headquarters located at 400 Palmetto Avenue in Osprey.

Conservation Foundation is now Big Waters Land Trust

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is excited to re-introduce themselves as Big Waters Land Trust! In their twenty-year history, humbly starting as the Sarasota-based, Sarasota Conservation Foundation, and then as Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast for over a decade, the not-for-profit’s impact and ability to support their community has grown exponentially.

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.
A crested caracara rests on a fence post with the remains of its prey in its talons.

Walton Ranch Preserve Guided Nature Walk

2025-02-19T09:00:00

Join us for a naturalist-guided hike at Walton Ranch Preserve as we look for local wildlife and learn about native habitats! We …

Intro to Archery

2025-02-22T09:00:00

Set your sights and take aim at our Intro to Archery program at Myakka Headwaters Preserve! Participants will be provided with …
Feast Upon the Fields

Feast Upon The Fields

2025-02-23T12:30:00

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon at stunning Walton Ranch! In 2010, we assisted Sarasota County in the negotiations to …

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 …

Crooked River Full Moon Paddle

2025-03-14T19:00:00

Join us for a relaxing guided paddle in a secluded bay at Manatee County’s newest conservation property, Crooked River Preserve! As …
Bee on a flower

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 …

March Lunch and Learn

2025-03-12T11:30:00

You’re invited to join Big Waters Land Trust for an in-depth look at the role we play in protecting the places that …

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 …

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, …

Pine Island Preserve Volunteer TAG-ALONG Day

2025-02-27T09:00:00

Join the stewardship team for a day in the field! We will be focusing on invasive species management during this …

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

Ways to Give

Donate

Legacy Society

Sponsorship Opportunities