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.

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.

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.

Big Waters Land Trust has permanently protected 34 acres on Sandpiper Key in Englewood, part of the Lemon Bay Aquatic Preserve and the Lemon Bay Blueway Paddling Trail. The land, rich in mangroves and seagrass beds, helps reduce erosion, improve water quality, and shield nearby infrastructure from storm impacts. The property was conserved through collaboration with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and funding from Florida Forever.

Big Waters Land Trust invites local artists of all ages to take part in its second annual Community Art Show, a juried exhibition celebrating Florida’s natural beauty through painting and drawing. Artists are encouraged to submit Florida-centric works highlighting the state’s landscapes, wildlife, and waterways.

Big Waters Land Trust, Sarasota County, and The Elling Eide Center have successfully protected 14.5 acres of rare coastal uplands on Little Sarasota Bay. This conservation effort ensures the preservation of important shoreline habitats, including a maritime hammock home to tropical plants and wildlife. The property, adjacent to the Bayonne Preserve, plays a crucial role in protecting against erosion and flooding while supporting imperiled species.

OSPREY, FL (March 18, 2025) Presented by Big Waters Land Trust, the Wild About Nature Festival returns on Saturday, April 5, 2025! This celebrated annual community event will take place from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at the not-for-profit land trust’s Bay Preserve headquarters located at 400 Palmetto Avenue, Osprey, 34229. With an exhibitor line-up … Read more

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).

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.