Nature and creativity will take center stage at Big Waters Land Trust’s annual Community Art Show Opening Reception on Wednesday, June 3, from 5 pm – 7 pm at Bay Preserve in Osprey. Showcasing juried paintings and drawings inspired by Florida’s natural landscapes, the exhibit highlights the beauty and diversity of the state through the eyes of local artists. Guests will enjoy an evening of art, conservation, and community as the Best-In-Show and merit award winners are revealed.

Step into Florida’s wild beauty through the lens! Big Waters Land Trust’s Summer Photo Contest is back. Now in its seventh year, this juried, fully virtual exhibition invites photographers of all levels to capture striking landscapes, vibrant waters, and unforgettable wildlife moments.

Big Waters Land Trust will host a one-day-only exhibition featuring Florida Highwaymen heir Roy A. McLendon Jr. on May 6 at Bay Preserve. Showcasing his evocative oil paintings of Florida’s landscapes, the event will also include a live painting demonstration by the artist. A portion of artwork sales will support Big Waters’ mission to protect land and water, making this a unique opportunity to experience Florida’s cultural heritage while giving back to conservation.

Big Waters Land Trust is now accepting submissions for its third annual Community Art Show, a juried exhibition celebrating Florida’s natural beauty through local artists’ paintings and drawings. Open to all ages and experience levels, the show invites Florida-inspired works that highlight the state’s land, water, and wildlife. Submissions are open through April 30, with selected pieces to be exhibited this summer at Bay Preserve.

As Florida continues to experience rapid growth, protecting native lands has never been more critical. This op-ed highlights how local, voter-supported conservation programs in Sarasota and Manatee counties have successfully preserved tens of thousands of acres – safeguarding wildlife habitats, water quality, and the natural spaces that define our region. With these programs set to expire in 2029, voters will soon decide whether to continue investing in the protection of the places that make our community unique.

The Bishop-Parker Foundation has awarded a $7,668 grant to Big Waters Land Trust to support its 2026 Watershed Explorers Summer Camp, providing 15 underserved teens in Manatee County with a free, week-long program focused on environmental education, outdoor exploration, and leadership development.

Big Waters Land Trust is pleased to welcome Justin Smith as Chief Program Officer. In this leadership role, Smith will guide efforts in land conservation, stewardship, public policy, and community engagement—bringing over two decades of experience and a proven ability to advance partnerships and protect critical landscapes throughout Florida.

The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation has awarded a $5,000 grant to Big Waters Land Trust to support two inclusive, nature-based education programs in 2026: Dip & Discover: Community Water Quality Exploration and Nature Journaling: Observation & Reflection. These programs will engage approximately 70 Lakewood Ranch residents in hands-on environmental learning and outdoor wellness experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of local ecosystems, water quality, and conservation.

Big Waters Land Trust is pleased to welcome two new team members and celebrate a leadership promotion that strengthens the organization’s commitment to conservation across the region. Ray Vinson joins as Land Stewardship Manager, bringing extensive experience in natural resource management and habitat restoration. Molly Rabin steps into the role of Database and Donor Stewardship Administrator, supporting donor engagement and philanthropy efforts. The organization also announces the promotion of Tianna Boswell-Porter to Director of Marketing and Events, where she will lead marketing initiatives and signature events that connect the community to Big Waters’ mission of protecting land and water for people and nature.

Big Waters Land Trust has permanently conserved approximately 50 acres of rural open space along Corkscrew Road in Collier County, Florida. The protected land will serve as a vital buffer to the 60,000-acre Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW), safeguarding wildlife habitat, protecting water resources, and preserving the region’s rural landscape. Generously donated by landowners Hugh and Judy Starnes, the conservation easement ensures the land will remain protected forever while continuing to support working cattle land and the surrounding ecosystem within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.