Osprey, FL – July 24, 2025 — The inaugural Bay Explorers Summer Experience, a free, all-inclusive program for teens, hosted by Big Waters Land Trust and funded by the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program through a Bay Partners Grant, concluded earlier this summer after two weeks of hands-on environmental education, outdoor adventure, and career exploration for 20 youth from Sarasota and Manatee counties.
Over the course of five days, participants journeyed across the Sarasota Bay watershed—from coastal habitats to freshwater wetlands—to explore the vital connections between land use, water quality, local history, and environmental health. For many participants, this was their first time kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, or birdwatching—activities designed not just for fun, but to create meaningful connections with the region’s ecosystems and the life beneath the waves.
“This program is about more than just outdoor experiences,” says Sarah Denison Williams, Community Education Manager with Big Waters. “It’s about helping students see the bigger picture—how people and the environment are interconnected, and how their own choices and careers can make a difference.”
The success of the Bay Explorers program would not have been possible without the support and collaboration of dedicated partners and professionals who generously shared their time and expertise:
- Matt Tschirgi, Education and Volunteer Specialist with the Manatee County Natural Resources Department, led a kayaking adventure at Robinson Preserve and spoke about his diverse career experience, including roles in park management, volunteer coordination, and signage and exhibit design.
- Megan Barry, Public Outreach Manager, and Ryan Gandy, Science and Restoration Manager, with the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, led a tour of FISH Preserve, a community-driven coastal restoration project in the village of Cortez, and discussed their critical work protecting and restoring Sarasota Bay’s ecological health.
- Kris Martinez, a volunteer with the Cortez Village Historical Society (CVHS) and Cindy Rodgers, CVHS Board President, welcomed the students for a tour of the Cortez Cultural Center, where they learned about the history and rich culture of one of the last working fishing villages on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
- Carolyn Rule, lifeguard, provided essential safety support during the snorkeling and dip netting activities, ensuring the students could confidently explore the seagrass beds at Leffis Key Preserve.
- Kerry Kaiser from Skyway Team Bird Rescue, a nonprofit focused on saving seabirds from fishing line entanglement, taught students how to safely respond if they find injured or hooked wildlife.
- Kristen Rogulski, Environmental Specialist with the Sarasota County Stormwater Department, led a guided walk to describe the Celery Fields’ function as a regional stormwater facility and shared her career path in wetland permitting and environmental compliance.
- Kylie Wilson, Land Manager and bird biologist with the Sarasota County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Department, led students in birdwatching and a guided walk to learn about native plants, pollinators, and land management practices at the Celery Fields.
- Sara Reisinger, President of Sarasota Audubon Society, welcomed students to the Audubon Nature Center and spoke about her career and the importance of protecting bird habitats in the region. She also shared the fascinating history of the Celery Fields from prehistoric times to the present day.
- John McCarthy, Vice President for Regional History with Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, guided students through the cultural history of Little Sarasota Bay and helped them reflect on their strengths, interests, and career goals. His personal career journey offered valuable insight into diverse environmental opportunities in Sarasota and the importance of strong networks.
- Jamie Butler, Park Services Specialist at Oscar Scherer State Park, spoke with the students about her background in forestry, the military, and natural resource management, and highlighted the vital role of prescribed fire in maintaining Florida’s upland habitats – including a demonstration with her fire engine!
In addition to daily transportation, each participant received lunch and snacks, all activity supplies, a pair of water shoes to keep, and a $100 Visa gift card upon program completion to help offset any personal costs. The Bay Explorers program was also supported by several community partners who helped reach a diverse group of youth through targeted outreach and recruitment, including The City of Sarasota’s Robert L. Taylor Community Complex who hosted daily pick-up and drop-off, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, Sarasota Housing Authority, The Everglades Foundation, and The Multicultural Health Institute.
“Our goal was to remove barriers to access and ensure every participant had what they needed to fully engage,” notes Sarah Denison Williams. “We’re proud that this program not only introduced students to the wonders of Sarasota Bay but also connected them with mentors and real-world career paths in conservation, science, public service, and beyond.”
With its strong start and enthusiastic response, Big Waters Land Trust hopes to continue and expand Bay Explorers in future years. “This program is planting seeds,” adds Denison Williams. “We can’t wait to see how these students grow—as stewards, scientists, leaders, and advocates for their communities and their environment.”
About Big Waters Land Trust
Big Waters protects land and water in Southwest Florida for the benefit of people and nature. Through strategic collaborations with individuals, groups, organizations, and government, they work to ensure all people have access to clean water, fresh air, nutritious food, abundant wildlife, beautiful natural areas to enjoy, and all the other physical and mental benefits nature provides. Their vital work strengthens Southwest Florida’s resiliency to storms and floods, enriches lives, and helps safeguard our community for generations to come. Learn more at bigwaterslandtrust.org.
