OSPREY, FL (April 1, 2026) — The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation has awarded a $5,000 grant to Big Waters Land Trust in support of two inclusive, nature-based education programs taking place in 2026: Dip & Discover: Community Water Quality Exploration, and Nature Journaling: Observation & Reflection. Together, these programs will engage approximately 70 residents of the Lakewood Ranch area in hands-on environmental learning and outdoor wellness experiences.
Designed to connect people of all ages and abilities with the natural world, these programs provide meaningful opportunities for participants to explore local ecosystems while building environmental awareness and personal well-being. During guided, interactive experiences, participants will deepen their understanding of water quality, local habitats, and the importance of land and water conservation in Florida.
Dip & Discover invites participants to explore local waterways by conducting hands-on water sampling and observation, offering insight into the health of our watersheds and the role individuals can play in protecting them. Nature Journaling encourages participants to slow down, observe, and reflect on their surroundings through creative expression, fostering a deeper personal connection to nature while supporting mindfulness and wellness.
“We are grateful to the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation for their support of these impactful programs that bring people closer to nature and to one another,” said Christine P. Johnson, President of Big Waters Land Trust. “Big Waters creates accessible, engaging experiences in the outdoors, to help build a stronger, more connected community that values and understands the importance of protecting our natural resources.”
Big Waters Land Trust provides easy, low-barrier nature experiences that are both educational and restorative. They continue to expand opportunities for individuals and families to engage with the landscapes that define our region.
To learn more about upcoming programs and events, visit bigwaterslandtrust.org/events.
About Big Waters Land Trust
Big Waters protects land and water 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 the region’s resiliency to storms and floods, enriches lives, and helps safeguard our community for generations to come. Learn more at bigwaterslandtrust.org.
About Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation
The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation, established in 2000, was founded on the belief that a thriving community requires a strong sense of purpose and connection. The Foundation serves as a vehicle for residents and businesses to support local needs, foster culture, and enhance quality of life throughout the Lakewood Ranch area and surrounding eastern portions of Sarasota and Manatee counties. Focused on local impact, the Foundation works to ensure that both visible and emerging community needs are addressed through thoughtful, community-driven giving.
