OSPREY, FL (April 10, 2026) The Bishop-Parker Foundation awarded a $7,668 grant to Big Waters Land Trust in support of the organization’s 2026 Watershed Explorers Summer Camp Youth Adventure and Environmental Leadership Program. This funding will provide 15 underserved teens from Manatee County with the opportunity to participate in a free, week-long immersive experience focused on environmental education, outdoor exploration, and leadership development.
Watershed Explorers is designed to address a growing need among local youth, particularly those from lower-income households, who often lack access to outdoor recreation and hands-on environmental learning. In this program, participants gain a deeper understanding of how healthy land and water systems support the region’s community, economy, and quality of life, while building confidence and connection in the outdoors.
During approximately 30 hours of instruction, students will engage in activities such as kayaking, birdwatching, fishing, hiking, and environmental science exploration. Programming focuses on watershed health, water quality, land conservation, and exposure to locally relevant environmental career pathways, equipping participants with both knowledge and inspiration for future opportunities.
Participants are recruited from partner organizations and Title I schools serving Manatee County youth, including Boys & Girls Clubs, ALSO Youth, and Tidewell Blue Butterflies, with priority given to underserved students. To ensure accessibility, all transportation, meals, equipment, and supplies are provided at no cost, and each participant receives a $100 stipend upon completion of the program.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Bishop-Parker Foundation for investing in the next generation of environmental stewards,” said Christine P. Johnson, President of Big Waters Land Trust. “Watershed Explorers creates transformative opportunities for teens to connect with nature in meaningful ways—building knowledge, confidence, and a sense of responsibility for protecting the land and water that sustain our communities.”
The 2026 program will directly benefit 15 Manatee County residents, ages 14–17, with transportation provided from a central county pickup location to ensure accessibility for participating families. The program reflects Big Waters Land Trust’s commitment to inclusive and equitable access to nature, serving youth from diverse backgrounds who are united by limited access to environmental education and outdoor experiences.
In addition to its immediate impact, Watershed Explorers is designed to create lasting change. Participants will leave the program with a stronger understanding of watershed systems, the ability to identify environmental challenges and solutions, and increased confidence in outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship. Students will also explore conservation-related career paths and make personal commitments to continue their community engagement by volunteering or sharing their knowledge with others.
Programs like Watershed Explorers have the potential to shape a young person’s future by fostering skills, curiosity, and environmental leadership that extend beyond the program and into their families and communities.
To learn more about Big Waters Land Trust’s youth education and outreach initiatives, visit bigwaterslandtrust.org/events.
About Big Waters Land Trust
Big Waters protects Florida’s 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 Florida’s resiliency to storms and floods, enriches lives, and helps safeguard our community for generations to come. Learn more at bigwaterslandtrust.org.
About Bishop-Parker Foundation
Inspired by the philanthropic legacies of its founders, the Bishop-Parker Foundation supports nonprofit and public partners working collaboratively to advance the Manatee County community for current and future generations. For additional information, please contact Wendy Deming at wendy@bishopparkerfoundation.org.
