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Big Waters Land Trust is bringing back its annual Summer Trivia Showdown at Bay Preserve on August 19 from 5:00 p.m.
– 8:00 p.m. Gather a team of up to eight players for a free evening of conservation-themed trivia, family fun, and friendly competition. The winning team will receive a private guided hike or kayak outing for up to 10 people, plus year-long bragging rights. Food will be available for purchase from Killik’s Kitchen, and guests are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for this outdoor picnic-style event.

Big Waters Land Trust has received a $2,500 grant from the Junior League of Sarasota to support its Community Outreach and Education Nutrition and Hydration initiative. The grant will help provide healthy snacks and beverages during free, nature-based education programs throughout 2026, ensuring participants of all ages can stay nourished, hydrated, and engaged while connecting with the outdoors. Through this support, Big Waters continues its commitment to making environmental education more accessible and welcoming for the community.

Big Waters Land Trust is pleased to welcome Joel Johnson to its Board of Trustees. A longtime supporter of Big Waters, Johnson brings his professional expertise and a personal commitment to protecting the region’s natural spaces for future generations.

Big Waters Land Trust has announced the winners of its seventh annual Summer Photo Contest, celebrating the beauty of natural Florida through the lenses of talented photographers from across the state. Explore the winning images and cast your vote in the People’s Choice competition through July 31.

Big Waters Land Trust is proud to announce the juried selections and award recipients of its third annual Community Art Show, celebrating the beauty of Florida’s natural landscapes through the eyes of local artists. This year’s exhibition features 20 original works selected by a distinguished panel of jurors and highlights the creativity, talent, and diverse perspectives of artists inspired by the natural world. The 2026 Best in Show honor was awarded to Spoonbill by Viktorija Bulava, with Merit Awards presented to Faith Bradburn-Keller, Winnie Clayton, and Mary Louise O’Connell. The exhibit is on display at Big Waters Land Trust headquarters through August 31, 2026.

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.