Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Big Waters Land Trust, Sarasota Audubon Society, and local philanthropists have joined forces to launch a $1-million community match to support rewilding the Quad Parcels at the Celery Fields.

Party in Paradise returns Saturday, November 14, inviting guests to experience The Living Landscape at Big Waters Land Trust’s Bay Preserve. Enjoy an unforgettable evening of culinary delights, cocktails, dancing, and immersive experiences while supporting the protection of land and water for people and nature.

Big Waters Land Trust is pleased to announce the People’s Choice winners of its seventh annual Summer Photo Contest. Selected through community voting, this year’s winning photographs celebrate the extraordinary beauty of Florida’s landscapes, wildlife, and waterways. More than 130 photographs from across the state were submitted to this year’s competition.

Big Waters Land Trust’s second annual Watershed Explorers Summer Experience empowered 30 teens from Sarasota and Manatee counties to explore Southwest Florida’s natural and cultural treasures through three weeks of hands-on environmental education, outdoor recreation, and career exploration. With support from the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program and the Bishop-Parker Foundation, participants discovered local watersheds while building connections to conservation, community, and future career opportunities.

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.