2026 FEAST UPon the Fields
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon at beautiful Longino Ranch!
Party In Paradise is Back!
Join us at Bay Preserve for a magical night of fun, friends, and conservation—all under the stars.
Who We Are
We protect the land and water in Southwest Florida for the benefit of people and nature.
We are the last generation that can save this land. Together, we will ensure that the human and natural worlds of Southwest Florida flourish together.
By saving land forever, we protect wild places for kids and grown-ups, for wildlife and waterways.
Landowner Resources
Save Your Land
Big Waters protects natural areas and ranchlands here in Southwest Florida. Together with landowners like you, we are working to maintain the health and productivity of Florida’s land and water, while at the same time preserving the natural beauty and rural character of our community as more and more land is developed.
Get Involved
Volunteer Opportunities
Our volunteer program is growing and the opportunities to get involved are as varied as the landscapes we protect. One thing all our volunteers have in common is a strong belief in our mission and the desire to use their talents to help safeguard Florida’s land and water.
What We Do
At Big Waters Land Trust, we envision a future in which the human and natural worlds of Southwest Florida flourish together.
Safeguarding Our Waters
Land conservation is essential to protecting water quality because what happens on land directly impacts the quality of the water flowing through and from it.
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Protecting Imperiled Nature
When we preserve natural areas, we safeguard critical habitats for diverse wildlife. Saving land protects native plants and animals by safeguarding the places they need to survive.
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Increasing Climate Resilience
Land conservation plays a crucial role in enhancing climate resiliency. Every acre conserved, wetland restored, and tree planted contributes to a resilient and sustainable future.
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Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainable agriculture depends on healthy soils, clean water, and intact ecosystems.
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Access For All
Many of the lands we conserve are open for public enjoyment, contributing deeply to the health and vibrancy of our community.
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Big News at Big Waters
Big Waters’ Wild About Nature Festival Returns to Bay Preserve in 2026
Adventure meets conservation at the Wild About Nature Festival, returning Saturday, March 28, 2026, to Bay Preserve at Osprey. Presented by Big Waters Land Trust, this free community festival invites families to kayak along the bay, climb towering trees, meet wildlife, and explore interactive exhibits from local environmental organizations. With live music, crafts, and local food trucks, it’s a lively day outdoors celebrating the natural beauty of Little Sarasota Bay.
Big Waters Land Trust honors 2025 Conservation Partner of the Year
Honored as Big Waters Land Trust’s 2025 Conservation Partner of the Year, Ann Van Cott’s vision and generosity have connected generations of Floridians to nature while protecting the region’s land and water for the future
Bishop-Parker Foundation Grant Expands Access to Nature Through Big Waters Land Trust Programs
The Bishop-Parker Foundation has awarded a $7,500 grant to Big Waters Land Trust to enhance its Community Outreach and Education Program. This funding helps the organization provide inclusive, hands-on outdoor experiences, connecting underserved youth, differently-abled individuals, and families to nature while fostering environmental literacy and community connections.
Feast Upon the Fields with Big Waters Land Trust
Big Waters Land Trust announces the return of its beloved Feast Upon the Fields farm-to-table luncheon on February 22 at Longino Ranch in east Sarasota County—one of the region’s most significant conservation successes. Proceeds support the land trust’s mission to protect land and water for people and nature.
Upcoming Events
We provide many opportunities for you and your family to get involved in Big ways. Explore some of our event categories or view all our events.
Walton Ranch Preserve Guided Walk
2026-03-12T09:30:00
Join us for a naturalist-guided hike at Walton Ranch Preserve as we look for local wildlife and learn about native habitats! We …
Upper Myakka Preserve Volunteer Event and Picnic
2026-03-20T09:00:00
We need volunteer help at Upper Myakka Preserve! During this event, you will help with site maintenance and land restoration. …
Family Nature Journaling
2026-03-20T10:00:00
Join us at Urfer Family Park for a guided nature journaling event, where participants will learn to observe and record the natural …
Family Nature Journaling
2026-03-20T10:00:00
Join us at Urfer Family Park for a guided nature journaling event, where participants will learn to observe and record the natural …
Nature Journaling at the Sarasota Audubon Nature Center
2026-04-25T09:00:00
Join us at the Sarasota Audubon Nature Center at the Celery Fields for a guided nature journaling event, where participants will learn to observe …
Manasota Scrub Preserve Guided Walk
2026-03-24T09:00:00
Join us for a naturalist-guided hike at Manasota Scrub Preserve, where we’ll look for local wildlife and learn about native habitats! …
We are the last generation that can save this land.
Together, we will ensure that the human and natural worlds of Southwest Florida flourish together.
Population Growth
Over the next 25 years, population in our region is expected to grow by almost
40%
Water Consumption
By 2039, Future demand for water will exceed capacity by
538 Million Gallons per Day
Land Loss
2.7 million acres of native habitat will be lost to roads, shopping malls, and subdivisions within the next 45 years.
2.7 Million acres
Help Save Nature
