$1-Million Community Match Launched to Advance Rewilding Project at Celery Fields
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.
Early Bird Tickets on Sale Now for Big Waters’ Party in Paradise
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.
Congratulations to Big Waters’ Annual Summer Photo Contest People’s Choice Winners
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.
Watershed Explorers Summer Experience Empowers Local Youth to Discover the Regions Natural and Cultural Treasures
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 invites the community to enjoy nature and family-friendly trivia at Bay Preserve
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 receives $2,500 grant from Junior League of Sarasota
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.
