Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch invests in Big Waters Youth Education Program
The Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch awarded a $2,000 grant to Big Waters Land Trust to support youth nature education. The funding will expand hands-on outdoor experiences for children, fostering environmental awareness and community connection.
Big Waters Land Trust announces second annual Community Art Show honorees
Big Waters Land Trust is proud to unveil the winners and featured selections of its second annual Community Art Show. This juried exhibition celebrates Florida’s natural beauty through the eyes of 20 talented artists, chosen from a diverse pool of submissions by artists of all ages and experience levels.
Re-Wilding the Quad Parcels project receives anonymous $1 million gift
Big Waters Land Trust and Sarasota Audubon Society are thrilled to announce a $1 million anonymous grant in support of their joint “Re-Wild the Quad Parcels” initiative. The ambitious restoration project officially began in January with the groundbreaking of the southeastern 11-acre parcel—set to be the most densely reforested area and home to a new pollinator meadow. Located along the western edge of Sarasota’s renowned Celery Fields, the re-wilding effort aims to enhance wildlife habitat, improve water quality, and offer increased public access for birding and nature enjoyment. With continued fundraising underway, the southeastern parcel is expected to be completed within a year, transforming the space into a biodiverse haven for both wildlife and visitors.
Big Waters protects burrowing owl habitat by conserving 5 lots in Cape Coral
Big Waters Land Trust proudly announces the permanent conservation of five Cape Coral lots—totaling 1.34 acres—home to the state’s largest population of Florida burrowing owls. This marks the first time the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission has issued a grant specifically to protect owl habitat. The City of Cape Coral will manage the land, while Big Waters holds the conservation easements, ensuring permanent protection. This milestone adds to the 20,000+ acres already safeguarded by the trust across Southwest Florida.
Community Foundation of Sarasota County invests in Big Waters experiential education
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County awarded a $20,000 grant to Big Waters Land Trust to support its Community Outreach and Education Program. The funding will expand inclusive, nature-based programming for underserved youth, families, and differently-abled individuals in Southwest Florida. “This generous support will help more people connect with nature and each other,” said Christine P. Johnson, president of Big Waters Land Trust. The grant was funded by the Donald W. Hogue Fund, the Eleanor “Ellie” A. Herring Charitable Fund II, and the Kathleen D. Baylis Fund.
Celebrate the beauty of the Sunshine State and submit your photos now to Big Waters Land Trust’s sixth annual Summer Photo Contest
Big Waters Land Trust is thrilled to welcome back its popular Virtual Summer Photo Contest, now in its sixth year and proudly sponsored by Sarasota Scene Magazine. From May 1 to May 31, photographers of all ages and experience levels are invited to submit up to three original images celebrating Florida’s natural beauty.
