OSPREY, FL (June 13, 2025) The Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch recently awarded a $2,000 grant to Big Waters Land Trust, formerly Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast. With a mission to protect land and water for the benefit of people and nature, Big Waters provides a wide variety of inclusive, hands-on experiences to inspire environmental literacy and strengthen community connections. The funding will help enhance the regional land trust’s efforts to deliver nature-based learning experiences, expanding access to the outdoors and environmental education for youth and families. The Rotary Club is a global service organization of more than 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change. Their primary mission is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through their fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.
“We are deeply grateful to the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch for their generous support of our Youth Education Program,” says Shalla Ashworth, Big Waters Land Trust’s Director of Philanthropy. “This contribution helps us provide more hands-on, nature-based experiences that connect young people to the environment and to each other. These meaningful experiences not only build environmental awareness but also foster a lasting sense of community and stewardship.”
Big Waters’ Youth Education Program, a branch of their Community Outreach and Education Program, connects children to nature education and outdoor experiences through partnerships with numerous local youth-serving organizations. These partnerships provide thousands of children with WOW! moments in nature and outdoor learning opportunities. The Lakewood Ranch Rotary Club grant will significantly enhance the quality and success of the youth program, furthering exploration opportunities and providing essential program supplies. These resources are critical to engaging underserved youth and ensuring the program delivers enriching and immersive learning experiences.
Through their Community Outreach and Education Program, Big Waters engages more than 7,300 community members each year, approximately 2,000 of whom are youth. The land trust hosts a plethora of free community activities and events open to all ages, including the Wild About Nature Festival, guided kayak paddles, and nature-centered art exhibits. Visit bigwaterslandtrust.org/events to explore upcoming opportunities to get outside and connect with nature today!
For more information about the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch, visit www.lakewoodranch-rotary.com or call (941) 870-0002.
About Big Waters Land Trust
Big Waters protects land and water in Southwest Florida for the benefit of people and nature. Through strategic collaborations with individuals, groups, organizations, and government, they work to ensure all people have access to clean water, fresh air, nutritious food, abundant wildlife, beautiful natural areas to enjoy, and all the other physical and mental benefits nature provides. Their vital work strengthens Southwest Florida’s resiliency to storms and floods, enriches lives, and helps safeguard our community for generations to come. Learn more at bigwaterslandtrust.org.
