Save Your Land

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Understanding Conservation

Big Waters Land Trust 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. Learn more about conservation opportunities, benefits, and how to create your lasting legacy below.

The video above provides an overview of conservation easements, an important way to protect your land while keeping it in private ownership. 

WHAT TO EXPECT

Relationships with landowners often begin with walking a property with the landowner. This is the best way to start a partnership. During a property tour, we’ll get to know each other in a beautiful setting, have ample time for questions, and we’ll leave you with a folder of reading materials.


From there, every partnership is different. Sometimes conservation happens in a few months, sometimes in a few years. Whatever the case, we will support and guide you every step of the way.

Call our office at 941-918-2100 or complete our contact form to get started today.

Benefits of Conservation

A variety of benefits are possible when conserving your land, including cash payments, lower property taxes, lower income taxes, increases in land management funding, increases in wildlife for hunting, and peace of mind knowing your land is forever protected in the way that you want. Learn more about the many benefits of conservation below.

Do you want to know more about protecting the land you love, forever?

Whether you want to keep or sell your land, we want to explore conservation opportunities with you. Contact us using the form above or call us at 941-918-2100. We also invite you to email our Director of Land Protection, Brooke Langston, or our Land Stewardship Manager, Lee Amos.

Special Presentation

Landowner and world-renowned entomologist, Dr. Jack Longino, spoke about his family ranch at a Big Waters luncheon in April of 2022. In his presentation, titled Where Have All the Praying Mantises Gone?, Longino discussed his experience growing up on Longino Ranch, how it inspired his career studying insects, and how the landscape has changed – and disappeared – during his lifetime. A recording of the presentation is below for your enjoyment.