Big Waters Land Trust is now accepting submissions for its third annual Community Art Show, a juried exhibition celebrating Florida’s natural beauty through local artists’ paintings and drawings. Open to all ages and experience levels, the show invites Florida-inspired works that highlight the state’s land, water, and wildlife. Submissions are open through April 30, with selected pieces to be exhibited this summer at Bay Preserve.

The Bishop-Parker Foundation has awarded a $7,668 grant to Big Waters Land Trust to support its 2026 Watershed Explorers Summer Camp, providing 15 underserved teens in Manatee County with a free, week-long program focused on environmental education, outdoor exploration, and leadership development.

Big Waters Land Trust is pleased to welcome Justin Smith as Chief Program Officer. In this leadership role, Smith will guide efforts in land conservation, stewardship, public policy, and community engagement—bringing over two decades of experience and a proven ability to advance partnerships and protect critical landscapes throughout Florida.

The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation has awarded a $5,000 grant to Big Waters Land Trust to support two inclusive, nature-based education programs in 2026: Dip & Discover: Community Water Quality Exploration and Nature Journaling: Observation & Reflection. These programs will engage approximately 70 Lakewood Ranch residents in hands-on environmental learning and outdoor wellness experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of local ecosystems, water quality, and conservation.

Big Waters Land Trust is pleased to welcome two new team members and celebrate a leadership promotion that strengthens the organization’s commitment to conservation across the region. Ray Vinson joins as Land Stewardship Manager, bringing extensive experience in natural resource management and habitat restoration. Molly Rabin steps into the role of Database and Donor Stewardship Administrator, supporting donor engagement and philanthropy efforts. The organization also announces the promotion of Tianna Boswell-Porter to Director of Marketing and Events, where she will lead marketing initiatives and signature events that connect the community to Big Waters’ mission of protecting land and water for people and nature.

Big Waters Land Trust has permanently conserved approximately 50 acres of rural open space along Corkscrew Road in Collier County, Florida. The protected land will serve as a vital buffer to the 60,000-acre Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW), safeguarding wildlife habitat, protecting water resources, and preserving the region’s rural landscape. Generously donated by landowners Hugh and Judy Starnes, the conservation easement ensures the land will remain protected forever while continuing to support working cattle land and the surrounding ecosystem within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

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.

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

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.

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.