The Nora Patterson Land Fund is dedicated to quickening the pace of land conservation in Southwest Florida. Our Board of Trustees allocates funds based on staff recommendations and established criteria and procedures, supporting land and conservation easement acquisition and the ongoing stewardship requirements associated with each property.
Projects funded through the Nora Patterson Land Fund must align with our mission to protect the land and water in Southwest Florida for the benefit of people and nature. We prioritize initiatives of significance to water quality and quantity, native species protection, wildlife corridor connection, and public open space. Additionally, we prioritize projects that leverage collaborative funding sources.
Gifts can be made to the Nora Patterson Land Fund in a variety of ways.
ABOUT NORA PATTERSON
Nora Patterson, who passed away on February 8, 2024 at the age of 79, served on Conservation Foundation’s Board of Trustees from November 2016 through January 2021. During her tenure, she helped protect 8,600 acres across Southwest Florida.
A Sarasota resident for over fifty years, Nora was an enthusiastic supporter of land conservation and a dedicated public servant. She served on the Sarasota City Commission for eight years, including a term as mayor. She served on the Sarasota County Commission from 1998 until November 2014, with three terms as chair. During her service on the Sarasota County Commission, she represented the county on the Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority, the West Coast Inland Navigational District, and the Peace River Authority. She was also active in the Florida Association of Counties and chaired the Sarasota Tourist Development Council. In addition to her service on Conservation Foundation’s Board of Trustees, Nora held leadership positions on the boards of Planned Parenthood of Southwest Florida, Sarasota United Way, Plymouth Harbor, the Glasser Schoenbaum Center, Jewish Family and Children’s Service, and Sarasota County Teen Court.
In 2015 she was recognized for her lifetime efforts when the Sarasota County Commission and City Commission took joint action to name the park located at the north bridge to Siesta Key the Nora Patterson Bay Island Park. Through the Nora Patterson Land Fund, her legacy continues to live on, forever protecting clean and abundant water, habitat for wildlife, and public access to open space for all those who call Southwest Florida home.
