OSPREY, FL (August 13, 2026) – The second annual Watershed Explorers Summer Experience, a free, all-inclusive program for teens hosted by Big Waters Land Trust and funded by the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program and the Bishop-Parker Foundation, concluded earlier this summer after three weeks of hands-on environmental education, outdoor adventure, and career exploration for 30 youth from Sarasota and Manatee counties.
Participants traveled throughout Sarasota Bay, Manatee River, and Myakka River watersheds, exploring ecosystems ranging from coastal habitats to freshwater wetlands while learning about the connections between land use, water quality, local history, and environmental health. For many students, it was their first-time kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, or birdwatching, experiences designed not only to build confidence outdoors but also to foster meaningful connections with Southwest Florida’s unique natural resources.
“This program is about more than just outdoor experiences,” said Sarah Denison Williams, Community Education Manager at Big Waters Land Trust. “It’s about helping students see the bigger picture, how people and the environment are interconnected, and how their own choices and future careers can make a difference.”
To remove barriers to participation, the program provided daily transportation, lunch and snacks, all activity supplies, and a $100 Visa gift card upon completion to help offset any personal costs. Pick-up and drop-off locations were hosted by the City of Sarasota’s Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, Manatee County’s Tom Bennett Park, and Sarasota County’s Twin Lakes Park.
“Our goal was to remove barriers to access and ensure every participant had what they needed to fully engage,” said Connie Brown, Director of Community Engagement at Big Waters Land Trust. “We’re proud this program not only introduced students to the wonders of our local watersheds but also connected them with mentors and real-world career paths in conservation, science, public service, and beyond. This program is planting seeds, and we can’t wait to see
how these students grow, as stewards, scientists, leaders, and advocates for their communities and the environment.”
Big Waters Land Trust is deeply grateful to the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program and the Bishop-Parker Foundation for their generous financial support and for the seven organizations who collaborated with Big Waters to make this youth program such a success: Manatee County Natural Resources Department; Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources; Manatee County Utilities; Crowley Museum & Nature Center; Myakka River Partnership; Oscar Scherer State Park; and Myakka River State Park.
Furthermore, the Watershed Explorers Summer Experience was bolstered by dedicated volunteers who shared their time, expertise, and passion with the youth participants. “By offering guided field experiences, behind-the-scenes facility tours, outdoor recreation, and career exploration, the funders, partners, and volunteers helped students discover the vital connections between healthy watersheds, thriving communities, and the many professions dedicated to protecting Florida’s natural resources. Big Waters Land Trust is deeply grateful for their collaboration to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards,” said Big Waters president, Christine Johnson.
About Big Waters Land Trust
Big Waters protects Florida’s land and water 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 Florida’s resiliency to storms and floods, enriches lives, and helps safeguard our community for generations to come. Learn more at bigwaterslandtrust.org.
