Watershed Explorers Summer Experience

We are delighted to introduce our 2026 Watershed Explorers Summer Experience!

During this immersive week of education and exploration, participants in the Watershed Explorers Summer Experience will travel across Sarasota and Manatee counties, visiting a variety of parks and preserves to actively engage with our region’s natural landscapes and waterways. Youth will explore the history and ecology of local watersheds while learning about current challenges to water quality and the opportunities for conservation and restoration that protect these vital ecosystems and our communities.

Throughout the week, participants will take part in outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, birdwatching, and nature journaling, helping them connect with nature and experience local habitats in new ways. As they discover how land use, human activity, and environmental stewardship influence the health of our waterways, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how these systems support wildlife and our regional economy.

Environmental professionals and partner organizations will also share their work and experiences in conservation, introducing participants to the diverse career paths, challenges, and opportunities available in protecting our region’s natural resources. Through these experiences, the program aims to inspire and empower youth to become informed stewards and active contributors to the health of their communities and local environment.

Participants will receive transportation via a 12-passenger van, lunch and snacks each day, all equipment and supplies for activities, and a $100 stipend (provided as a Visa gift card upon completion) to help cover participation costs.

SESSION DETAILS

Three, one-week (M-F), all-inclusive field trip experiences for up to 10 participants per week will be offered. Participants must be available and commit to attending all five days of the session they are applying for. Morning arrival between 7:00 and 7:50 am, with the van departing at 8:00 am. Return at approximately 4:00 pm, with pickup required by 5:00 pm:

Session 1: June 8–12, Sarasota Bay Explorers
Pick-up and drop-off at Robert L. Taylor Community Complex (1845 John Rivers St, Sarasota)
- Field Trip Locations and Activities:
  - Robinson Preserve Expansion – Kayaking
  - Leffis Key and Coquina Beach – Snorkeling
  - The Celery Fields and Bobby Jones Nature Park – Dip Netting and Bird Watching
  - Bay Preserve at Osprey – Fishing
  - Oscar Scherer State Park – Nature Journaling

Session 2: June 15–19, Manatee River Explorers
Pick-up and drop-off at Tom Bennett Park (280 Kay Rd, Bradenton)
- Field Trip Locations and Activities:
  - Robinson Preserve North – Dip Netting
  - Emerson Point Preserve – Snorkeling and Fishing
  - Crooked River Preserve – Kayaking
  - Rye Preserve – Dip Netting and History Tour
  - Duette Preserve – Driving Tour and Birdwatching

Session 3: June 22–26, Myakka River Explorers
Pick-up and drop-off at Twin Lakes Park (6700 Clark Rd, Sarasota)
- Field Trip Locations and Activities:
  - Myakka Headwaters Preserve – Dip Netting
  - Old Miakka Preserve and Crowley Nature Center – Plant Survey and History Tour
  - Myakka River State Park – Birdwatching and Nature Journaling
  - Deer Prairie Creek Preserve – Kayaking and Fishing
  - Lemon Bay Preserve and Manasota Beach – Dip Netting and Snorkeling

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Full eligibility requirements are below:

Participants must be 14–17 years old
Participants must live in Sarasota or Manatee County
A parent or guardian must complete registration forms and sign a liability waiver and photo release if the applicant is selected
Participants must complete pre- and post-program surveys and participate in brief end-of-day discussions
Participants must attend all five days to receive the stipend
Participants must be comfortable entering the water and will be required to wear a personal flotation device during water activities

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Past participants are welcome to apply, though new applicants will receive priority. Applications close at 11:59 pm on May 3. Applicants will be notified shortly afterward, and those not selected may opt to join a standby list.

APPLY TODAY

The Watershed Explorers Summer Experience is presented by Big Waters Land Trust, funded by the Bishop-Parker Foundation and the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, and made possible with the support of the following community partners: