Big Waters Land Trust

06/09/2026

Conservation is powered by people, and we’re incredibly grateful for supporters like Elizabeth Guancial and Davender Khera.

Featured in Sarasota Scene Magazine’s June issue, their passion for protecting Florida’s special places reflects the spirit of stewardship that drives Big Waters Land Trust. Through the generosity of donors, volunteers, and community partners, we can continue conserving the lands and waters that make our region extraordinary.

Thank you to Elizabeth and Davender for helping turn conservation into lasting impact.

Read the full article here: https://scenesarasota.com/june-2026/

Learn more about our mission at https://bigwaterslandtrust.org/

06/08/2026

Summer is calling- and nature is waiting!

From guided walks and butterfly counts to volunteer adventures, nature journaling, photo contests, and family-friendly outdoor experiences, there's something for everyone at Big Waters Land Trust this summer. Whether you're looking to explore new places, learn about Florida's incredible wildlife, or give back to the lands and waters you love, we have an event for you!

Connect with nature.
Meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
Make a difference in your community.

Which summer event are you most excited about? Tell us below!

View our full summer event lineup and register today: https://bigwaterslandtrust.org/events/

06/05/2026

What an incredible evening celebrating art, conservation, and community!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the opening reception of the 2026 Community Art Show at Bay Preserve. The gallery came alive with stunning works inspired by the landscapes and wildlife that make our region so special, and it was wonderful to share the night with so many supporters of local art and land conservation.

A heartfelt thank you to all of the talented artists who submitted their work and helped make this exhibit such a meaningful celebration of our protected lands. We are also deeply grateful to our distinguished jurors- Alicia Brown, Jen Kroeger, and Christa Molinaro - for lending their expertise, and congratulations to this year's Best in Show and Honorable Mention recipients for their outstanding achievements.

If you weren't able to join us for the reception, there's still plenty of time to experience the exhibit. Stop by Bay Preserve and explore the gallery through August 31. We invite you to discover these incredible pieces, support local artists, and see the beauty of conservation through their eyes.

The exhibit may be viewed at Big Waters Land Trust headquarters, 400 Palmetto Ave, in Osprey, Monday-Friday, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, June 3, 2026 – August 31, 2026. For questions or to check appointment availability, please call our office at 941-918-2100.

Learn more at https://bigwaterslandtrust.org/

06/04/2026

📸 Only 10 days left to enter Big Waters Land Trust’s 7th Annual Summer Photo Contest!

Whether you're a professional photographer or simply enjoy capturing Florida’s natural beauty, now is the perfect time to submit your favorite photos for a chance to be featured in our virtual exhibition and win exciting prizes. The deadline is June 14!

🏆 Contest Categories:
🌅 In Love with the Land
🎨 The Art of Nature
💧 Beautiful Waters
🦅 It’s A Wild Life
👧 Youth Perspective (15 & Under)

Selected winners will be featured in Sarasota Scene Magazine and showcased in online galleries on our website and page.

Ready to share your perspective on Florida’s wild and scenic wonders? Learn more and enter here:
https://bigwaterslandtrust.org/event/2026-summer-photo-contest/

Join Big Waters Land Trust for our 7th Annual Summer Photo Contest! Photographers of all ages and experience levels are invited to enter their original work in our sixth annual Summer Photo Contest. Sponsored by Sarasota Scene Magazine, if you love nature and enjoy taking photos, this is the contest...

06/02/2026

The wait is almost over! Join us tomorrow for the 2026 Community Art Show Opening Reception with Big Waters Land Trust - an evening filled with incredible art, inspiring conservation stories, and community celebration.

Be among the first to experience this year’s stunning collection of artwork, meet talented local artists, connect with fellow supporters, and celebrate the beauty of our protected lands. Plus, don’t miss the excitement as we announce our Best in Show and Honorable Mention award winners live during the event!

📍 Bay Preserve
📅 June 3, 2026
🕔 5:00 PM

While the exhibit will be on display through August 31, tomorrow’s Opening Reception is the one night you’ll want to be there to experience the energy, creativity, and excitement firsthand.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Learn more and RSVP:

Join Big Waters Land Trust for the opening reception of our third annual Community Art Show! This juried art exhibit focuses on paintings and drawings and showcases local protected lands through the eyes of our conservation community. All art selected for inclusion was chosen by our esteemed jury wi...

05/29/2026

On May 27, Big Waters Land Trust staff partnered with Manatee County Government to support a 1,500-acre prescribed burn at Duette Preserve. Our Land Stewardship Manager, Ray Vinson, and Community Education Manager, Sarah Denison Williams, were honored to assist with this important conservation effort.

Prescribed fire plays a vital role in keeping Florida’s natural landscapes healthy and resilient. These carefully managed burns help reduce wildfire risk, restore nutrients to the soil, improve habitat for native wildlife, and support the many plant and animal species that depend on fire to thrive.

As one of the largest and most ecologically significant natural areas in our region, Duette Preserve is a key part of the wildlife corridor Big Waters Land Trust is working to protect and connect across Florida. Stewardship efforts like this help ensure these lands remain healthy for generations to come.

A big thank you to the Manatee County Natural Resources Department and the dedicated burn crews who made this operation possible.

Learn more about what we do at https://bigwaterslandtrust.org/

05/29/2026

What began as a shared vision for restoring the Quad Parcels by the Celery Fields is now coming to life in the most exciting way. Earlier this month, volunteers from Sarasota Audubon Society rolled up their sleeves and helped plant native greenery as part of the ongoing Re-Wilding effort led in partnership with Big Waters Land Trust and Sarasota County.

This project is all about bringing native areas back to life - supporting birds, pollinators, and wildlife while creating a space the whole community can enjoy. With every planting, the Quad is becoming more vibrant, more resilient, and more connected to nature than ever before.

Seeing this transformation unfold from vision to reality, thank you to everyone helping make it happen!

Learn more about the project and how you can be involved at
https://bigwaterslandtrust.org/rewilding-the-quad-parcel/

05/28/2026

What does outdoor summer learning look like in a warming world?

We’re proud to have our Watershed Explorers Summer Experience featured in a recent article about how camps and outdoor programs are adapting to rising temperatures while continuing to inspire curiosity, exploration, and connection to nature.

From creek exploration to hands-on environmental learning, we’re committed to creating safe, meaningful outdoor experiences for the next generation.

Read the full article below to learn how Watershed Explorers is helping kids stay connected to the natural world all summer long!

Link to article:

With climate change driving up temperatures, here’s how Florida camp directors are adapting.

05/28/2026

Spend your summer outside with us!
Here’s what’s coming up in June and July:

June 3 – 2026 Community Art Show Opening Reception
Join us for an evening celebrating local art, creativity, and community connection.

June 26 – Myakka Headwaters Preserve Volunteer Event and Picnic
Help care for this special landscape and enjoy a picnic with fellow conservation supporters.

June 30 – Orange Hammock Summer Butterfly Count
Take part in a seasonal butterfly survey and explore the incredible biodiversity of Orange Hammock Preserve.

July 1 – July Lunch and Learn
Enjoy an engaging midday program featuring conservation-focused conversation and learning.

Every event is an opportunity to connect with the land and discover why conservation matters.

For more details on each event, visit us at:
https://bigwaterslandtrust.org/events/

05/27/2026

You’re invited - and you won’t want to miss this!

The 2026 Community Art Show Opening Reception with Big Waters Land Trust is happening June 3 at Bay Preserve, and it’s right around the corner. Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating local artists, conservation, and the beauty of our protected lands.

Be the first to experience this year’s incredible artwork, connect with our conservation community, and be there when we announce Best in Show and honorable mention awards live at the event!

📍 Bay Preserve
📅 June 3, 2026
🕔 5:00 PM

The exhibit will be on display through August 31, but the opening reception is the one night to experience it all come together.

Learn more and RSVP: https://bigwaterslandtrust.org/event/2026-community-art-show-opening-reception/