Big Waters Land Trust

06/24/2026

CALL FOR INTERNS: Conservation Lands Stewardship

Passionate about conservation, land management, and protecting Florida’s natural resources? Join Big Waters Land Trust as a Conservation Lands Stewardship Intern and gain hands-on experience working across some of Florida’s most important conservation areas.

Interns will have opportunities to:
Participate in land management and habitat restoration
Monitor conservation lands and natural resources
Support volunteer events, guided tours, and outreach efforts
Gain real-world experience in conservation stewardship

2026 Program Focus: Wildland Restoration
Help manage invasive species and restore native habitats at preserves throughout Sarasota, Manatee, Lee, and Collier Counties.

Flexible start dates available year-round
• Spring: January–May
• Summer: June–August
• Fall: September–December

🎓 Ideal for students pursuing degrees in biology, environmental studies, forestry, restoration ecology, botany, or related natural science fields.

Interested? Learn more at https://bigwaterslandtrust.org/careers/

06/22/2026

For the past four years, Paul Bina has been helping protect and restore Florida's natural landscapes through his volunteer work with Big Waters Land Trust. From planting native trees and grasses to removing invasive plants, locating gopher tortoise dens, and preparing land for controlled burns, Paul's efforts are making a lasting impact on the places we all love.

For Paul, volunteering is about reconnecting with the Florida he remembers and helping ensure these special places remain for future generations to experience and enjoy. Just as meaningful to him are the friendships and shared purpose found among fellow volunteers and staff.
Thank you, Paul, for your dedication, hard work, and commitment to conservation.

Want to get involved? Learn more at https://bigwaterslandtrust.org/volunteer/

06/17/2026

This month, we're proud to shine a spotlight on volunteer Sarah Baker!
Whether she's helping restore native habitats by planting Florida natives, removing invasive species, or lending a hand with maintenance projects at Bay Preserve, Sarah's dedication helps protect the landscapes we all love.
For Sarah, volunteering is about giving back simply because she can. She believes that not everything has to be about personal gain and that sharing your time and skills can make a lasting difference. Her passion for supporting healthy, balanced ecosystems - and the people working to protect them - embodies the spirit of our conservation community.
Thank you, Sarah, for your generosity, hard work, and for being such an important part of the Big Waters family.

Want to get involved? Learn more at https://bigwaterslandtrust.org/volunteer/

06/16/2026

Mark your calendars! Join Big Waters Land Trust for a fun and friendly end-of-summer trivia showdown at Bay Preserve.

We're bringing back our annual summer trivia event with a twist - this time it's a one-night-only, winner-takes-all competition.

The evening runs from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with trivia beginning at 5:00 PM. Test your knowledge with questions covering movies, music, fashion, and more, all with a conservation theme woven throughout. Teams may include up to eight people, and multi-generational teams are encouraged.

The top team will take home a prize package, including their choice of a private guided hike or kayak outing for up to 10 people, plus bragging rights until next summer.

Killik’s Kitchen will be on site with Hawaiian-inspired food available for purchase, and complimentary sweet treats will be provided. This free event will be held outdoors picnic-style, so bring a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy the evening. If it rains, we'll simply move the fun under cover.

To help us plan for food and parking, please RSVP with the number of people in your group.

We can't wait to see you there!

Learn more and RSVP at https://bigwaterslandtrust.org/event/end-of-summer-trivia-showdown-2/

06/16/2026

Big Waters Land Trust teamed up with Girls Inc. Sarasota for an unforgettable kayaking excursion on Little Sarasota Bay. Throughout the journey, participants explored the region’s rich history and learned about the vital role mangroves and seagrass play in supporting wildlife, protecting shorelines, and strengthening coastal resilience. They also discovered how stormwater runoff from surrounding communities can impact water quality and ecosystem health.

The highlight of the adventure was encountering a pod of dolphins feeding among the seagrass beds - a memorable sight that underscored the importance of healthy habitats in sustaining the remarkable wildlife that calls the bay home.

Want to learn more about our programs? Visit https://bigwaterslandtrust.org/community-education-program/

06/15/2026

Can you spot the mantis?
While assisting Sarasota County Government - Sarasota County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources with a prescribed fire at Carlton Reserve, our Land Stewardship Manager captured this incredible photo of a well-camouflaged praying mantis hiding among the grasses.
Did you know Florida is home to 11 species of praying mantis? These fascinating insects are masters of disguise, blending seamlessly into their surroundings to avoid predators and ambush prey.
Take a close look at the image and see if you can find the tiny mantis!

Hint: Look for its characteristic "praying hands" forelegs and a straw-colored body near the middle-left of the frame.
🔍 Found it? Let us know in the comments!

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...