Funding enabled Trust to provide more opportunities to differently abled individuals and underserved youth and families
Recently, the Bishop-Parker Foundation of Bradenton awarded a $7,500 grant to Big Waters Land Trust — formerly the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast — to support the organization’s Community Outreach and Education Program, the nonprofit trust has announced.
“This funding supported both existing and expanded educational and experiential programming, including new and innovative offerings that increased access to nature and environmental education for differently-abled individuals and underserved youth and families,” a news release explains.
“Through inclusive, hands-on experiences, Big Waters Land Trust provided meaningful opportunities for people to explore the outdoors while building environmental literacy, strengthening community connections, and fostering a sense of belonging,” the release continues. “The Community Outreach and Education Program was designed to address the growing disconnect between people and the natural environment in Florida, a region facing rapid development, reduced access to natural spaces, and fewer opportunities for in-person community engagement,” the release adds. “These challenges are especially pronounced for underserved populations, including at-risk youth and individuals with differing abilities, who often encounter barriers to outdoor recreation and environmental learning,” it points out.
Through partnerships “with a wide network of local organizations,” including The Haven, The Lighthouse, Easterseals, the Sarasota Housing Authority, the Boys & Girls Club, the Loveland Center in Venice and more, “Big Waters helped ensure that individuals from diverse backgrounds could engage with nature through impactful, hands-on outdoor experiences,” the release notes.
“We are deeply grateful to the Bishop-Parker Foundation for their generous support of our mission and our community,” said Christine P. Johnson, president of Big Waters Land Trust, in the release. “This investment allowed us to bring more people outdoors to connect with nature and with one another, helping participants develop a greater appreciation for the environment and the vital role it plays in our daily lives — while enjoying shared experiences together,” Johnson added in the release.
“Big Waters’ Youth Education Program, a key component of the Community Outreach and Education Program,” has connected “thousands of children to nature-based learning and outdoor experiences each year,” the release continues. “In alignment with one of its core conservation values, Access for All, the organization recently expanded programming to better serve differently-abled individuals of all ages. In addition, Big Waters offered a variety of free outings, educational events, and immersive experiences for teens, adults, families, and multi-generational audiences,” the release says.
To learn more about upcoming opportunities to get outside and connect with nature, visit bigwaterslandtrust.org/events.