Ann Van Cott recognized during Annual Conservation Celebration in Osprey
Big Waters Land Trust, formerly the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, recently honored Ann Van Cott as its 2025 Conservation Partner of the Year, “in recognition of her philanthropy and leadership in protecting land and water,” the nonprofit organization has announced.
Van Cott was recognized during Big Waters’ annual Conservation Celebration, a news release notes.
“We consider ourselves very fortunate to have such a supportive and passionate conservation community,” said Christine Johnson, president of Big Waters Land Trust, in the release. “It is because of people like Ann Van Cott that we are able to have such significant regional impact,” Johnson continued in the release. “We are incredibly grateful for her continued commitment to conservation and for her generosity of both time and resources.”
“Van Cott received recognition as the 2025 Conservation Partner of the Year for her outstanding and longstanding commitment to conservation,” the release explains. “She created the Natural Heritage Fund that over many decades provided funding to enhance conserved lands with nature trails, kayak launches, picnic tables, educational signage, and other amenities that allow people to enjoy and connect with nature,” the release points out.
“A passionate conservationist, Ann spent decades connecting people to Florida’s natural landscapes through her vision, leadership, and generosity,” the release continues. “Her impact can be seen across many Big Waters Land Trust conservation projects, including Orange Hammock Ranch, Red Bug Slough,” and the Rewilding of the Quad Parcels at the Celery Fields in Sarasota County, the release adds.
Van Cott’s “philanthropy and leadership not only strengthened Big Waters Land Trust’s efforts to save land and water, but also inspired greater community involvement — drawing more people and organizations into the conservation movement and helping the region thrive for generations to come,” the release says.
The Annual Conservation Celebration was held at Big Waters Land Trust’s Bay Preserve headquarters in Osprey. In addition to recognizing the Conservation Partner of the Year, the event “celebrated the organization’s annual achievements made possible through the support of its growing conservation community,” the release notes.