$2,000 grant to help land trust provide more ‘hands-on, nature-based experiences’
The Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch recently awarded a $2,000 grant to Big Waters Land Trust, formerly the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, Big Waters staff has announced.
“With a mission to protect land and water for the benefit of people and nature, Big Waters provides a wide variety of inclusive, hands-on experiences to inspire environmental literacy and strengthen community connections,” a news release explains.
“The Rotary Club is a global service organization of more than 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change,” the release explains. Its primary mission “is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace” through the fellowship of business, professional and community leaders, the release notes.
“We are deeply grateful to the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch for their generous support of our Youth Education Program,” said Shalla Ashworth, Big Waters Land Trust’s director of philanthropy, in the release. “This contribution helps us provide more hands-on, nature-based experiences that connect young people to the environment and to each other,” Ashworth continued in the release. “These meaningful experiences not only build environmental awareness but also foster a lasting sense of community and stewardship.”
Big Waters’ Youth Education Program, a branch of its Community Outreach and Education Program, works in partnership with numerous local organizations that serve young people, the release points out. These initiatives “provide thousands of children with WOW! moments in nature,” the release adds.
“The Lakewood Ranch Rotary Club grant will significantly enhance the quality and success of the youth program, furthering exploration opportunities and providing essential program supplies,” the release continues. “These resources are critical to engaging underserved youth and ensuring the program delivers enriching and immersive learning experiences,” the release says.
Through its Community Outreach and Education Program, the release notes, “Big Waters engages more than 7,300 community members each year, approximately 2,000 of whom are youth. The land trust hosts a plethora of free community activities and events open to all ages, including the Wild About Nature Festival, guided kayak paddles, and nature-centered art exhibits.”
Visit bigwaterslandtrust.org/events to explore upcoming opportunities to get outside and connect with nature, the release says.