Funding to support plans involving Lakewood Ranch residents
The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation has awarded a $5,000 grant to Big Waters Land Trust in support of two inclusive, nature-based education programs taking place this year, Big Waters staff has announced.
The programs are Dip & Discover: Community Water Quality Exploration andNature Journaling: Observation & Reflection, a news release points out. Together, they are expected to “engage approximately 70 residents of the Lakewood Ranch area in hands-on environmental learning and outdoor wellness experiences,” the release adds.
These programs have been designed “to connect people of all ages and abilities with the natural world,” the release says. “During guided, interactive experiences, participants will deepen their understanding of water quality, local habitats, and the importance of land and water conservation in Florida,” it notes.
“Dip & Discover invites participants to explore local waterways by conducting hands-on water sampling and observation,” actions that will offer them “insight into the health of our watersheds and the role individuals can play in protecting them,” the release continues. “Nature Journaling encourages participants to slow down,” and observe and “reflect on their surroundings through creative expression, fostering a deeper personal connection to nature while supporting mindfulness and wellness,” the release adds.
“We are grateful to the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation for their support of these impactful programs that bring people closer to nature and to one another,” said Christine P. Johnson, president of Big Waters Land Trust, in the release. “Big Waters creates accessible, engaging experiences in the outdoors to help build a stronger, more connected community that values and understands the importance of protecting our natural resources,” she added in the release.
“Big Waters Land Trust provides easy, low-barrier nature experiences that are both educational and restorative,” the release explains. Moreover, the nonprofit continues to expand opportunities for individuals and families to engage with the landscapes that define the region, it says.
Established in 2000, the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation “was founded on the belief that a thriving community requires a strong sense of purpose and connection,” the release points out.
To learn more about Big Waters Land Trust’s upcoming programs and events, visit bigwaterslandtrust.org/events.