Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast and presenting sponsor Elizabeth Moore invite photographers of all ages and experience levels to enter their original work in Conservation Foundation’s annual Summer Photo Contest. If you love nature... More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast and Sarasota Audubon Society announce the selection of the Quad Parcels Project Owners’Representative, Steve Suau of Progressive Water Resources... More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast will host special gallery hours on March 19 and 20 to view the works of fine arts painter Deborah Pierce Bonnell and her exhibit of landscapes and nature, entitled Reflecting on Florida...More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast announces a virtual Wild About Nature experience this year, bringing together local environmental and youth-serving organizations to connect kids to the beauty and wonder of the natural world... More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast announces the permanent protection of 363 acres at the headwaters of the Myakka River in Myakka City. Seven creeks converge into one river, the Myakka, at the newly named Myakka Headwaters Preserve... More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast announced its 2020 Conservation Partner of the Year, Manatee Fish and Game Association, for their ongoing commitment to land and water conservation. Conservation Foundation also honored Beautiful Ponds, Inc.... More...
Eleven-year-old Marley Smith receives Best-in-Show recognition in Conservation Foundation’s Summer Photo Contest. Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast and presenting sponsor Elizabeth Moore announce the People’s Choice winners... More...
Sarasota County and Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast announce the permanent protection of 40 acres within the Myakka River region in Sarasota County. More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast announces the juried selections and winners for its inaugural Summer Photo Contest exhibit. More...
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces the permanent protection of the 5,777-acre Orange Hammock Ranch in Sarasota County, within the city of North Port. More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast announces the successful completion of its campaign to raise $1.5 million to conserve the 5,777-acre Orange Hammock Ranch in Sarasota County. More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast announces a new $100,000 challenge pledge from an anonymous donor toward the permanent protection of Orange Hammock Ranch....More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast announces the permanent protection of the 29-acre Felts Audubon Preserve in Manatee County. The public preserve is known for its walking trails and bird-watching opportunities throughout the scenic, park-like bird sanctuary....More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast announces a $300,000 challenge campaign that will secure the permanent protection of Orange Hammock Ranch. The foundation needs to raise $1.5 million by June 1 st to conserve the 5,777-acre ranch forever. Conservation Foundation was $600,000 away from that goal when a group of donors agreed to pledge $300,000 as a challenge to the community to help raise the remaining $300,000 needed..... More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast and presenting sponsor Elizabeth Moore invite photographers of all ages and experience levels to enter their original work in Conservation Foundation’s inaugural Summer Photo Contest... More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is nearly halfway toward the goal of raising $1.5 million by June 1 to complete the permanent protection of Orange Hammock Ranch. When the $1.5 million is raised, it will in turn bring $19.5 million in Florida Forever dollars to this region, and free up $9 million for other properties that Sarasota County had set aside to purchase Orange Hammock Ranch. This means the community’s contribution will be leveraged 19 times for land conservation... More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is launching a campaign to raise $1.5 million by June 1 in order to permanently protect the 5,777-acre Orange Hammock Ranch. The Florida Cabinet voted today to purchase Orange Hammock Ranch contingent on Conservation Foundation’s pledge. Florida Forever funds will contribute $19.5 million toward the purchase.
Conserving Orange Hammock Ranch has been a major priority for Conservation Foundation..... More....
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast welcomes fine art painter Deborah Pierce Bonnell and her exhibit entitled Reflecting on Florida. Bonnell’s landscapes and abstractions from nature focus on the elements of light, space, and visual order. The artist’s reception will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, at 5:30 pm at the foundation’s headquarters in the Burrows-Matson House at Bay Preserve... More...
Impact 100 SRQ, a group of local women philanthropists committed to high-impact strategic grant making, named Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast as one of five finalists for their inaugural grant cycle. If awarded, the two-year $114,000 grant will support the foundation’s Next Gen Conservation program, expanding the experiences for at-risk youth and a new Nature Explorers initiative open to the public for children of our community... More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast announces its Board of Trustees for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. Officers elected are Glenn Shipley, Chairman; Mario Bernardis, Vice-Chairman; Rhonda O. Deems, Ph.D., Treasurer; and Mickey Davis, Secretary.... More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast welcomes Jean Blackburn and her contemporary exhibit of oil paintings and recycled materials, entitled My Florida. Blackburn explores the magic of light on water, the intricacies of sabal palm boots, and the detailed beauty of birds. The artist’s reception will be held on Wednesday, November 6 at 5:30 pm... More...
Cornell Lab of Ornithology awarded a $20,000 grant to Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast to conserve and restore habitat for the threatened Florida scrub jay. The restoration will occur on Conservation Foundation’s recently protected 38-acre Tatum Sawgrass Scrub Preserve in eastern Manatee County... More...
Join Conservation Foundation for Evening Art and enjoy Barbara Gerhardt's exhibit, A Creative Life at the historic Burrows-Matson House at Bay Preserve. Evening Art hours are extended to 7:00pm on Tuesdays, June 11, July 9, and August 13...... More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is pleased to announce Lee Ann Rodriguez as their new director of philanthropy. Rodriguez joins the team to support its audacious mission of protecting southwest Florida’s unique landscape. Rodriguez comes to Conservation Foundation with over 20 years of combined experience... More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast announces the permanent protection of 37.8 acres within the Myakka River watershed region in Manatee County. The purchase was funded by the Myakka River Land Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation... More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast will present a fascinating evening with renowned fine art photographer, Clyde Butcher, who will share his experiences and photographs that shaped his journey to discovering the beauty of the Myakka. A Conversation with Clyde Butcher will be held on Wednesday, April 10, 2019, 5:30 pm at the Sarasota Opera House... More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast welcomes the Sarasota Nature Printers and their exhibit, sales, and demonstrations, Art of Our Natural Environment. The opening reception and art sale will be held on Tuesday, March 19 at 5:30 pm at the foundation’s headquarters in the Burrows-Matson House at Bay Preserve... More...
Gulf Coast Community Foundation awarded a $100,000 matching grant to Venice Area Beautification, Inc. (VABI) to support the creation of an Urban Forest along the Intracoastal Waterway in Venice. This nearly two-mile forested greenway will provide habitat in which butterflies, birds, and wildlife will thrive, and for residents and visitors to enjoy..... More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast welcomes Stephen B. White and his exhibit, Nature Revisited. The opening reception with remarks by the artist is Tuesday, December 4 at 5:30 pm at the foundation’s headquarters in the Burrows- Matson House at Bay Preserve, 400 Palmetto Ave., Osprey. RSVP..... More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast announces a new partnership with Venice Area Beautification, Inc. (VABI) to create an Urban Forest along the Intracoastal Waterway in Venice. Conservation Foundation will collaborate to plan, and build resources and public awareness, to create a nearly two-mile forested greenway for birds and wildlife to thrive, and for residents and visitors to enjoy... More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast welcomes the artist Barbara Gerhardt with a special exhibit of her paintings “A Creative Life” during November. In celebration of her 80th birthday, the artist is generously donating 100% of sales proceeds to Conservation Foundation. As a 47-year resident of Sarasota... More...
Conservation Foundation announced its highest honor, Conservation Partner of the Year, naming Gary Hebert, Brenda Russell and Phil St. John, the founders of Friends of Keep Woods. This award signifies exemplary efforts for conservation. Conservation Foundation also honored Jan Dorsett as Volunteer of the Year, at the Annual Conservation Reception at Bay Preserve.... More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast announces its expansion of protected habitat for the endangered Florida panther with the recent agreement for a 1,500-acre conservation easement on Pepper Ranch Preserve in northern Collier County. The conserved land is owned by Collier County government which has contracted its permanent protection to the Conservation Foundation... More...
Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) awarded a grant to Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast to support their landscape-scale work to expand and connect protected lands, and restore the Tatum Sawgrass marsh. The 2-year $50,000 grant recognizes the importance of the Myakka River and the need to connect protected lands... More...
The Lakewood Ranch Community Fund and Garrett A. Turner Foundation Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation granted $2,500 to Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast for the Youth in Nature Initiative. The initiative connects at-risk youth to incredible experiences in nature... More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast was recently selected as the top charity in Florida by Business.org, based on measures of financial accountability, transparency and administrative-to-program cost ratios. Business.org uses data assembled by Charity Navigator... More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast welcomes acclaimed environmental and wildlife artist Joan Lyon for the exhibition of her newest exhibit “The Living Landscape“. The opening reception with remarks by the artist is Wednesday, September 12 at 5:30 pm ... More...
On July 23, Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast became the owner of 91 acres of land conservation holdings from The Myakka Conservancy, a 27-year old organization with a long history and legacy of land conservation... More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast welcomes collaborative artists Valerie LeBlanc and Daniel H. Dugas as Artists-in-Residence this July and August. On Saturday, August 4th the public is invited to join the pair for a lively discussion from 1:00pm to 2:30pm in which they will discuss their residency at Bay Preserve... More...
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection announces the permanent protection of the 56-acre Coral Creek Peninsula as an addition to the Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park (CHPSP). The Peninsula is strategically located at the convergence of East and West Coral Creeks... More...
Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation granted a second year of funding through a $50,000 matching grant to Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast for its Youth in Nature initiative. The initiative connects at-risk youth to incredible experiences in nature, ... More...
On June 9th , families enjoyed a morning of adventure and creativity at The Jungle in Your Backyard event hosted by Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast. Kids of all ages discovered the sights and sounds of nature with a scavenger hunt ... More...
Manatee County Government and the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast today announced the permanent protection of a 44.5-acre preserve on the Braden River that will be named the Floyd C. Johnson & Flo Singer Johnson Preserve at Braden River. More...
What wonders will you discover on a nature scavenger hunt in the woods at Bay Preserve? Satisfy your curiosity by spending a fun morning exploring and enjoy a print-making art project at The Jungle in Your Backyard hosted by Conservation Foundation... More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast launched its new campaign, “Save Wild Places, Be the One” designed to generate pledges of support for land conservation in advance of thecommunity-wide Giving Challenge on May 1 and 2 from noon to noon... More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast celebrates a significant community victory with the permanent protection of 32.93 acres on the Braden River, saving this land from immediate development. Conservation Foundation brought more than $1,029,000 in donations to help defray the cost... More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is mounting a campaign to raise at least $1 million to save Braden River Preserve in Manatee County from development... More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast hosts internationally acclaimed environmental artist Suzanne C. Nagy and the premiere of her exhibit, BREEZE: Sustainable Nature Solutions V. Nagy explores the unique potential of land conservation to safeguard water and landscape from the impact humans have on the environment.... More...
Join Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast for a lively discussion with Ashley Teague, visiting director with the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training, on Wednesday, February 14 from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Teague will explore the concept of theatre as an opportunity to be in conversation with an audience... More...
International photographer Giovanni Lunardi is known worldwide for his high-fashion photography, evident from his more than 4,000 magazine covers. Lunardi pursues his art in many ways, and has captured the beauty of nature around the world in his stunning exhibit, Nature Symphony, presented at Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast.... More...
Join Conservation Foundation for the opening reception for international photographer Giovanni Lunardi, and his stunning exhibit, Nature Symphony, on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Inspired by nature, Lunardi's images capture the beauty of natural surroundings around the world. The cocktail reception with remarks by Lunardi will be held at the foundation’s headquarters... More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast announces its second Feast Upon the Fields on Sunday, December 3, 12:30 pm at Longino Ranch. The 8,000-acre Longino Ranch in eastern Sarasota County is recognized to be a critical part of the conservation corridor connecting the Myakka region to the rural lands east of Charlotte Harbor. The majority of the ranch is permanently conserved with a conservation easement, facilitated by Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast. Well-known chef Paul Mattison will highlight locally sourced foods... More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast launched its new 2017 membership campaign, “Wild Places Need You,” to invite the community to protect natural lands and help kids of all ages grow up experiencing the wonder of nature... More...
Conservation Foundation announces a new program on Sunday, September 24, at 2:00 pm with Eva Worden, Ph.D., of Worden Farm. Expand your knowledge of local, organic farming and add to your culinary repertoire with a fun demonstration of organic vegetable preparation...... More...
Join Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast for a reception with oil painter Theodore Morris at the exhibit opening of Florida’s Lost Tribes on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at 5:30pm to 7:30pm. The exhibit fuses the intersection of history and art... More...
Families recently enjoyed a morning of discovery and learning at Bay Preserve, as they waded in the grass flats with dip nets and discovered what thrives in Little Sarasota Bay, the nursery of the gulf. The kids also got to observe... More...
What wonders can you find in the salty shallows of Little Sarasota Bay? Satisfy your curiosity by spending a fun morning exploring at 2 Feet Under the Bay, hosted by Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast and Around the Bend Nature Tours... More...
More than 200 guests gathered under oak hammock on the banks of the Myakka River Sunday to celebrate the conservation of Triangle Ranch and enjoy a farm-to-table luncheon benefiting Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast.... More...
Explore natural lands in a guided nature walk on Thursday, May 11, at Pine Island Preserve at Matlacha Pass. The 90-minute walking tour is offered at 9:00 am and again at 11:00 am... More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast and the TREE Foundation will co-host a reception and conversation with Dr. Meg Lowman, on Wednesday, April 26 at 5:30 pm that will underscore the importance of saving land and thus trees.... More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast announces the inaugural Feast Upon the Fields on Sunday, April 30, 12:30pm at the newly conserved Triangle Ranch on the Myakka River... More...
The Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation granted $65,000 to Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast to launch the Youth in Nature initiative. The overarching goal is to provide at-risk youth with ‘WOW!' moments in nature ...More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, in collaboration with Ringling College | Englewood Art Center, is pleased to host the exhibit opening and artist’s reception for renowned plein air painter, Bill Farnsworth, on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at 5:30pm to 7:30pm.... More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is thrilled to announce the launch of its newest initiative, Youth in Nature. The Youth in Nature initiative will engage local at-risk youth in a variety of nature experiences. More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast invites you to an informative program on the longest-running wild dolphin study with Dr. Randy Wells on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 from 9:30 am to 11:00 am... More...
Did you ever wonder about a bug in your yard? Which bugs are Florida friendly in your garden? Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast hosts a morning workshop focused on pests and pollinators in your yard and garden... More...
Join Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast for a reception on Wednesday, February 22, 5:30pm to 7:30pm, and view the photography exhibit, “A Tale of Two Ranches.” The exhibit showcases the natural beauty of two ranches.. More...
Join Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast for a special presentation by Jesse Jou, visiting director with the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training, on Wednesday, February 8 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. Jou will lead a discussion of what theater directors do and how they take a play from "the page to the stage,".... More...
Do you ever wonder what makes something Florida Friendly? Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast hosts a morning workshop to provide the basics of Florida Friendly Landscaping... More...
Come prepared for a fun morning full of community spirit on Thursday, December 15, from 9:00am to Noon and help Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast plant 500 longleaf pine saplings on Pine Island Preserve at Matlacha Pass. More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast attained the coveted 4-star rating by Charity Navigator for the second year, based on its strong financial health and commitment to greater accountability and transparency. This accomplishment signifies... More...
Families of all ages enjoyed tree climbing, kayaking, hula hooping, slacklining and nature crafts and activities at Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast’s annual Fall Family Festival on Nov 5... More...
Join Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast for the third year of Shakespeare in Nature at Bay Preserve, and enjoy an all-new adaptation of Hamlet in the superb outdoor setting of Bay Preserve at Osprey on Sunday, November 20..... More...
Join Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast for the opening reception for orchidist and photographer, Tony Nacinovich, on Tuesday, December 6, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The exhibit entitled “Tropical Splendor” will connect you to the exquisite natural beauty of orchids and inspire you..... More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast honored philanthropist Elizabeth Moore as its 2016 Conservation Partner of the Year, for her pivotal role in the recent achievement of protecting Triangle Ranch forever. More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast announces its Board of Trustees for the 2016-2017 fiscal year. More...
Enjoy a day of active, outdoor fun on Saturday, November 5, 11:00am to 3:00pm at the 8th annual Fall Family Festival hosted by Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast. This free event is.... More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast was awarded a grant of $639,080 for the boardwalk and kayak launch on Pine Island Preserve at Matlacha Pass from Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau's Tourist Development Council Beach and Shoreline Funding... More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast recently hosted a professional seminar featuring Stephen J. Small, recognized as the nation's leading authority on private land protection strategies. More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast announces the achievement of protecting Triangle Ranch in Manatee County. The permanent protection of this 1,143-acre property,...More...
Join Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast for a special program with Artists-in-Residence, James and Julie Branaman, on Wednesday, October 5 at 10:00am to 11:30am...More...
Join Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast for a reception with photographer Glenn Gardner on Thursday September 15th, 2016 from 5:30 to 7:30... More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast announces the achievement of a milestone in the journey to protect Triangle Ranch in Manatee County. More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County present “Preserving Land in Perpetuity”, a professional education seminar featuring Stephen J. Small, recognized as the nation’s leading authority...More....
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast was awarded renewed accreditation by the national Land Trust Accreditation Commission. Achieving accreditation is a mark of distinction in the land trust arena. More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast launched its new campaign, “Make 24 Hours Last Forever,” designed to generate pledges of support for conservation in advance of the community-wide Giving Challenge on September 20 and 21 from noon to noon....More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast announces the launch of its Youth in Nature program, designed to create nature experiences that will provide life-long memories, instill a love for life, and help youth discover nature...More...
Have you ever wondered how to report an injured sea turtle or a non-native animal in the wild? Tech-savvy outdoor enthusiasts, naturalists, anglers and anyone who loves the outdoors will want to learn about this new mobile app on Thursday, August 4, 2016...More...
Dr. Helen Jelks King and the Jelks Family Foundation awarded $5,000 to Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast. A long-time supporter of Conservation Foundation, this gift will help support land protection projects, community education...More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast was awarded a three-year grant of $156,000 from the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities for its Myakka Island Conservation Corridor project. This grant was one of just nine given nationally... More...
The Morton and Spapperi Family Foundation recently made two donations, totalling $100,000, to Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast for conservation and restoration efforts on Florida's Gulf Coast. More...
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast has attained the coveted 4-star rating by Charity Navigator, based on its strong financial health and commitment to greater accountability and transparency. This achievement signifies... More...