September 18, 2023 by Post

OSPREY, FL (September 18, 2023) Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast – the only accredited land trust in our region – has been protecting the land and water in Southwest Florida for twenty years. Together with their dedicated and growing conservation community, the non-profit has permanently conserved over 19,200 acres across five counties and 56 properties. In celebration of two decades of community impact, Conservation Foundation is excited to host a wide variety of special activities and events starting in October 2023 and running through September 2024.

“Everything we have accomplished over the past twenty years was made possible with the support of our conservation community,” comments Christine P. Johnson, President of Conservation Foundation. “As we celebrate our 20th Anniversary, we reflect on the achievements of the past and look toward the future with excitement and enthusiasm. We are grateful to all those who have helped us grow, evolve, and do more.”

Conservation Foundation was founded in 2003 by Albert Joerger and Pauline Wamsler. Since the beginning, the organization has worked to permanently protect Southwest Florida’s critical remaining natural areas, strengthening our region’s resiliency to storms and floods, safeguarding water quality, creating and enhancing corridors and preserves for wildlife, and connecting thousands of kids and grown-ups to nature each year. Through collaborations with private landowners, other not-for-profit organizations, governments, and various agencies and organizations, Conservation Foundation finds creative solutions to help solve our region’s land-based challenges, forever protecting land and water for the benefit of people and nature.

As part of their 20th Anniversary celebration, each month Conservation Foundation will spotlight a different aspect of their work and the corresponding community impact. They look forward to sharing stories of partnerships and protections, creating new opportunities for people to connect and engage with nature, and showcasing their vision for a future in which the human and natural worlds thrive together. Conservation Foundation will continue to host community favorite events, including Feast Upon the Fields (Sunday, December 3, 2023) and the Wild About Nature Festival (Saturday, April 6, 2024), alongside exciting new events such as an engaging cocktail party experience, Party in Paradise (February 3, 2024) and a Community Art Show (Summer 2024) featuring works celebrating local protected lands.

“It’s going to be a busy year!” notes Sam Valentin, Conservation Foundation Director of Marketing and Events. “We would not have made it this far without our supporters, so our goal is to make sure the people who helped get us here have plenty of opportunities to celebrate all we’ve accomplished together. Twenty years of conservation is a major achievement for us and our community. We look forward to the year ahead – and many, many more!”

To learn more about Conservation Foundation’s 20th Anniversary celebration, including how you can be part of the festivities, visit conservationfoundation.com/20years.

About Conservation Foundation
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast protects land and water in Southwest Florida for the benefit of people and nature. Through strategic collaborations with individuals, groups, organizations, and government, they work to ensure all people have access to clean water, fresh air, nutritious food, abundant wildlife, beautiful natural areas to enjoy, and all the other physical and mental benefits nature provides. Their vital work strengthens Southwest Florida’s resiliency to storms and floods, enriches lives, and helps safeguard our community for generations to come. Learn more at conservationfoundation.com.

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