Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast

Great news for Sarasota County! The permanent protection of 656 acres at Longino Ranch in eastern Sarasota County brings the total conserved lands protecting the mighty Myakka River to over 130,000 acres! We thank Longino Ranch leadership for their continued to commitment to conservation and Sarasota County Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program for purchasing the conservation easement and ensuring the permanent protection of this critical land. More details below.

We are thrilled to announce the sale of 20 acres located within Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park! Though located within the boundaries of the Park, the property was privately-owned until we purchased it at a deed tax auction last December. In August, the State of Florida purchased the land from us as an addition to the Park, expanding recreation opportunities for our community and protecting local waters and wildlife for generations to come. Read more below.

A heartfelt THANK YOU to Blaze Pizza for supporting our mission to protect Southwest Florida’s land and water during their recent giveback event! We extend our gratitude for their generous 25% donation of food and beverage sales. This contribution saves land, protects our waters and wildlife, and safeguards our way of life for generations to come. Thank you, Blaze Pizza!

Congratulations to the People's Choice winners of our 2024 Summer Photo Contest! Voting took place July 1 through September 2, and the most liked/loved image in each category received the honor of being recognized as a People’s Choice winner. Read more at https://lnkd.in/eXhmpPjY and join us on congratulating these five photographers for their stunning images pictured below! -> It’s A Wild Life category winner and Best in Show winner: ‘If Looks Could Kill’ by Chris St. Michael -> The Big Picture category winner: ‘Morning Bliss’ by Ernest Gonzalez -> The Art of Nature category winner: ‘Falling Embers in the Moonlight’ by Anthony Berry -> Old Florida Charm category winner: ‘Blackburn Point Bridge’ by Cathleen Nardi -> Youth Perspective category winner: ‘Light in the Darkness’ by Grace Deciantis

We are delighted to welcome James Caldwell and Patrick Pedonti to our Board of Trustees! Along with the rest of our dedicated trustees, these two individuals are committed?to protecting the land and water of Southwest Florida for the benefit of people and nature. Read more below and please join us in welcoming them!

Join us tomorrow for a tasty opportunity to make a difference! Blaze Pizza is hosting a Gives Back event, where 25% of all sales will be donated to the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast. Whether you dine in or take out, your participation will support this meaningful cause. Let's come together and raise some dough for conservation!

Secure your legacy and support conservation this Make a Will Month! When you join our Legacy Society, you protect our region’s critical natural resources for generations to come. Learn more at cfgclegacy.com.?

We thank Rob Brown and Rosemary Eure for their generous Party in Paradise sponsorship and ongoing commitment to conservation! Join us Saturday, November 9, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm for this spectacular evening of nocturnal beauty and transformation. Event proceeds support our vital mission to protect Southwest Florida's land and water for the benefit of people and nature. Tickets and sponsorships are available now at https://lnkd.in/eZp28_NZ.

On September 4, be a part of our special giveback event at Blaze Pizza. When you dine in or order online using code 1070A, Blaze Pizza will generously donate 25% of the proceeds from your meal to Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast. Enjoy a delicious meal while contributing to the protection of land and water in Southwest Florida for the benefit of both people and nature!

Meet Christine, President of Conservation Foundation since 2011. Working with the Board of Trustees and managing the staff, she is responsible for ensuring the organization delivers on its mission. She oversees all aspects of organizational operations and collaborates closely with the Board of Trustees to set our strategic direction and ensure we have sound governance, the necessary resources, while reducing and managing organizational risk. Additionally, Christine works to advance regional land conservation efforts, advocating for effective public policies, and promoting widespread access to natural spaces. Christine earned her BS in Business Administration from the College of Charleston and an MBA from the University of Florida. Before joining the Conservation Foundation team, Christine gained valuable experience in management and consulting with Fortune 500 companies across various industries, including manufacturing and media. Her leadership extends beyond our organization; she is a past chair of the Science and Environment Council, Visit Sarasota County, and the Partnership for Gulf Coast Land Conservation. Christine also serves on the board of the Crowley Museum & Nature Center, is vice chair of the Florida Alliance of Land Trusts, Secretary of Sarasota Women’s Alliance, and is a member of the national Land Trust Alliance Leadership Council, and the International Women’s Forum. Additionally, engages with a professional network of nine women CEOs of nonprofit organizations who meet monthly for mutual support. When asked why she saves land, Christine responds, “I grew up here and am so lucky to have this fulfilling career. I know that the work we do today - saving the beautiful area of my childhood - will last forever!” Join Christine and our thriving conservation community in safeguarding the land and water of Southwest Florida for the benefit of both people and nature. Explore upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to get involved at conservationfoundation.com. Together, we can protect our waters, wildlife, and way of life, now and forever!