Conservation Foundation Honors Richard and Cornelia Matson with Lifetime Impact Award

November 17, 2023 – Osprey

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is pleased to recognize local philanthropists Richard “Dick” and Cornelia Matson with a Lifetime Impact Award. The couple was honored at the not-for-profit land trust’s Annual Conservation Reception, which took place on Sunday, November 3. In the past, Conservation Foundation has recognized a Volunteer of the Year and a Conservation Partner of the Year at this annual appreciation event. However, this year, in celebration of the organization’s 20^th Anniversary, the Matsons were recognized for their monumental impact across Conservation Foundation’s history.

“Reflecting on twenty years of conservation and community, there are those whose role in our success was and continues to be tremendous,” comments Christine P. Johnson, president of Conservation Foundation. “Dick and Cornelia are two of those pivotal people. We are enormously grateful to have them in our conservation community and thank them both for all they have done to protect the land and water here in Southwest Florida!”

In 2006, the Matsons sold their Bay Preserve home to Conservation Foundation at a bargain sale and made a significant donation toward the property’s long-term stewardship. Conservation Foundation purchased Bay Preserve with a Florida Forever Communities Trust Grant and opened it to the public as a community park in 2009. It is because of the Matsons that this unique waterfront site is forever protected. The historic residence on site, now known as the Burrows-Matson House, was built in 1931 by Dr. Waters Field Burrows and his wife Elsa Scherer Burrows. The almost 5-acre property serves as Conservation Foundation’s headquarters and is the perfect spot to put in your kayak, spend the afternoon fishing, or enjoy the sunset over Little Sarasota Bay.

The Matsons are active and engaged members of Conservation Foundation’s conservation community. The generous couple continues to help maintain their former home, supporting major restoration projects over the years, including the rebuilding of the Burrows-Matson House veranda and an upgrade to impact glass windows throughout the historic structure. Cornelia also serves as an advisor on Conservation Foundation’s Board of Advisors and is member of Conservation Foundation’s Legacy Society. The Matsons were the top sponsor of the Foundation’s Palm Ball every year the event was held (2008-2022) and are the top sponsor of Party in Paradise, Conservation Foundation’s exciting new cocktail party experience scheduled for February 3, 2024.