Conservation Foundation Announces 2020 Conservation Honorees

October 19, 2020 – Sarasota

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., as Volunteer of the Year, at the Annual Conservation Reception held virtually this year.

As both a significant donor and community collaborator, Manatee Fish & Game Association’s partnership with Conservation Foundation is deep and impactful. The association helped to permanently protect Johnson Preserve at Braden River and Felts Audubon Preserve in Palmetto through their generous support. They are currently collaborating on the Manatee County ballot initiative “Vote for Water and Land” which, if Manatee County voters pass, will provide funding to protect drinking water, protect wildlife habitat, and create parks.

Beautiful Ponds was recognized as 2020 Volunteer of the Year for their generosity of time and expertise in restoring Conservation Foundation lands to their optimal native state. Beautiful Ponds was a significant resource in exotic removal at Upper Myakka Preserve, Tatum Sawgrass Scrub Preserve, and Pine Island Preserve. Thanks to their efforts, native species are returning to areas that were obscured for decades by dense exotic grasses that are now blossoming into beautiful marsh lands and meadows. 

“Both honorees are outstanding partners in our efforts to conserve land and water,” notes Christine Johnson, president of Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast. “We are grateful for them and look forward to future collaborations benefitting both nature and people.”  

About Conservation Foundation

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast protects land and water in Southwest Florida for the benefit of people and nature. Working with landowners, businesses, and government, Conservation Foundation saves land forever, protecting those special natural lands that make this region extraordinary. A nationally accredited land trust, Conservation Foundation purchases natural areas, holds land conservation agreements and educates for responsible land and water stewardship in Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, and Collier Counties.  Learn more and join in our mission at www.conservationfoundation.com.