August 16, 2022 – Osprey
Gulf Coast Community Foundation recently awarded a $10,000 grant to Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast in support of their Next Gen Conservation Program. The grant was made possible through the Katherine Naismith Witten Fund at Gulf Coast Community Foundation and will further Conservation Foundation’s commitment to youth education through discovery, nature-based activities, citizen science, and memorable experiences in the great outdoors.
“Our Next Gen programming gives kids wild places to explore and learn about the wonders of our natural world,” says Christine P. Johnson, president of Conservation Foundation. “These experiences help shape their views on wildlife and habitats, instill a love for nature, and inspire their desire to protect the environment. We are incredibly grateful to Gulf Coast Community Foundation for their investment in our work and the youth we serve.”
Next Gen Conservation is Conservation Foundation’s umbrella program comprised of Youth in Nature and Nature Explorers. Youth in Nature focuses on underserved middle and high school youth from Manatee, DeSoto, and Sarasota counties. Anchored by a broad collaboration with numerous youth-serving organizations, Youth in Nature provides hundreds of kids with WOW! moments in nature each year.
Nature Explorers is Conservation Foundation’s free and open-to-the-public youth education program for children grades K-5. This program uses ‘citizen science’ techniques to show kids how even they can make a difference in others’ lives as well as help the earth.
Different from typical summer camp programs, Next Gen programming get kids outside year-round, immersing them in nature and providing a host of benefits for their overall well-being. Program activities and outings are facilitated by Conservation Foundation’s Environmental Programs Manager, Sabrina Cummings, and would not be possible without the generous support of the community.
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