The Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s slogan is “Our water, land, wildlife, future”. The message seems simple, but it informs the expansive work of this environmental organization, which affects millions from the average citizen to the state’s top politicians.
The Conservancy was founded in 1964 when a small group of concerned citizens banded together to save Rookery Bay from development. Since, that group has expanded into a powerful body that fights for environmental preservation across Collier, Charlotte, Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties.
Among its many milestones, the Conservancy restored water flows to the Western Everglades by conserving 55,000 acres of land in Southern Golden Gate Estates, protected more than 265,000 sea turtle hatchlings, and educated more than 50,000 children and adults throughout its service area each year.
The Conservancy is unique in that its mission is two-fold – it works to keep the average citizen informed but its members also work directly with government and business leaders to make growth decisions that never pursue commerce at the expense of Mother Nature.
Some of the organization’s most focal issues include water policy, growth management, and oil and gas policies.
In addition to special Earth Day activities and ongoing community outreach, the Conservancy hosts an Annual Member’s Meeting and maintains The Nature Center, which is a testament to its mission to preserve Florida’s wildlife.
The Conservancy welcomes new members and corporate sponsors as well as volunteers and charitable donations. We’re happy to support this important cause. To learn more about their work, visit conservancy.org.
