Wonder Gardens receives $20,000 grant from Collier Community Foundation

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. - Oct. 18, 2024 - PRLog -- The Wonder Gardens has received a $20,000 grant from the Collier Community Foundation for the "We Can Bee SENSE-Sational Scientists" program.

The program is designed to bring first grade students from 22 public, Title 1 Collier County elementary schools to the Wonder Gardens for environmental education field trips.

"This grant will help us reach so many young students in Collier County and help inspire them to care about the environment and conservation efforts," says Wonder Gardens President and CEO Neil Anderson. "This program has been a dream of ours for quite some time, and we're so thankful for the Collier Community Foundation grant to help make it a reality."

Groups of two to four classes at a time will visit Wonder Gardens and participate in activities aligned with Florida state science standards for first grade students. The immersive experience will provide a captivating exploration of the historic, tropical botanical and pollinator plants at the Wonder Gardens, plus introduce them to rescued, rehabilitated and non-releasable birds, alligators, tortoises and other animals that receive nurturing long-term care at the gardens.

The Collier Community Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process. Selected organizations receive grant dollars from the Foundation's discretionary funds. These funds were gifted by donors who believe in the Foundation's ability to mobilize resources to address the community's greatest needs.

About Wonder Gardens

The Wonder Gardens, a charitable zoological park and botanical garden established in 1936 in Bonita Springs, is home to rescued birds and reptiles nestled among sprawling banyan trees and plantings. While preserving the best of this site's history, the nonprofit cares for rescued, rehabilitated, and non-releasable animals, is upgrading wildlife enclosures and growing the botanical beauty of the property, while delivering education programs and events and further engaging the community to enjoy this jewel in historic Downtown Bonita Springs. The Wonder Gardens at 27180 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs is one of the few remaining cornerstones of Old Florida, an enduring symbol of the history of the region, as well as a resource for learning about the environment and wildlife. For information, visit wondergardens.org or call 239-992-2591.

About the Collier Community Foundation

Collier Community Foundation is a tax-exempt, public, charitable organization established in 1985 to increase and focus on local private philanthropy. Today, the Collier Community Foundation manages over 850 funds, works with hundreds of nonprofits, and has granted over $362 million to nonprofit organizations, community programs, and scholarships. Informed giving. Powerful results. Learn more at colliercf.org or call 239-649-5000.