Conservancy of SWFL receives $25 million grant from John & Carol Water Family Foundation

NAPLES, Fla. - Jan. 16, 2025 - PRLog -- The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is honored to receive a historic $25 million grant from the John & Carol Walter Family Foundation, the largest philanthropic commitment in the organization's history.

This extraordinary grant builds upon 60 years of visionary donor support, enabling the Conservancy of Southwest Florida to transform the current Nature Center brand and public offerings into the new redefined John & Carol Walter Nature Experience.  The goal is to inspire and invite the community to protect our shared natural environment that preserves our unique way of life enjoyed today, and into the future.

This landmark grant will not only direct the transformation of the on-site educational experience but also dramatically expands the way the Conservancy engages with residents and guests alike, by creating new spaces, program offerings, and continuously evolving highly interactive exhibits for the greater good of the community. The John & Carol Walter Nature Experience will inspire individuals to take action and support the Conservancy's critical mission to preserve Southwest Florida's water, land, wildlife, and future for generations to come.

The new John & Carol Walter Nature Experience will feature:

• Hands-on exhibits, guided tours, traveling exhibits, and state-of-the-art multimedia technology will make education engaging, memorable, and ever-changing. Visitors will gain a deeper understanding of local ecosystems and conservation challenges;
• Carefully preserved diverse habitats and peaceful spaces will create new opportunities for visitors to connect with nature, reflect, and recharge;
• Clear, accessible exhibits and materials will inspire action, showing visitors what they can personally do and contribute to preserving Southwest Florida's environment as members, volunteers, and advocates;
• Inclusive programs and facilities will be designed for all ages, with child-centered activities and accessible amenities to ensure a welcoming experience for everyone;
• Collaboration with local schools, artists, and organizations will continue to enrich the visitor experience, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and regional stewardship;
• A transformed guest experience featuring a new welcome center complex as the gateway to the Conservancy's mission, showcasing exhibits, thematic programs, and traveling exhibits; a sustainably designed building including a two-and-a-half-story parking garage with a solar panel roof; and a half-acre stormwater lake and enhanced filter marsh system to showcase innovative water quality enhancement efforts.

John and Carol Walter's generosity represents a new standard for philanthropic conservation leadership in Southwest Florida. The family's commitment to environmental stewardship further strengthens the Conservancy's long-term focus on education and engagement-for-action, elevating the organization's pursuit to its fullest potential to protect the region's water, land, and wildlife.

The opening of the John & Carol Walter Nature Experience is anticipated in the first half of 2028. To learn more, go to conservancy.org/natureexperience or follow the Conservancy's social media accounts to stay informed.