The Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation granted $65,000 to Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast to launch the Youth in Nature initiative. The overarching goal is to provide at-risk youth with “Wow!” moments in nature, offering experiences in the region’s spectacular parks and preserves and, hopefully, catching sight of some of nature's most amazing creatures. The Robert R. Harlan and Susan H. Lowy Harlan Donor Advised Fund at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County also invested in the initiative. Conservation Foundation is committed to ensuring that youth education and engagement is central to its mission. The program emphasizes discovery, active nature-based activities, playing nature-based games and providing experiences that do not take place before an electronic screen. A growing body of research indicates that children experience reduced stress levels and improved social skills as a result of greater activity in nature. Benefits also include increased concentration, greater attention capacities and higher academic performance. 

Conservation Foundation