Manatee 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 Bishop-Parker Foundations Fund of the Manatee 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.
“Research indicates time spent in nature is important for children's cognitive, emotional, social, and educational development,” says Christine P. Johnson, president of Conservation Foundation. “Our Next Gen programming gets kids outside year-round, immersing them in nature and providing a host of benefits for their overall well-being. We are incredibly grateful to Manatee 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. In partnership with other youth-serving organizations, Youth in Nature is able to facilitate hundreds of WOW! moments in nature each year, creating life-long memories, building self-esteem, and instilling a love for the natural world.

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 they can make a difference in others’ lives as well as help the earth. Next Gen programs are central to Conservation Foundation’s commitment to environmental youth education and community engagement.

Click for more.