OSPREY, FL (October 3, 2018) Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) awarded a grant to Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast to support their landscape-scale work to expand and connect protected lands, and restore the Tatum Sawgrass marsh. The 2-year $50,000 grant recognizes the importance of the Myakka River and the need to connect protected lands from the Everglades to Duette Preserve and Flatford Swamp in Manatee County, expanding and connecting habitat for the Florida panther and other imperiled species within southwest Florida. The DCF has supported local efforts around the world aimed at saving wildlife, inspiring action and protecting the planet with more than $75 million distributed to nonprofit organizations since 1995.
“We are overjoyed to be the recipient of this nationally competitive grant. Disney continues to make an enormous impact on wildlife conservation across the globe and their support validates the significance of our work in the Myakka region,” notes Christine Johnson, president of Conservation Foundation. “We are honored to work with the Disney Conservation Fund to protect the magic of nature for future generations to enjoy.”
Recent DCF grant recipients were selected based on their efforts to implement comprehensive community wildlife conservation programs, stabilize and increase populations of at-risk animals and engage communities in conservation in critical ecosystems around the world. For information on Disney’s commitment to conserve nature and a complete list of grant recipients, visit www.disney.com/conservation.
About Conservation Foundation
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast saves land, forever, protecting those special natural lands that make this region extraordinary. Working with landowners, businesses, and government, Conservation Foundation protects the character and natural integrity of the bays, beaches, barrier islands and their watersheds on Florida’s Gulf Coast. A nationally accredited land trust, the Foundation purchases natural areas, holds land conservation agreements and educates for responsible land and water stewardship in Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, and Lee Counties. Learn more at www.conservationfoundation.com.