OSPREY, FL (September 13, 2023) Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is excited to introduce a new Teen Conservation Club. The club is tailored for students ages 13 to 17 and will meet monthly from October through May. Each monthly session will take place from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and provide students with the opportunity to learn more about environmental topics and issues, embark on eye-opening field trips, and amplify their voices while making a difference.
During the initial meeting, teens will collectively brainstorm topics of interest, identifying broad themes and local issues to dive into. In the subsequent months, participants will explore the local environment and engage with a variety of professionals to gain insights and valuable understanding of our region. Participants will also have the opportunity to sharpen their communication skills by preparing and delivering project-based presentations to fellow club members.
“Our goal with the introduction of the Teen Conservation Club is to transform teen participants from concerned observers to empowered advocates,” says Christine P. Johnson, president of Conservation Foundation. “We want them to leave with a greater understanding of how they can make tangible impacts to address environmental issues and drive positive change in our community.”
Participants are requested to commit to all sessions as each builds upon the last. Field trips will take place in Sarasota and Manatee County, and all club activities will be facilitated by Conservation Foundation’s Community Education Manager, Sarah Denison-Williams. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from New College of Florida along with a Master of Arts in Global Sustainability from the University of South Florida. She is a certified Florida Master Naturalist, NAI Certified Interpretive Guide, Project WILD Facilitator, and ACA Kayak Touring Trip Leader.
To learn more about Conservation Foundation’s Teen Conservation Club or sign up, visit conservationfoundation.com/events.
About Conservation Foundation
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast protects land and water in Southwest Florida for the benefit of people and nature. Through strategic collaborations with individuals, groups, organizations, and government, they work to ensure all people have access to clean water, fresh air, nutritious food, abundant wildlife, beautiful natural areas to enjoy, and all the other physical and mental benefits nature provides. Their vital work strengthens Southwest Florida’s resiliency to storms and floods, enriches lives, and helps safeguard our community for generations to come. Learn more at conservationfoundation.com.