Big Waters Land Trust

Big Waters Land Trust works to save land, forever, connecting people to the land and fostering a deep sense of passion for land conservation. Our natural environment drives both our economy and our quality of life here on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Big Waters Land Trust has saved over 20,000 acres including ecologically sensitive areas and natural places for the public to enjoy.

Our headquarters, Bay Preserve, is a waterfront oasis on Little Sarasota Bay open to the public daily, from dawn to dusk. The preserve features a performance pavilion, a dock, a historic boathouse with a wildlife observation platform, the 1931 Burrows-Matson House, and carriage house. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as well as the Sarasota County Historic Register. It's an excellent place for a picnic lunch or as a kayak destination. 

This extraordinary historic property may be used for weddings, private parties, board meetings and retreats, corporate and community events. Sarasota's premier caterer, Michael's On East, is the exclusive wedding caterer for Bay Preserve. Contact Sam Peterson for more information about venue rental at 941-918-2100 or s.peterson@bwlt.org