You won’t believe what the CREW Trust did this year?

The CREW Land and Water Trust has had a spectacular year. More people visited our trails than ever before. Our educational programs were more numerous and reached more people. Additional land was put into preservation. The Southern Critical CREW project was launched. Fundraising was very successful. And, we owe it all to our CREW Trust members and volunteers.

Education is a major part of preserving and protecting the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed. This past season, 45,118 visited CREW trails or participated in school field trips, guided walks or seminars. All of these activities are made possible by generous contributions, memberships dues, and fundraising such as the CREW Stanley Hole Golf Tournament  and the Annual CREW Concert and Silent Eco-Auction.

We couldn’t carry out our mission without our largest fundraiser, the CREW Concert & Silent Eco-Auction. Over 400 people attended to help us raise over $29,000 for our on-going environmental education programs.This event would not be possible if it wasn’t for our amazing generous sponsors. If you would like to join in on the fun this upcoming year then save the date- February 18, 2017 for the CREW Concert & Silent Eco-Auction. Help us by becoming a sponsor or donating a unique eco-auction item.

The CREW Trust Land Acquisition committee along with Florida Forever assisted the South Florida Water Management District in the purchase of  619.93 acres of land adjacent to Bird Rookery swamp along Immokalee Road in Naples. In addition, the Southern Critical CREW project at Flint Pen Strand began the long process of restoring 4150 acres near the end of Bonita Beach Road (see picture below) . In less than two years, this water restoration project will yield many miles of additional trails and recreational opportunities.

We wouldn’t be able to do all this fantastic work without the help of our CREW Trust volunteers. Our volunteers donated over 3,427 hours of their time this past season. Our volunteers help lead hikes, develop programs, create marketing materials, help remove exotic invasive plants, rebuild boardwalks, and much more. Our members and volunteers make all of these accomplishments possible. The members provide sustainable financial support and our volunteers provide the horsepower to get the job done. Together, our members, volunteers, staff and Trustees are the beating heart  of the CREW Trust.