Celebrating Our Legacy, Shaping Our Future

A Message from Cypress Cove Land Keepers

For years, Cypress Cove Land Keepers has stood as a dedicated guardian of Collier County’s unique natural heritage. Today, we are sharing a momentous update about our organization, the future of the Gore Nature Education Center, and how our mission will endure through an exciting new chapter.

Our Story: From a Shared Vision to Lasting Impact

Cypress Cove Land Keepers was born out of a deep love for Southwest Florida’s native ecosystems and the pioneering legacy of Naples environmentalist Dr. Robert H. Gore III. Dr. Gore devoted his life to protecting wild South Florida, buying up land in eastern Collier County parcel-by-parcel to shield it from development.

In 2017, our founders played a critical role alongside the county to secure the acquisition of Dr. Gore’s original 170 acres, establishing the spectacular Dr. Robert H. Gore III Preserve (Gore Preserve).

Shortly after, we stepped forward to acquire Dr. Gore’s original central 10-acre parcel and historic cracker-style home. We restored this beautiful property over the course of 3 years and operated it for three years as the Gore Nature Education Center—a sanctuary where children, families, volunteers, and educators could immerse themselves in the beauty of Florida’s environment. Together, we:

  • Hosted thousands of local students, partnering with Collier County Schools to make nature an accessible, living classroom.
  • Welcomed tireless volunteers who gave their weekends to restore trails, plant native flora, and guide visitors.
  • Promoted hands-on environmental literacy, sowing the seeds of conservation deep within our community.

Our journey has been defined by your passion, your hands-on service, and your unwavering generosity. Because of you, we succeeded in inspiring a lifelong love for the Florida wilderness.

Dr. Gore on an educational tour with local children | Cypress Cove Landkeepers
Exterior of the new Gore Nature Center | Donate to Cypress Cove Landkeepers

A New Era for the Gore Nature Education Center

To ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of the Center, Cypress Cove Land Keepers recently completed the sale of the Gore Nature Education Center to Conservation Collier.

This is a beautiful full-circle milestone. By transferring the 10-acre education center to the county, we have officially consolidated the entire property back under a single dedicated steward. The Gore Center will now serve as Conservation Collier’s first-ever dedicated community outreach and education hub, right at the heart of the larger Gore Preserve. More information about the Conservation Collier Preserves can be found HERE.
Under their professional management and resource network, the Center will have the permanent support it needs to thrive, expand its trail networks, and serve even more people for generations to come.

Winding Down Our Operations & Launching the Legacy Fund

With the successful transition of the Gore Nature Education Center to county protection, the Board of Directors has made the strategic decision to wind down Cypress Cove Land Keepers as an independent operating 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

While our independent organization is closing its doors, our mission is not going anywhere. To ensure that the spirit of Cypress Cove Land Keepers continues to thrive, we have established the Cypress Cove Landkeepers Legacy Fund, a component fund of the Collier Community Foundation. We have structured this Legacy Fund to actively grant out its resources over a five-year horizon, ensuring immediate, robust support for local environmental initiatives during this transition.. However, this timeline is not set in stone. Through new community donations, we can extend this funding runway—allowing the fund to actively support local conservation projects for many more years to come.

The Legacy Fund will grant support strictly to initiatives providing a direct impact within Collier County across our three core areas of impact:

  • Land & Habitat Preservation: Funding the acquisition, restoration, and permanent protection of wildlife corridors and critical habitats, prioritizing the stewardship and expansion of the Dr. Robert H. Gore III Preserve
  • Environmental Education & Wilderness Connection: Funding environmental education programs, forest walks, and hands-on wilderness experiences to connect local youth and residents to the Florida wilderness—both at the Gore Nature Center and beyond, including collaborative programs with Collier County Schools
  • Research, Advocacy & Water Quality: Supporting scientific research and advocacy efforts (such as connectivity initiatives) that protect native species and water quality in the Big Cypress and Everglades systems, and fostering “Single Source of Knowledge” educational resources for local conservation.

We are incredibly proud to leave this permanent, self-sustaining legacy behind, ensuring that our community’s connection to nature remains vibrant and fully funded.

How You Can Support the Legacy

We invite our long-time donors, supporters, and advocates to join us in this exciting transition. You can make a direct, tax-deductible impact on critical habitat preservation, environmental education, and local conservation advocacy in Collier County—and actively extend the lifespan of our work—by contributing directly to our Legacy Fund.

Ways to Donate

1. Donor Advised Funds (DAF)

You can make a grant request directly to the Collier Community Foundation from your donor advised fund.

  • Designation: Cypress Cove Landkeepers Legacy Fund
  • CCF’s EIN#: 59-2396243

2. Check

Personal checks can be made payable to the Collier Community Foundation.

Mailing Address:
Collier Community Foundation
1110 Pine Ridge Road, Suite 200
Naples, FL 34108

Important Note: Please ensure that “Cypress Cove Landkeepers Legacy Fund” is written on the memo line.

3. Credit Card

You can make a secure online donation by credit card:

4. Stock Donation or Wire Transfer

To make a stock donation or wire transfer, please contact the Collier Community Foundation directly for instructions at 239-649-5000.

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN FLORIDA (REGISTRATION #CH327) OR AT WWW.FDACS.GOV. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. 100% OF EACH CONTRIBUTION IS RETAINED BY THE FOUNDATION.

A Final, Heartfelt Thank You

To our volunteers who cleared trails and taught classes; to our donors who funded our vision; and to our community partners who stood by us: thank you. You built this legacy. Now, we invite you to help us carry it forward. The trees we planted will continue to grow, the children we taught will continue to lead, and through the Cypress Cove Landkeepers Legacy Fund, our shared mission will endure for years to come.

With deepest gratitude,

The Cypress Cove Land Keepers Board & Leadership