$25 million gift to conservancy from John & Carol Walter to create transformative nature experience

In a transformative moment for conservation and environmental education in Southwest Florida, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida has announced a record-breaking $25 million donation from the John & Carol Walter Family Foundation.

This landmark philanthropic gift—the largest in the organization’s 60-year history—will fund the creation of the John & Carol Walter Nature Experience, a groundbreaking initiative designed to engage, educate, and inspire future generations through a deeper connection to the natural world.

The new Nature Experience will be built on the site of the current Nature Center at 1495 Smith Preserve Way in Naples. Slated to open in the first half of 2028, the reimagined center represents a bold leap forward in the Conservancy’s mission to protect the region’s water, land, wildlife, and future. The $25 million grant will provide construction capital and support long-term programming and sustainability initiatives integral to the project’s vision.

At the heart of the John & Carol Walter Nature Experience is a commitment to immersive, interactive learning. The new facility will offer:

Interactive Learning Programs – Designed for visitors of all ages, the center will feature hands-on exhibits, dynamic guided tours, and advanced multimedia presentations. These elements aim to educate the public on pressing environmental challenges facing Southwest Florida, including water quality, habitat preservation, and wildlife protection.

Immersive Natural Settings – By preserving and enhancing the site’s native landscapes, the project will invite guests to experience the tranquility and diversity of Florida’s unique ecosystems. Quiet spaces for reflection, observation decks, and nature trails will promote mindfulness and a personal connection to the environment.

Sustainable Infrastructure – In keeping with the Conservancy’s commitment to environmental responsibility, the new complex will include a sustainably designed welcome center, a two-and-a-half-story parking garage topped with solar panels, and a half-acre stormwater lake with a high-performance filter marsh system—demonstrating real-world solutions for water management and conservation.

John Walter, the former CEO of R.R. Donnelley & Sons and past president of AT&T, and his wife Carol have long been champions of environmental stewardship. Their foundation’s donation reflects a deep personal connection to the region and a desire to leave a lasting legacy.

“We’ve got a marvelous way of life here and we want to preserve it,” said John Walter. “Our hope is that this new Nature Experience will spark curiosity and commitment in others—to learn more about the ecosystems around us and to play a role in protecting them.”

Carol Walter added, “This is about more than just preserving land or building facilities. It’s about educating young people, inspiring families, and giving our community a place where nature comes alive in meaningful and memorable ways.”

Rob Moher, President and CEO of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, called the donation “a transformative moment for our organization and our entire region.”

“This $25 million grant is not just a benefit for the Conservancy—it’s a gift to the people and wildlife of Southwest Florida,” Moher said. “It allows us to think boldly about how we educate, how we engage, and how we empower future generations to protect the natural treasures we all share. The more we connect with nature, the more likely we all are willing and able to protect it.”

As the Conservancy prepares for this next chapter, the John & Carol Walter Nature Experience stands as a powerful symbol of hope, education, and enduring generosity. Once completed, it will serve as a cornerstone of environmental awareness and stewardship for decades to come.