made by the Conservation Foundation to preserve
key properties. She also has made a planned gift so
her legacy will last forever. “Time really is of the
essence. If we don’t move now, those natural lands
won’t be there anymore,” Scudder-Zimmermann
says. “We have to protect the things we love here.”
DECEMBER 2017 | SARASOTA SCENE 61
Conservation Foundation
of the Gulf Coast
Putting passion for conserving
Florida’s natural bounty into action
It’s fair to say Eileen Scudder-Zimmermann is
a benevolent force of nature when it comes to
conserving Florida’s natural beauty and invaluable
waters. Since 2009, Scudder-Zimmermann has
served on the board, including two years as chair,
and actively supported Conservation Foundation of
the Gulf Coast’s mission. The Foundation aims to
preserve the natural land and waterways needed to
retain the beauty and great quality of life that have
earned this area so many accolades–before it is too
late.
“We’re getting a lot done, but there is so much
more that needs to be done,” Scudder-Zimmermann
says. “We’re all working to be part of a
conservation community that gets behind the effort
to save and protect properties important to water
quality and our enjoyment of this area’s bays and
beaches.” She and her husband have been coming
to Sarasota since the 1990s and now split their time
between Sarasota and Chicago where Scudder-
Zimmermann saw the impact of the city’s Lakefront
Protection Ordinance and realized this area’s
natural assets also should be forever safeguarded.
The Foundation’s new Youth in Nature initiative,
which provides a variety of nature experiences for
at-risk youth, is also close to her heart. Putting her
passion into action, Scudder-Zimmermann’s talents,
time and philanthropy have supported the strides
CONNECT >>> 400 Palmetto Ave., Osprey 34229 | 941.918.2100 | conservationfoundation.com
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