to our partners in protection, thank you.
All photos by Anna Crocitto
For almost 25 years, Conservation Florida has been honored to conserve more than 35,000 acres of land — saving vital landscapes that sustain unique ecosystems & wildlife across the state. From the Florida panther roaming the Everglades to the delicate ghost orchid blooming in our swamps, every acre we protect is a step toward preserving the beauty and biodiversity of Wild Florida.
We’ve made strides in our mission to protect Florida’s water, wildlife, and wild places because of you.
It’s your passion, your dedication to wildlife, and your love for the land that fuels our work.
Born in Florida, Bound to Protect
As a South Florida native, Zero Waste Store (ZWS) owner, Sarah Zielinski, knows firsthand the beauty and fragility of Florida’s natural landscapes. Growing up surrounded by the state’s unique wildlife and precious natural treasures, she developed a deep connection to what’s left of wild Florida.
In 2018, Sarah founded ZWS, an online marketplace offering over 1,000 eco-friendly and plastic-free products from small businesses. Her commitment to Florida goes beyond business — it’s personal, this is her home.
“Florida means everything to me,” Sarah says. “I want to do everything in my power to help protect the wild places we have left.”
As part of the 1% for the Planet program, Zero Waste Store donates a portion of its sales to support Conservation Florida. Their customers have the option to round up their purchases at checkout, directly contributing to Conservation Florida’s land conservation efforts. Allowing customers to stand up for black bears, scrub jays, and all the creatures who call Florida home.
“We may not have physical land to contribute,” Sarah shares, “but I'm happy that our donations help expand Conservation Florida’s land conservancy efforts, which in turn protects Wild Florida.”
When We Stand Together, Wild Florida Can Thrive
Protecting Florida’s water, wildlife, and wild places isn’t something we can do alone — it takes a community that believes in the future of Florida. Every donation, partnership, and act of advocacy has contributed to our mission, and we are deeply grateful for each and every one of you.
You’ve shown up for Wild Florida — for the rivers, forests, and the incredible wildlife — and because of your unwavering support, we are preserving precious green spaces across the Sunshine State.
As Sarah shared, "It makes us feel like we’re a part of the Conservation Florida mission," and that’s exactly what you are: a vital part of this collective effort.
Together, we are building a future where Wild Florida thrives — and we couldn’t do it without you.
Conservation Florida is an accredited, nonprofit land conservancy dedicated to conserving the Sunshine State’s water, wildlife, wild places, and connecting a functional Florida Wildlife Corridor. Since its founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has saved more than 35,000 acres, serving all 67 counties in Florida, by prioritizing strategic and evidence-based land protection, education, and advocacy.
Want to support our land conservation mission?
Contact Sarah Shepard, Communications Director
sarah@conservationfla.org