Quail Roost Conservation Easement

Following the death of his parents, just months apart in 2003, Kerry Heubeck worked with CTF to protect and limit development on approximately 800 acres of their 1,000 acre farm, Quail Roost II. A conservation easement was used to protect 200 acres, and deed restrictions controlled the possible development of another 600 acres. These protections were instituted as a memorial to his parents, Harriet and Elmer Heubeck, Jr. who both held a deep love for the land upon which they lived and worked.

The Heubecks have long been recognized as pioneers in the Florida Thoroughbred Horse industry. Their name is routinely and justly associated with that of Rosemere, the first Thoroughbred farm in Marion County, as well as Hobeau Farm, for years one of the nation’s leading Thoroughbred breeding establishments and racing stables. Nevertheless, it was their own Quail Roost Farm to which family and friends attach their fondest memories. It was this original Quail Roost that was so unique, bringing together under their aegis one of Florida’s best known Thoroughbred breeding and training venues, a large purebred and commercial beef operation, and one of the finest private exotic game preserves in the nation.

In dedicating the Quail Roost Conservation Easement to their memory, Kerry stated, “Some sixty years ago my parents brought me to an exquisite land, where I had the luxury of growing up surrounded by lush green Florida hammocks, crystal-clear springs, and an abundance of wildlife unimaginable today. That particular landscape is now mostly buried beneath concrete and asphalt. Before they died, each of my parents spoke of protecting the land. I’ve also come to believe that each of us must assume the responsibility of preserving the wildness that remains — so that our children, and theirs, may come to know such beauty; and, quite possibly, for the very survival of us all.”