Conservation Florida Welcomes Land Steward to Growing Team
Conservation Florida’s 476-acre D Ranch Preserve is located in Volusia County. It contains 149 acres of critical Florida scrub habitat and 60 acres of scrubby Flatwoods. Many Florida species require this habitat for their survival, including Florida Scrub-Jays, sand skinks, eastern indigo snakes, wood storks, and burrowing owls.
Land Steward Mark Rizzo Hired to Bolster Conservation Florida's Team Roster
Orlando, Fla. (September 20, 2022) – Conservation Florida, a leader in statewide land conservation, continues to increase its statewide presence and growing team by welcoming accomplished land steward and ecologist, Mark Rizzo.
Conservation Florida’s Land Stewardship Program is vital in achieving our organizational mission. In addition to conserving and managing natural communities and their ecological functions, the program also focuses on implementing activities that maintain and restore natural hydrology and the quality of surface waters, enhance plant and animal species diversity, conserve and protect listed and imperiled species, protect archeological and cultural resources, and provide opportunities for public access and recreation. Through strategic planning, scientific knowledge, and the careful application of management efforts - all of these aspects are provided for not only our very own D Ranch Preserve, but a host of other Conservation Florida projects as well.
Mark Rizzo has lived in Florida for more than 20 years and holds a master’s degree in Environmental Studies. He brings over 11 years of experience as a land manager and ecologist in the Land Acquisition and Management departments of county government, and has also worked in state government and private environmental consulting.
Mark will be overseeing D Ranch Preserve in Osteen and implementing land management activities such as prescribed fire, forest management, wildlife and imperiled species management, upland and wetland habitat restoration, invasive species control, and public use and recreation on the property. Mark will also be administering management and operational plans, grants, and assisting the team with land management and restoration review of other properties where needed.
“I’m excited to be working with Conservation Florida and its dedicated and talented team,” said Rizzo. “I’ve always had a passion for the outdoors, and I consider myself fortunate to have a career where I can help protect and manage natural lands. I look forward to this opportunity and the many successes in conservation we will have together.”
Mark is spearheading a number of efforts that further the Conservation Florida mission, and is an impressive addition to our Land Protection Team. Join us in welcoming our newest Conservation Florida teammate by making a donation today!
About Conservation Florida
Conservation Florida is a statewide accredited land conservancy working to conserve Florida’s water, wildlife, wild places, and protect the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The organization’s conservation projects support Florida’s native plants and wildlife, fresh water, wildlife corridors, family farms and ranches, the economy, and nature-based recreation. Since its founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has prioritized strategic and evidence-based land protection and has saved over 30,000 acres of critical habitat.