Conservation Florida Announces Plans for New Nature Center in Central Florida
Donations to support the project will be doubled by the Big Nova Foundation
ORLANDO, Fla. (Sept. 24, 2025) — Nonprofit Conservation Florida today unveiled plans for a new nature center at its D Ranch Preserve in Volusia County.
With Florida adding more than 1,000 new residents every day — the equivalent of a city the size of Orlando each year — access to wild spaces is dwindling. The D Ranch Nature Center will provide a space for residents, both native and new, to connect with the wild places that make Florida home.
Backed by major funding partners including the Big Nova Foundation and the Volusia County ECHO Program, the multi-million-dollar two-phase project will serve as the next chapter for the 476-acre preserve, transforming it into a hub for conservation, education, and community connection.
Architectural renderings by Borrelli + Partners
Conservation Florida also launched a community fundraising campaign to bring the vision to life. With $400,000 remaining to meet the costs of Phase One of construction, the Big Nova Foundation has announced all gifts made before December 31 will be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling the impact of every contribution.
We’re incredibly honored to give back to our local community by matching gifts to Conservation Florida,” said Sarah Asma, Executive Director of the Big Nova Foundation. “Our family grew up in the lakes, rivers, and springs around here in Florida, so it’s important to us that our kids and grandkids can do that as well.”
A HOME FOR ALL
D Ranch Preserve, located in Osteen on the corner of Reed Ellis Road and SR 415, was permanently protected by Conservation Florida in 2019 and opened to the public in May 2025.
The preserve honors the land’s deep agricultural roots, with cattle still presently grazing the property. D Ranch Preserve is a haven for other wildlife like the gopher tortoise, bobcat, and Florida black bear, as well as rare blooms like the pine lily. Its 3.5 miles of hiking trails welcome Floridians of all ages and offer unique birding, photography, and geocaching opportunities.
"At Conservation Florida, we don't just conserve land; we also connect people with nature in varying ways," said Conservation Florida CEO Traci Deen. "With the incredible support of our community, our generous donors, our partners at Volusia County, and the Big Nova Foundation's matching gift, the D Ranch Nature Center will become a welcoming place for everyone to enjoy and experience wild Florida in a way that speaks to them."
Building Plans
The D Ranch Nature Center, spanning roughly 8,000 square feet across two floors and a wraparound porch, will be built in two phases. While timelines and budgets are subject to change, construction is expected to begin in 2026, with an estimated opening in 2027.
Phase One
Phase One, costing roughly $2.5 million, will focus on laying the foundation: a welcoming nature center building surrounded by a native garden and supported by ADA-accessible parking and entryways.
A wall of windows at the entrance will ensure that, even indoors, guests remain connected to the beauty of wild Florida.
The building’s first floor will stretch roughly 5,000 square feet and feature a:
Classroom
Exhibit Area
Kitchenette
Storage Area
Garage
Wraparound Porch
The second floor will encompass roughly 3,000 square feet and be home to offices and conference spaces.
Phase Two
Phase Two will require additional funding and build upon the Phase One foundation, transforming the completed nature center building into a true hub for learning and exploration.
Plans include:
Interactive Exhibits
Scenic Overlooks
Equestrian Parking
Trail Improvements
“Borrelli + Partners are honored to collaborate with Conservation Florida on the D Ranch Preserve Nature Center,” said Jorge A. Borrelli, President of Borrelli + Partners. “Our goal is to create a nature center that not only embraces the beauty and heritage of Florida’s landscape but also inspires visitors to connect with and protect the wildlife that makes this region so unique. This project is more than a building; it’s a gateway to conservation, education, and community.”
“Volusia County is proud to support Conservation Florida as the recipient of an ECHO grant to establish a nature center at the D Ranch Preserve - one that will inspire future generations through education and a deeper connection to the land,” said Dr. Brad Burbaugh, Community Services Director for Volusia County. “This investment transforms the former site of a working ranch into a place where families can learn, explore, and experience the outdoors together. It’s a meaningful investment in both our community’s history and its future.”
Double Your Impact
To break ground, Conservation Florida is calling on the community to help close the final gap of $400,000. Every dollar given before December 31 will be matched by the Big Nova Foundation, and supporters will be recognized as members of the Seedling Circle with their names digitally displayed inside the future nature center.
To make a gift toward the Nature Center, visit https://conservationfla.org/naturecenter or mail contributions to:
Conservation Florida
1527 E Concord Street
Orlando, Florida 32803
To learn more about Conservation Florida’s mission to protect the Sunshine State’s water, wildlife, and wild places — the places that make Florida home, click here. Join us in protecting these special places by becoming a supporter here.
For more information, contact:
Sarah Shepard, Communications Director
About Conservation Florida
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 40,000 acres, serving all 67 counties in Florida, by prioritizing strategic and evidence-based land protection, education, and advocacy.
For more information, visit www.conservationfla.org and follow us on social media @conservationflorida.