Conservation Florida Executives Complete Prestigious Florida Leadership Programs

Congratulations to Conservation Florida's Executive Director & Assistant Director on their completion of two prestigious leadership programs.

Their experience with Leadership Florida & IFAS’s Natural Resources Leadership Institute, and their new status as alumni, are part of our long-term strategy to build community and collaboration across boundaries, as Conservation Florida pursues its vision of Florida's land conservation future.  

Team Conservation Florida is very proud!

CFL’s executive director , Traci Deen, pictured front row, third from left, with Leadership Florida Connect classmates at Florida’s Historic Capitol in Tallahassee Florida.

Our executive director, Traci Deen, completed the Leadership Florida Connect program. Deen joined 43 other young leaders from across the state to participate in the 9-month program, which was created to educate, engage, and inspire Florida’s top young professionals. Leadership Florida Connect is a leadership program that spans industry boundaries and focuses solely on developing Florida's existing and emerging leaders.

“Leadership Florida is a statewide organization dedicated to bringing together emerging and existing leaders from across the state to challenge, prepare and inspire them to build a better Florida,” according to the group. “By providing meaningful forums and creating unique opportunities, our members are introduced to fresh transformative ideas and information, which allow them to enhance and recharge their leadership skills. Our goal is to activate, educate and engage leaders of today and tomorrow through top-level programming and development.”

“I am honored to be a part of the Leadership Florida family,” said Deen. “I am now armed with new perspectives, tools, experiences, and leadership skills that I am looking forward to applying in my role as executive director of Conservation Florida.” 

During the course of the 9-month program, the class engaged with high-caliber speakers, leadership professionals, Florida’s policy makers, and one another as they were trained to serve as Florida’s future leaders.

Conservation Florida’s assistant director, Cyndi Fernandez, pictured front row, third from left, with NRLI Fellows in Gainesville, Florida.

Cyndi Fernandez, our assistant director, graduated from the Natural Resources Leadership Institute (NRLI). NRLI is a specialized leadership training program for natural resource professionals. Over the course of eight months, fellows learned about a series of contentious issues facing Florida, such as sea-level rise, endangered species, land use, marine resources, and water use.

NRLI brought together natural resource professionals from many sectors, providing them with training to find inclusive solutions to Florida's dire natural resource problems.

Cyndi completed an intensive practicum as part of her fellowship, which builds on her skillset and assures that what she learned translates into everyday impact. Cyndi and her practicum teammates developed a project focusing on landscape-scale conservation and the barriers and opportunities for creating a new, statewide network of landscape conservation practitioners. She will continue to apply the skills and concepts learned in NRLI to help manage conflicts, make inclusive decisions, and facilitate land conservation in your organizations or communities.

The curriculum offered on-the-ground tours to experience issues firsthand, expert briefings, experiential training in collaborative decision making, and engagement with stakeholders.

Congratulations to both Traci and Cyndi! We are so proud of you.

2,172-acre Sampala Lake landscape now protected

Gainesville, Fla., Feb. 6, 2019 —Conservation Florida, a leader in statewide land conservation, announced the successful completion of its Sampala Lake land protection project in Madison County, Florida.  

Photo by Randy Batista

Together, the two ranchlands that make up the project not only protect Sampala Lake, they also provide aquifer recharge benefits, support agriculture, and extend wildlife corridors. Other public benefits include habitat for wildlife, purification of surface water and the protection of a significant archeological site. 

Sampala Lake is a 115-acre, spring-fed lake that partially forms the headwaters of the Econfina River. It is important for flood control and sediment reduction into the river. Sampala Lake is also a refuge for many aquatic species, including large-mouth bass and panfish. Other species that use the lake, and its surrounding land, include Florida black bears, deer, coyotes, turkeys, fox squirrels, wood ducks, and various water fowl. 

The historical aspects of the project add to its conservation value. According to a written statement by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, “ … San Pedro y San Pablo de Protohiriba on Lake Sampala is one of five missions established by Spanish explorers in the 1600’s. The mission is believed to have been constructed between 1609 and 1655 and is situated in the Yustaga province. Yustaga were a Timucua people of, what is now, northwestern Florida during the 16th and 17th centuries. Of the five missions, or doctrines, San Pedro was the largest and considered most important.” 

The entire Sampala Lake project was protected with two conservation easements that prevent future development of the land while allowing it to remain in private ownership. The easements do allow ranching operations on the land to continue contributing to Florida’s economy. 

“The Adams Family is pleased to once again be partnering with Conservation Florida to conserve more of our agriculture land, ensuring that future generations will have the opportunity to work the land on this historic cattle ranch in North Florida.”

— LeeAnn Simmons

The first portion of this project was completed in 2018 with the purchase of a conservation easement on 772 acres of the Sampala Lake Ranch property owned by the Koblegard family. 

Now, the adjacent 1,400-acre ARCCO property is also protected. Owned by the renowned Adams ranching family, this land has been used for agriculture, ranching, and forestry for over 80 years. It is currently a cattle/calf operation and contains 352 acres of wetlands, including a cypress-tupelo basin swamp, basin marsh, bottomland forest, and hydric hammock. 

LeeAnn Simmons, a spokesperson for the Adams Ranch said, “The Adams Family is pleased to once again be partnering with Conservation Florida to conserve more of our agriculture land, ensuring that future generations will have the opportunity to work the land on this historic cattle ranch in North Florida.”

The easements on both properties were purchased by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) with funding from the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP) at a total cost of $1.92 million. The value donated by the landowners totals $328,940. 

Conservation Florida worked with the Adams family throughout the RFLPP process and advocated for state funding for the project.  It is currently working on 27 projects across the state totaling 178,485 acres. 

“Conservation Florida is really proud of this unique land protection project,” said Traci Deen, CFL’s executive director. “Conserving this landscape protects a piece of Florida history, safeguards nature from future development, and protects land that supports Florida’s family ranches. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to help protect this landscape forever.” 

A small but mighty win for conservation

How a .25 acre parcel is providing habitat for a critically endangered Florida flower  

January 10, 2019 

A property no bigger than a quarter of an acre could help turn the tides for an endangered Florida plant thanks to a joint effort by Conservation Florida, the Florida Native Plant Society, and the Putnam Land Conservancy.

Clasping warea. Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The vacant land, located in a subdivision about 18 miles southeast of Ocala and only 7 miles from The Villages, was acquired in late 2018 by Conservation Florida in support of its mission to protect natural and agricultural landscapes for future generations.  

Though the parcel is small in size, it is critical habitat for the endangered Warea amplexifolia, or as it is commonly called, clasping warea. This flowering herb in the mustard family thrives in the sandy soil found on the property. It is native to Florida and is so rare that only eight populations remain.  

Conservation Florida contributed the parcel in support of the Warea Area Project led by the Florida Native Plant Society and the Putnam Land Conservancy to aid in the recovery of this critically endangered plant species, which is only found in Marion, Lake, Polk and Osceola counties. 

The Putnam Land Conservancy currently owns six additional lots, holds a conservation easement on another lot in the same subdivision, and plans to acquire more.  

Clasping warea. Photo: Florida Department of Agriculture

“Big wins in conservation can occur on the smallest of properties,” said Traci Deen, Conservation Florida’s executive director. “This is a big win for the future of one of Florida’s critically endangered plants. We are delighted to support the Warea Area Project with this land protection contribution.”  

The Warea Area Project seeks to acquire more land in the area to preserve important wildlife habitat and a natural corridor between adjacent protected lands.  

In addition to the clasping warea, the project area is home to other rare species including the Florida sand skink, Florida black bear, gopher tortoise, and Sherman’s fox squirrel. 

“This is a great example of organizations working together to achieve our conservation missions,” said Juliet Rynear, executive director of the Florida Native Plant Society. “We are grateful to add this property to the Warea Area Project to protect the endangered clasping warea.” 

Butterflies to Black Bears: statewide bioblitz highlighted Florida's biodiversity

hotographed at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park (KPPSP), Crested Cara Cara are a federally threatened species, and tend to inhabit wet prairies or rangelands. Photo by Ed Perry

Our first bioblitz– Counting on the Corridor– brought together an incredible group of land protection partners, expert naturalists, and citizen scientists from across the state. The event successfully connected people with the beauty and biodiversity of two conserved locations within the Florida Wildlife Corridor --- Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park and Ocala National Forest’s Alexander Springs Recreation Area.

People from all backgrounds explored the land, engaging in science and learning about some of Florida’s most special places. They also collected valuable data that could help protect plants and animals that make up Florida’s unique ecosystems. Though many wonderful scientists joined us, and shared their knowledge, no experience we necessary to participate. In fact, our tiniest participant was just over a year old!

A participant at the Kissimmee Prairie bioblitz takes a picture with his phone to upload to iNaturalist for identification. Photo by Ed Perry

We wanted our bioblitz to capture a snapshot of Florida’s biodiversity. To accomplish this, we approached the event in a big way. The sites we selected included a sand pine scrub forest with a first magnitude spring and a dry prairie filled with some of the rarest species on the planet.

Scientists, families, students, teachers, and other community members worked together to count as many plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms that they could spot. More than 100 registered participants recorded nearly 400 observations! A total of 197 species were identified, including some very rare plants and insects.

Participants enjoyed guided hikes, kayak tours, swamp buggy rides, snorkel tours, botany lessons, and archeological walks led by experts. Kid Zones entertained children with fossils, coloring, and interesting wildlife lessons. Participants also learned more about how Conservation Florida is saving land within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

Overall, it was a wonderful day outside! We hope you’ll join us at our next bioblitz.

Observed at KPPSP, the Euphyes berryi, known as Berry’s skipper, is a globally imperiled species of butterfly. It has been historically found in wet areas from North Carolina to Florida. Participants Edward Perry and Rachel Warner documented 44 species of butterflies at KPPSP during our bioblitz. Photo by Ed Perry

We wish to thank all who participated including the following volunteers and organizations who donated their time and expertise in making the day a huge success.

Thank you to our Partners:

Alexander Springs Recreation Area

Florida State Parks

Florida Wildlife Corridor

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

US Fish and Wildlife Service

US Forest Service

Umatilla Chamber of Commerce

Friends of Kissimmee Prairie Preserve

American Land & Leisure

Thank you to our Volunteers:

Alan Rivero

Alexandria Grant

Andre Naranjo

Andrea Bonvecchio

Andrew Marbury

Anthony Melton

Blaire Lakatos

Cassandra Ward

Cody Kerr

Danielle Jordan

David Harder

David Rakes

Don Morrow

Emma Tighe

Gigi DelPizzo

Ivonne Antonian

Jay Holder

Jen Andreini 

Kaela Sculthorpe 

Emily Hesterman

Keyaries Berr 

KPPSP Staff,

with special thanks to Katie Ferguson & Jennifer Benson Hughes

Leah Norris 

Liz Sparks

Megan McClaughtery

Michael Stanfield

Pam Soltis

Dr. Paul Gray

Peter Kleinhenz

Robert Emond

Sarah Barrett

Scott Bayer

Scott Davis

Shayna N. Jacques

Tierney Shimansky 

& ALL participants

We are Conservation Florida

Recent name change puts greater focus on conservation

You may have noticed there’s something a little different about us! We are now doing business as Conservation Florida. We’re excited about the new name because it clearly represents what we do and where we do it! The shorter name is more descriptive, straightforward, and memorable.

The name change is part of a broader outreach initiative to communicate our mission to protect Florida’s natural and agricultural landscapes for future generations. 

We have also updated our mission, vision, and website. Additionally, we’ve created new marketing materials with the help of a grant from the Land Trust Alliance.

Conservation Florida is experiencing a time of great transition marked by growth and progress, and this name change reflects just that. Last year, we hired new leadership and recommitted to working on statewide land conservation projects with a focus on large conservation lands and the corridors that connect them. Today, the organization is working on over 30 active projects totaling more than 180,000 acres.

“Conservation Florida is proud of our history, and we look forward to a very bright future as an effective, trusted partner in the work of saving Florida, forever.”

Conservation Florida is proud of our history, and we look forward to a very bright future as an effective, trusted partner in the work of saving Florida, forever.

Since our founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has been instrumental in helping to protect over 30,000 acres throughout the state. More than half of that acreage has been protected during the last five years.

As Conservation Florida grows to meet the opportunities and challenges ahead, we remain an accredited land trust committed to long-term stability, sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship.

So, remember, when you think about conservation in Florida, think of us – Conservation Florida!

Staff Spotlight: Jessica Modriskey

Jessica joined our team in June! She is a recent graduate of Florida State University where she double majored in Environmental Studies and Geography as well as minored in Urban and Regional Planning. Before joining Conservation Florida, she spent a year interning with the Florida Fish and Wildlife’s Bear Management Program. During this time, Jessica found a love for conservation and wildlife management through data work, field work, and outreach. She also spent time working at Disney’s Animal Kingdom where she advocated for Disney’s Conservation Fund.

Growing up a military child, away from her family’s home state of Florida, Jessica has an acute appreciation for Florida’s natural beauty and unique wildlife. She enjoys hiking, kayaking, and spending time outdoors.

I have always hated the question “where are you from?” because I never knew how to answer it. Being raised in a military family, a “hometown” never really existed. The only place that has ever felt like home was my beautiful state of Florida.

“I grew up loving the tall pines and the thick saw palmetto. I dreamed of seeing panthers and manatees. I longed for the day I could permanently call Florida my home. To this day, I love being able to see a beautiful coastline, crystal-clear springs, thick swamps, or open prairies all in one state.

Florida has been, and will always be, my home. I’m dedicated to saving wild Florida so future generations can enjoy all the beauty that I’ve been lucky enough to experience in my lifetime.

I feel lucky to be a part of Conservation Florida. This team is truly dedicated and highly motivated to protect natural and agricultural lands for future generations.”

— Jessica Modriskey

Conservation Florida's Executive Team Chosen for Prestigious Leadership Programs

Our executive director, Traci Deen, was recently selected as a member of Leadership Florida Connect Class IX. Deen joins 43 other young leaders from across the state to participate in the 9-month program, which was created to educate, engage, and inspire Florida’s top young professionals. Leadership Florida Connect is a leadership program that spans industry boundaries and focuses solely on developing Florida's existing and emerging leaders.

“Leadership Florida Connect is blazing a trail for the future of Florida. Connect will give the next generation of leaders the tools they need to act now to facilitate change for years to come and make Florida a better place.”- Jon Levinson, Past Chairman, Leadership Florida

Cyndi Fernandez, our assistant director, is a current Natural Resources Leadership Institute (NRLI) fellow. NRLI is a specialized leadership training program for natural resource professionals. Over the course of eight months, fellows learn about contentious issues such as endangered species, land use, marine resources, and water use. The program brings together professionals from many sectors and provides them with training to find inclusive solutions to Florida's dire natural resource problems. The curriculum offers on-the-ground tours to experience issues firsthand, expert briefings, experiential training in collaborative decision making, and engagement with stakeholders.

Participation in these programs puts Conservation Florida’s leadership team at the forefront of Florida’s emerging trends and natural resource solutions. This means Conservation Florida will be better prepared to serve you in protecting Florida’s natural and agricultural landscapes for future generations.

Letter from our Executive Director

We’ve had an exciting, impactful last few months! With the support of a top-quality professional staff and a fully committed board of directors, I am pleased to say we are becoming a stronger and more versatile organization by the day.

In August, we underwent an important rebrand, updating our name from Conservation Trust for Florida to Conservation Florida. This change reflects our forward progress and momentum. It’s also easier to say and remember, which will better serve our mission to protect Florida’s natural and agricultural lands. It’s short, it’s sweet, and it explains what we do and where we do it.

In October, we hosted our inaugural statewide bioblitz, and it was a hit! Our bioblitz welcomed people from all backgrounds to explore the natural world, engage in science, and connect with some of Florida’s most special places. We invited Floridians to join us at three locations to count and photograph as many species as they could spot. From guided kayaking tours to swamp buggy adventures, we had a great turnout and logged some rare species along the way.

We knew that capturing a snapshot of our State’s biodiversity could only happen if we approached the event in a big way. So, we went statewide. We planned to feature a coastal habitat encountering annual monarch butterfly migration, a sand pine scrub forest with a first magnitude spring, and a dry prairie, but Hurricane Michael had other plans and hit our coastal location days prior to the bioblitz. This forced a postponement at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge location. We hope to host our bioblitz there next year, and in the meantime, we offer our assistance and support to our friends in the Panhandle. Our remaining two events are highlighted in this issue.

As we continue to expand our programs and services, know this: Conservation Florida remains as dedicated as ever to protecting Florida’s special places. We’re committed to achieving meaningful land protection, serving as a trusted partner, advocating effectively for conservation and conservation funding, and educating policymakers, leaders, and our fellow Floridians about the importance of conservation here in Florida.

“We believe the future is bright. Why? We have you on our side, and together, we can do great things.”

We believe the future is bright. Why? We have you on our side, and together, we can do great things. From the Florida Panhandle to the Everglades Headwaters, we have land conservation projects that are truly shaping Florida’s conservation future. In fact, the large, statewide projects we target have global significance and will help protect some of the rarest habitats and species in the world.

As an incredible year comes to an end, I can’t wait to share with you all that’s on the horizon for 2019. Stay tuned!

For Florida,

Traci Deen

UCF, Conservation Florida Join Forces to Protect Natural Lands

A new partnership between Conservation Florida and both UCF’s Biology Department and UCF Coastal increases the bench strength of statewide land protection work.

The partnership aims to produce research, guidance and a multidisciplinary voice to land and wildlife conservation to propel advancement in the greater Central Florida region.

Conservation Florida brings 19 years of land protection, advocacy and landowner education to the partnership, with conservation projects currently totaling more than 180,000 acres. UCF’s contribution is a team of biologists, engineers, social scientists, economists, and emergency managers.

“We are honored to partner with the University of Central Florida to creatively address Florida’s conservation future in areas critical to the health of Florida’s water, wildlife, economy, and overall quality of life,” said Traci Deen, executive director of Conservation Florida.  “Thoughtful, research-based land protection in the Central and South Central Florida regions is the ultimate goal.”

“Thoughtful, research-based land protection in the Central and South Central Florida regions is the ultimate goal.”

— Traci Deen

For UCF, the partnership represents teaching, learning and research opportunities out in the field. Some of the work will include protecting the Kissimmee River Basin in the heart of the peninsula, home to family-run ranches and wide-ranging species like the Florida panther. Conservation Florida is targeting projects that will help protect some of the world’s rarest habitats and species living in Florida’s heartland.

“Our new partnership with Conservation Florida will allow UCF to bring its academic power to the table, and to work with them to expand their efforts to protect Florida’s irreplaceable conservation lands,” said Graham Worthy, Ph.D., chair of UCF’s Biology Department and UCF Coastal’s director.

The team intends to take advantage of the National Center for Integrated Coastal Research (UCF Coastal). UCF Coastal’s research team extends beyond biology to include social scientists, ecologists and economists to provide a three-dimensional picture of human impact on coastal ecosystems.

“We need to find effective approaches that don’t strain our ability to implement them, that work for all stakeholders, and will ultimately result in forward momentum,” said Worthy.

Next steps include developing an advisory board of renowned experts to review ongoing projects research opportunities.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for scientists, advocates, lawyers, government, economists and the nonprofit sector to convene and address the conservation needs in the Central and South-Central Florida regions,” Deen said. “We are thrilled to stand with UCF as the catalyst.”

Originally published here by UCF’s College of Sciences.

Conservation Florida: name change puts greater focus on conservation

Gainesville, Fla., July 30, 2018 — The Conservation Trust for Florida announced today that it will now be doing business as Conservation Florida.  

“We’re excited about the new name because it clearly represents what we do and where we do it,” said Traci Deen, Conservation Florida’s executive director. “The shorter name is more descriptive, straightforward, and memorable.” 

Deen said the name change is part of a broader outreach initiative by the nonprofit to communicate its mission to protect Florida’s natural and agricultural landscapes for future generations. 

Conservation Florida has also updated its mission, vision, and website. It has created new marketing materials with the help of a grant from the Land Trust Alliance.  

Conservation Florida's vision is a Florida where protected lands support healthy populations of native plants and wildlife, like the Florida Scrub Jay pictured above. Photo by Chuck Palmer

According to Lisa Gearen, who is the president of the organization’s volunteer board of directors, Conservation Florida is experiencing a time of great transition marked by growth and progress.  

Last year, it hired new leadership and recommitted to working on statewide land conservation projects with a focus on large conservation lands and the corridors that connect them. Today, the organization is working on over 30 active projects totaling more than 180,000 acres.  

Gearen reflected, “Conservation Florida is proud of its history, and we look forward to a very bright future as an effective, trusted partner in the work of saving Florida, forever.” 

Our mission is to protect Florida's natural and agricultural landscapes. It is our hope that protected lands will form a statewide conservation corridor, support the success of working family farms and ranches, and contribute to a healthy economy.

Photo by Carlton Ward.

Since its founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has been instrumental in helping to protect over 30,000 acres throughout the state. More than half of that acreage has been protected during the last five years.  

As Conservation Florida grows to meet the opportunities and challenges ahead, it remains an accredited land trust committed to long-term stability, sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship. 

Project Moving Forward: Cabinet Votes to Protect 1,400 acres in Madison County

1,400 acres added to Sampala Lake land protection project

The Conservation Trust for Florida, a leader in statewide conservation, announced that a second property will be protected this year as part of its Sampala Lake land protection project in Madison County.

Photo by Randy Batista. Lake Sampala,  the historical site of San Pedro y San Pablo de Protohiriba on Lake Sampala – one of the five missions established by the Spanish between 1609 and 1655.

State officials voted to fund the purchase of a conservation easement on an additional 1,400 acres of land within the project boundaries, bringing the number of acres to be protected as part of this project to 2,172.

The property, owned by the Adams Ranch, will be protected by a conservation easement, which allows the land to stay in private ownership while permanently protecting its conservation and cultural values. The easement will be purchased by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) via its Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP).  

“Adams Ranch is proud to partner with the Florida Forest Service and Conservation Trust for Florida to protect the north side of Sampala Lake and the hub of our company’s beef operations in North Florida. This transaction continues our tradition and the vision of Alto “Bud” Adams, Jr. to work with state and federal agencies to sustain our agricultural operations and natural resources into the future.”

— LeeAnn Adams Simmons

In March, officials authorized the protection of the first portion of this project -- the 772-acre Sampala Lake Ranch, owned by the Koblegard family. 

The lake is the historical site of San Pedro y San Pablo de Protohiriba on Lake Sampala – one of the five missions established by the Spanish between 1609 and 1655.

“This will be the forty-fourth easement that DACS has acquired since 2010, which will bring the total acres protected by the Program to approximately 49,081 acres” said John Browne, land programs administrator with the RFLPP. “This addition to the Sampala Lake project continues our tradition of sustaining family-owned agricultural properties that add value to Florida’s large conservation landscapes.”

The property has been used for agriculture, ranching, and forestry for over 80 years. It is now a cattle/calf operation that also contains high-quality wetlands, provides aquifer recharge benefits and extends wildlife corridors.

“Adams Ranch is proud to partner with the Florida Forest Service and Conservation Trust for Florida to protect the north side of Sampala Lake and the hub of our company’s beef operations in North Florida," said LeeAnn Adams Simmons. "This transaction continues our tradition and the vision of Alto “Bud” Adams, Jr. to work with state and federal agencies to sustain our agricultural operations and natural resources into the future.” 

“Conservation Trust for Florida is dedicated to safeguarding Florida’s natural and agricultural landscapes, and protecting land that supports Florida’s family farms and ranches,” said Traci Deen, CFL’s executive director. “This project completes the Sampala Lake landscape, and in doing so truly protects a piece of Florida history forever. The Sampala Lake project is really something special.”

Sampala Lake is a 115-acre, spring-fed lake that is home to many aquatic species, including large-mouth bass and panfish. It is also used by black bear, deer, coyotes, turkeys, fox squirrels, wood ducks, and various water fowl. It is part of the headwaters of the Econfina River, and it is important for flood control and sediment reduction.

CTF worked with the Adams family throughout the RFLPP process and advocated for funding for the project.

CTF is currently working on 23 projects across the state totaling 180,966 acres.

The Land Protection-Spring Protection Connection

Protecting Florida’s springs is of the highest importance to Conservation Florida and many other national and state-level conservation organizations.  

Photo by John Moran

Facts and Figures 

Scientists have been monitor-ing some of our largest springs closely for several years, and we now know that protect-ing land in its natural state within both the discharge and recharge areas of a spring is one of the best ways to keep it pure and free from harmful pollutants.  

Florida has over 1,000 springs (one of the largest concentrations of freshwater springs on the planet)! Our state’s springs are a huge draw for outdoor enthusiasts including international tourists; and, according to a 2012/13 study by UF IFAS, springs-based recreation activities contribute nearly $85 million to our state’s economy each year. They also provide us with a way to “see” the health of the Floridan aquifer, which is the source of over 90% of Florida’s drinking water. 

Current threats to our springs include groundwater pollution from runoff and excessive water withdrawal. Withdrawing groundwater faster than it can be replenished can cause springs to run dry. The springs that have the poorest water quality and declining volumes of daily water discharge are those that are not surrounded by a buffer of protected lands. Helping to protect natural areas like the Silver Springs Forest Conservation Area, the Silver Springs Sandhill property, and Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park are all examples of Conservation Florida’s commitment to protecting Florida’s springs for generations to come.