Every Gift Has a Story. What’s yours?

Why KC & Marybeth give to Conservation Florida

I am a native Floridian, and I have seen a lot of changes in my state over the last 67 years. As the population has swelled from 3 million to over 20 million, I have gained a greater appreciation for our magnificent and wonderful native species. I admire our wildlife from the perspective of a wildlife veterinarian, a founder and former director of a wildlife rescue group, and an outdoorsman and fisherman. Florida’s environment, natural beauty, and natural resources are in peril, and it is important that we conserve and protect them.

Article by KC Nayfiled.

As soon as we had the means to do so, my wife Marybeth and I wanted to invest in land conservation. We considered our purchase of a 136-acre tract just north of White Springs to be an investment in our values – an investment in Florida’s future. We named our property Nayfield Acres and worked with Conservation Florida to place a conservation easement on the land.

Now, a decade later, I am a proud member of Conservation Florida’s board of directors. I see firsthand the good work that this organization is doing and the integrity and passion of its staff and my fellow board members.

I ask you to please consider joining me in making an investment in Florida’s conservation future by supporting Conservation Florida. Together, let’s save Florida, for nature, for people, forever.

A Gift is Your Love for Wild Florida in Action

At Conservation Florida, we put your gift to work. You believe land conservation is important enough to invest in, and we take that seriously. Thanks to you, last year we helped two families protect 2,172 acres of ranchlands and wildlife habitat through Florida’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. Your generosity turned an investment of $358k into a conservation impact of over $2.2 million dollars. In other words, every gift of $200 protected over an acre of land!

The year before, your giving was leveraged to protect 5,120 acres with a market value of $16,213,000, yielding a whopping 67:1 ROI. You can continue to expect a high return on your investment, as we strive for measurable results that leverage public and private funding sources.

Conservation Florida, your ally in statewide land conservation, has saved over 25,000 acres over the course of its 20-year history.

Please help us keep the momentum going. Think about this: Even with all the growth Florida has had, we still have a chance to create a corridor of protected lands that reaches from the Everglades to the Panhandle. But development is closing in fast.

There are many ways to give. You can make a donation, volunteer with us, or call your state lawmakers to tell them that conservation matters to you — just know that we will be here alongside you as, together, we work to save Florida.

Please chip in right now to save more of the Florida you love!

A gift of $200.00 or more today can protect an acre of land in Florida for generations to come. As you see Florida’s growth all around you, remember, you are the driving force behind the last great push to save land in Florida. For Nature. For People. Forever.

717-Acre Wakulla Caves is officially protected

Conservation Florida and its partners announce the protection of this special 717-acre property near Tallahassee.

Tallahassee, Fla., Nov. 22, 2019 — One of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world, Wakulla Spring, gained added protections today thanks to joint efforts by the Florida Forest Service, U.S. Forest Service, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and Conservation Florida. The 717-acre property known as Wakulla Caves is now a part of the Wakulla Springs State Park.

“With the thoughtful stewardship of the Ferrell family, who has owned the parcel since the 1870’s, the tract has remained in a largely natural state and is a perfect complement to Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park,” said DEP Division of State Lands Director Callie DeHaven.

“After more than 20 years of working with state agencies, Conservation Florida brought a renewed sense of optimism and understanding to negotiations that finally resulted in a deal,” said owner John Ferrell. “I couldn’t be happier for the legacy of my family than to have the amazing water resources of this property in public ownership.”

Conservation Florida successfully negotiated the acquisition of Wakulla Caves, secured a purchase agreement, worked with partners to obtain funding, advocated for its protection before the Florida Cabinet, and is thrilled to announce its permanent protection.

“This is a big win for Florida and Wakulla Springs,” said Traci Deen, Conservation Florida’s executive director and CEO. “Wakulla Caves is a North Florida gem that protects freshwater resources, offers world-class scuba diving and recreational opportunities, and solidifies a conservation corridor with key habitat for native plants and wildlife. We’re proud to have worked with our partners to protect it.”

The protection of the Wakulla Caves property helps create a landscape-scale conservation corridor between Apalachicola National Forest and Wakulla Springs State Park.

The acquisition of Wakulla Caves is a part of a larger strategy to save land within the Wakulla Springs Protection Zone Florida Forever project.

The total purchase price of the property was $4.2 million, with $2.54 million committed toward its acquisition by the USDA Forest Service through the Forest Legacy Program, which ranked the Wakulla Caves property at #6 in the nation for funding during its 2018 fiscal year. To complete the acquisition, the remaining funds were provided by the State’s Florida Forever program, as approved by Governor DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet in July.

“After more than 20 years of working with state agencies, Conservation Florida brought a renewed sense of optimism and understanding to negotiations that finally resulted in a deal. I couldn’t be happier for the legacy of my family than to have the amazing water resources of this property in public ownership.”

— Landowner, John Ferrell

“I am extremely proud of our team and their efforts to secure over $2.5 million to protect the Wakulla Caves property, one of the top ranked projects in the nation,” said Jim Karels, State Forester and Director of the Florida Forest Service. “It is through the Forest Legacy Program and with strong partnerships that we can continue to prioritize the protection of Florida’s unique natural spaces.”

“The Wakulla Caves Forest project is an opportunity for the Forest Legacy Program to help protect an important underground water resource with a unique recreational use of cave diving. There is no other Forest Legacy project quite like this one in the nation,” said Michael Murphy, Forest Legacy Program manager for the Southeast, “and this USDA Forest Service Program conserves over 2.7 million acres of environmentally important forests”.

Wakulla Springs is a National Natural Landmark and one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world. The land supplies essential aquifer recharge benefits to the Wakulla Springs springshed and the Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve.

Aerial view of Wakulla Springs courtesy of Friends of Wakulla Springs.

Acquisition of Wakulla Caves protects at least 13 karst sinks found on the property. The sinks provide entry into a vast underground cave and tunnel network accessible only from the Wakulla Caves property, making it a world-class cave diving destination. 

The protection of this property is key to creating a landscape-scale conservation corridor between Apalachicola National Forest and Wakulla Springs State Park. It is located two miles north of Wakulla Springs State Park, and it will significantly benefit the spring headwaters. 

In addition to its rare water features, Wakulla Caves has habitat for species found only in the region, including the Woodville Karst cave crayfish. It is also home to longleaf pine ecosystem species such as the Eastern diamondback rattlesnake, Florida black bear, gopher tortoise, and Southeastern fox squirrel.   

Divers exploring Meetinghouse Cavern, one of nine karst sinks located on the property. Photo by: Andreas Hagberg

The Woodville Karst cave crayfish are only found in the Wakulla-Leon Sinks Cave System.

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Our work in the Wakulla Springs Protection Zone isn’t done! Other parcels are vulnerable to development. Your support enables us to continue our work to protect land above the underground conduits that are essential to the long-term preservation of Wakulla Springs.

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Check out the video below of Meeting House cavern, which is one of over 13 karst sinks found on the Wakulla Caves property.

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Meet Our Bioblitz Experts 🌱 Spoiler Alert: They're Awesome!

This Saturday, October 12, from 8-1pm! Fun in Florida! Join us for our annual bioblitz for the opportunity to hike with experts, experience wild Florida, and learn about our conservation work.

The early bird gets the *walk*

Join our experts, Robert Emond and Gigi DelPizzo, from 8:30 to 9:30 for an exciting bird walk! On this walk, you will learn about some of Florida’s most interesting birds located in the heart of Rock Springs Run State Reserve. You might even encounter Florida’s only endemic bird, the Florida Scrub-Jay! 

Robert Emond retired from the Air Force in 2013 and turned to birding for his next major challenge.  Robert volunteers with the Lake City and the Cumberland Island Christmas Bird Counts, and just recently volunteered with the 2019 Florida Scrub-Jay Watch. He also helps the North American Butterfly Association Hairstreak Chapter with their Butterfly Counts in Tallahassee and Big Bend.  Robert and his friends set a monthly goal of spotting and identifying 100 birds. He has submitted over 1,100 eBirdchecklists, with a life list of 377 birds across Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, and Texas. In September 2019, Birdwatching Magazine published two of Robert’s photos featuring a Loggerhead Shrike and a rare Red-legged Thrush. Robert considers himself an amateur nature photographer, field naturalist, and birder.

Gigi DelPizzo is a Freshwater Fisheries Biologist for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. An avid birder since 2012, she participates in research on Florida Scrub-Jay, North America Breeding Bird Survey, Bluebird Nesting Box surveys, June Challenges, Eagle Watch, Quarterly Bird and Butterfly Surveys in Lake County, numerous Christmas Bird Counts, Hawk Watch Counts, and occasionally helps at the Lake Lotus Bird Banding Station. She enjoys extensive traveling and birding around the United States and abroad.

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Toad-ally terrific herp walk

Explore Rock Springs Run State Reserve from 9:30-10:30, and you might get to see gopher tortoises, Eastern Indigo snakes, or a variety of frogs/toads. Keep an eye out for gopher tortoise burrows, which can provide habitat for over 350 other species!

Dr. Marc Behrendt’s first love is herpetology, which inspired him to move to central Florida in 2017 to become involved with the region’s reptiles and amphibians. Marc is a certified naturalist, a birder, an expert fisherman, and an avid nature photographer. Marc grew up and lived in Ohio, starting off as a medical laboratory scientist before earning his PhD in Curriculum and Instruction. He then began teaching anatomy and physiology at Ohio University, and briefly, teaching entomology at Wilmington College. Never able to acquire his dream job of working with wildlife, Marc was a long-time active volunteer with the Ohio Division of Wildlife (DOW). It was there he began performing frog and wetland breeding bird population surveys, assisting with electroshock fish surveys, teaching in the education programs, and representing the DOW at the Ohio State Fair natural resources area. Presently, Marc is teaching anatomy at Celebration High School. He is a volunteer biologist with Archbold Biological Station, assisting with gopher tortoise research. Marc recently became a volunteer with the Everglades National Park Invasive Species Python Removal program. During his free time, Marc enjoys spending time outdoors, experiencing and learning Florida’s wild side.

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Unbe-leaf-able plant walk

Join our plant expert, Allegra Buyer, from 10:30 to 11:30 on Saturday for a wild plant walk! Venture through Rock Springs Run State Reserve to observe and learn about some of Florida’s most important plant species. Witness the towering sand pine scrub and pine flatwoods that central Florida’s iconic species call home.

Allegra Buyer is a biologist for the Florida Park Service. After graduating from New College of Florida with a degree in biology, she started her career working with invasive plants at Ravine Gardens State Park. From there she worked seasonal jobs in Alaska and Texas, and then came back to Florida for her current position as a biologist in Apopka. She assists with invasive plant removal at 33 parks and trails, and also works on restoration, prescribed fire and listed species management. She recently finished her MS in Ecological Restoration through UF, and loves continuing to learn about and conserving the unique ecology of Florida.

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A *pine* and dandy conservation walk!

Take a walk on the wild side from 11:30-12:30! On this walk, you will learn about Florida’s incredible biodiversity. Experience the habitat that is home to some of Florida’s most loved species, like the Florida black bear!

Jess Rodriguez has worked as a biologist with Florida’s native wildlife and their associated habitats since receiving her Master of Science degree in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Georgia in 2006. Her experience includes, imperiled species conservation and management, habitat management and restoration, human-wildlife conflict management, international wildlife issues, and public outreach and education. Jess started her employment with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in December 2012. Prior to that, she worked as an endangered species biologist on a military installation, managed a small research center in South Africa focusing on ecological studies, and participated on Red-cockaded woodpecker projects throughout the southeast. In her current role as Conservation Biologist for the Northeast region she focuses on imperiled and other locally important species conservation on the FWC Wildlife Management Area system. Whether in the field for work or recreation, Jess is inspired by the diversity of natural communities and the wildlife species that occupy these communities found in wild Florida.

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FAQ:

WHAT'S A BIOBLITZ?

Participants come together to find, count, and identify as many species of plants, animals, microbes, fungi, and other organisms as they can spot!

WHERE IS THIS EVENT TAKING PLACE?

Our bioblitz will be hosted at Rock Springs Run State Reserve in Central Florida.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Everyone! We will have activities throughout the day that are designed to be fun and informative for families, community groups, and people of all ages and abilities. A smartphone is required to participate in the species cataloging activities but not needed to enjoy learning about and experiencing natural Florida.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The event is free, but park entry fees may apply. If you would like to make a donation to Conservation Florida to help support our exciting work to protect natural lands in Florida, we'd love the partnership!

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

Plan as you would for any daylong adventure in the great outdoors. Some of the activities are guided hikes that require a considerable amount of walking on trails that might be difficult to navigate. Some activities occur near the water. You may encounter a variety of wildlife, including: snakes, mosquitoes, ticks, spiders, tortoises, birds, and butterflies. You should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sunscreen, bug spray, protective clothing, and water. You will also want to check the weather and download a map to your location ahead of time in case cell service is not available along your route.

HOW DO I RECORD WHAT I SEE?

If you haven't already done so, please download the iNaturalist app to your smartphone. This app allows you to record your observations directly to Conserve Florida's bioblitz project. Please visit the iNaturalist tutorials for more information and join our iNaturalist project here. Select the location where you plan to participate and record your findings on the day of the event! You can also share your experience on social media using #flbioblitz.

WHAT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

We're here for you. Reach out to us at info@conserveflorida.org. We will also call you and email you periodically as the event date approaches.

Cabinet approves Florida Forever funding for Wakulla Caves

The 717-acre property can now move toward closing and becoming an addition to the Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park.

Divers exploring Meetinghouse Cavern, one of nine karst sinks located on the property. Photo by: Andreas Hagberg

Tallahassee, Fla., July 25, 2019 — Today, Conservation Florida (CFL), a leader in statewide land conservation, and its partners, received the Cabinet’s approval to fund the Wakulla Caves land and springs protection project.

Thanks to Governor DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet in its role as the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, funding will be allocated from the Florida Forever program to complete the purchase of this 717-acre parcel of global significance in Wakulla County. It has been on the state’s land protection list for over 20 years and will now be permanently protected as an addition to the Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, located about seven miles south of Tallahassee. 

The total purchase price of the property is $4.2 million, with $2.54 million committed toward its acquisition by the USDA Forest Service through the Forest Legacy Program, which ranked the Wakulla Caves property at #6 in the nation for funding during its 2018 fiscal year.

“The Wakulla Caves Forest project is an opportunity for the Forest Legacy Program to help protect an important underground water resource with a unique recreational use of cave diving. There is no other Forest Legacy project quite like this one in the nation”, said Michael Murphy, Forest Legacy Program manager for the Southeast, “and this USDA Forest Service Program conserves over 2.7 million acres of environmentally important forests”.

Wakulla Springs is a National Natural Landmark and one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world. The land also provides essential aquifer recharge benefits to the Wakulla Springs springshed and the Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve.

“DEP is committed to the protection and restoration of Florida’s world-renowned springs,” said Division Director of State Lands Callie DeHaven. “Through science, planning and strong community partnerships, we can preserve this cherished natural resource for future generations.” 

“It’s a privilege to work with DEP, Florida Forest Service, and U.S. Forest Service to protect the Wakulla Caves property and its water resources that have been a priority to protecting Wakulla Springs for many years. There is power in partnership and the protection of Wakulla Caves is a great example of that,” said Traci Deen, CFL’s executive director.   

Acquisition of Wakulla Caves also protects 13 karst sinks located on the property. The sinks provide entry into a vast underground cave and tunnel network accessible only from the Wakulla Caves property, making it a world-class cave diving destination. 

“I am extremely proud of our team and their efforts to secure over $2.5 million to protect the Wakulla Caves property, one of the top ranked projects in the nation,” said Jim Karels, State Forester and Director of the Florida Forest Service. “It is through the Forest Legacy Program and with strong partnerships that we can continue to prioritize the protection of Florida’s unique natural spaces.”

The protection of this property is key to creating a landscape-scale conservation corridor between Apalachicola National Forest and Wakulla Springs State Park. It is located two miles north of Wakulla Springs State Park, and it will significantly benefit the springs’ headwaters. 

The Woodville Karst cave crayfish are only found in the Wakulla-Leon Sinks Cave System.

“This is an incredible win for Florida,” said Deen. “Wakulla Caves is a North Florida gem that protects fresh water resources on top of offering world-class scuba diving and recreational opportunities, and it is located in a conservation corridor with key habitat for native plants and wildlife.” 

In addition to its rare water features, Wakulla Caves contains habitat for species found only in the region, including the Woodville Karst cave crayfish. It is also home to longleaf pine ecosystem species such as the Eastern diamondback rattlesnake, Florida black bear, gopher tortoise, and Southeastern fox squirrel.   

“After more than 20 years of working with state agencies, Conservation Florida brought a renewed sense of optimism and understanding to negotiations that finally resulted in a deal,” said owner John Ferrell. “I couldn’t be happier for the legacy of my family than to have the amazing water resources of this property in public ownership.”

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Check out the video below of Meeting House cavern, which is one of over 13 karst sinks found on the Wakulla Caves property.

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“After more than 20 years of working with state agencies, Conservation Florida brought a renewed sense of optimism and understanding to negotiations that finally resulted in a deal,” said owner John Ferrell. “I couldn’t be happier for the legacy of my family than to have the amazing water resources of this property in public ownership.”

— Landowner, John Ferrell

Major Progress for Wakulla Caves Protection

We have reached a milestone in our efforts to protect a 717-acre property of global significance in Wakulla County!

Divers exploring Meetinghouse Cavern, one of nine karst sinks located on the property. Photo by: Andreas Hagberg

Conservation Florida is excited to announce that we have reached a milestone in our efforts to protect a 717-acre property of global significance in Wakulla County.

With its partners, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Forest Service, and the U.S. Forest Service, Conservation Florida has made serious progress toward the protection of the property.

We have successfully negotiated with the landowner, John Ferrell, to reach an acceptable purchase price, made an offer, and now have the property under an assignable option contract! With this signed agreement in place between Conservation Florida and the landowner, the project can now advance to the next phase of protection – funding. 

We have already secured a commitment from the U.S. Forest Service through its Forest Legacy program for $2.54 million toward the protection of the “Wakulla Caves” property, ranked #6 nationally for federal fiscal year 2018.

Aerial view of Meetinghouse Cavern.

Next, on July 25, the project will be presented to the Florida Cabinet. The Cabinet will decide whether to accept the contract and fund the acquisition through the state’s Florida Forever land acquisition program. If approved, the option agreement to purchase the property will be assigned to the State for closing. 

Our director, Traci Deen, will have the opportunity speak to the Cabinet during the meeting to further advocate for protection of this incredible project.

If the State opts to acquire the property, it will be managed by DEP’s Division of Recreation and Parks as an addition to Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park. 

The Wakulla Caves property is located within the Wakulla Springs Protection Zone Florida Forever project boundary. Its protection is key to creating a landscape-scale conservation corridor between Apalachicola National Forest and Wakulla Springs State Park. Because of its location two miles north of the State Park, Wakulla Caves’ protection will also protect the springshed of Wakulla Springs. 

Wakulla Springs is a National Natural Landmark and one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world. The land also provides essential aquifer recharge benefits to the Wakulla Springs springshed and the Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve along St. Mark’s shores in the Apalachee Bay.

The Woodville Karst cave crayfish are only found in the Wakulla-Leon Sinks Cave System.

Acquisition of Wakulla Caves by the State via its Florida Forever program would also permanently protect at least 13 karst sinks located on the property. The sinks provide entry into a vast underground cave and tunnel network, making it a world-class cave diving destination. 

In addition to its rare water features, Wakulla Caves contains habitat for species found only in the region, including the Woodville Karst cave crayfish. It is also home to longleaf pine ecosystem species such as the Eastern diamondback rattlesnake, Florida black bear, gopher tortoise, and Southeastern fox squirrel.   

Conservation Florida working to protect 717 acres near Wakulla Springs

Divers exploring Meetinghouse Cavern, one of karst sinks located on the property. Photo by: Andreas Hagberg

Conservation Florida is actively working with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Florida Forest Service, the U.S. Forest Legacy Program, and landowners to acquire 717 acres in the Florida Forever Wakulla Springs Protection Zone. The protection of this property is the last opportunity to create a landscape-scale conservation corridor between Apalachicola National Forest and Wakulla Springs State Park.

The property known as “Wakulla Caves” is located within Wakulla County two miles north of Wakulla Springs State Park and seven miles from Tallahassee. Protection of Wakulla Caves will significantly benefit the springs’ headwaters. Wakulla Springs is a National Natural Landmark and one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world. The land also provides essential aquifer recharge benefits to the Wakulla Springs springshed and the Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve.

Aerial view of Meetinghouse Cavern.

Acquisition of Wakulla Caves by the State’s Florida Forever program would permanently protect at least 13 karst sinks providing direct access to the Wakulla-Leon Sinks Cave System. Greyhound, Meeting House Cavern, and Ferrell Sink are all located on the property and are considered world class cave diving sites. The vast underground cave and tunnel network accessible from the Wakulla Caves property is of global significance and a truly premiere cave diving destination. The sinks are hundreds of feet deep and connect for miles, attracting cave divers from around the world to experience the magnificence of the system. 

The Woodville Karst cave crayfish are only found in the Wakulla-Leon Sinks Cave System.

In addition to public recreational values, Wakulla Caves contains habitat for species found only in the region, including the Woodville Karst cave crayfish. It is also home to longleaf pine ecosystem species such as the Eastern diamondback rattlesnake, Florida black bear, gopher tortoise, and Southeastern fox squirrel.    

The protection of the property has additional national significance, ranking 7th in the nation for U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Legacy Program. Conservation Florida submitted the project for U.S. Forest Legacy funding and $2.5 million has been committed toward its acquisition. 

“Conservation Florida is thrilled to work in partnership with the landowners, DEP, the Florida Forest Service, and the U.S. Forest Legacy Program to acquire and protect Wakulla Caves forever,” said Traci Deen, Conservation Florida’s executive director. “This property is a North Florida gem, and we’re proud to be working to preserve it for future generations.”

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