Conservation Florida’s protection of Arbuckle Creek Ranch will help nature and the military
Arbuckle Creek Ranch exemplifies the trend of multi-purpose land conservation. Conservation Florida uses this strategy to protect land that meets many needs including recreational opportunities, agricultural production, habitat connectivity, water quality, rare and endangered species protection, and other factors -- like buffering a military base.
Arbuckle Creek winds its way through Highlands County toward Lake Okeechobee. Photo by Graham Norman.
When Conservation Florida and its partners save the 1,250-acre Arbuckle Creek Ranch, the land will not only protect Florida’s endangered cutthroat grass, it will also aid military operations at Avon Park Air Force Range.
Avon Park, Fla., July 06, 2020 — Conservation Florida, a leader in statewide land conservation, has entered into an agreement to buy a conservation easement on 1,250 acres in Highlands County. This marks a significant milestone in the protection of lands in the Northern Everglades that are highly valued for water resources, agriculture, military readiness, and habitat for native plants and wildlife.
“Arbuckle Creek Ranch is an exceptional property,” said Adam Bass, Conservation Florida’s director of conservation. “It will protect a mile of natural land along Arbuckle Creek, rangelands that are part of Highland County’s cultural heritage, and hundreds of acres of critical habitat. It will also provide an element of national security because it sits in alignment with the Auxiliary Field’s runway.”
The ranch is within the boundaries of the Avon Park Air Force Range (APAFR) Sentinel Landscape. This vast landscape is centered around the Air Force’s “largest primary air-to-ground training range east of the Mississippi River,” according to APAFR.
“Working with Conservation Florida to acquire a conservation easement on Arbuckle Creek Ranch is a tremendous opportunity to protect working lands, promote conservation, and enhance mission sustainability at Avon Park Air Force Range,” said Buck MacLaughlin, Lt. Col., Ret. AF. “Protecting this property buffers the flight path into Arbuckle Airfield and protects night-time military training by limiting dense construction of incompatible light sources. The ability to operate at night is a distinct advantage that our military forces use while serving our country.”
At a time when Florida’s last, large ranchlands are under intense development pressures, Conservation Florida has made ranchlands in the Northern Everglades a top protection priority.
Traci Deen, the executive director and CEO of Conservation Florida, said, “The protection benefits of Arbuckle Creek Ranch extend well beyond its boundaries. There are two creeks on the property that converge and flow into Arbuckle Creek, which flows for a mile along the property. This watershed drains into the Kissimmee River and on to Lake Okeechobee. The health of the entire Greater Everglades Ecosystem hinges on lands like these.”
Arbuckle Creek Ranch exemplifies the trend of multi-purpose land conservation. Conservation Florida uses this strategy to protect land that meets many needs including recreational opportunities, agricultural production, habitat connectivity, water quality, rare and endangered species protection, and other factors -- like buffering a military base.
A cowboy rides out on a foggy morning to tend cattle on Arbuckle Creek Ranch. Photo by Carlton Ward, Jr.
Arbuckle Creek Ranch is a family-run cow-calf operation where a herd of cattle is managed with the goal of raising calves to sell. It is also home to an endangered cutthroat grass community that spans 300 hundred acres. Several species of conservation concern are associated with cutthroat grass communities including the eastern indigo snake.
Florida panthers, and other endangered Florida species, have been seen on the ranch. The natural habitat on the property is also ideal for Florida scrub jays and gopher tortoises.
With the property under contract, Conservation Florida and its partners are seeking grants and donations to buy a conservation easement, which is a binding legal agreement that will permanently restrict development of the land while also protecting its important ecological features.
The Arbuckle Creek Ranch conservation easement project is one of many that Conservation Florida is working on in the Greater Everglades ecosystem. The larger goal of the regional initiative is to form a continuous conservation corridor stretching from Lake Wales Ridge to Lake Okeechobee.
About Conservation Florida
Conservation Florida is a statewide accredited land trust with a mission to save Florida’s natural and agricultural landscapes for future generations. Our conservation projects support Florida’s native plants and wildlife, fresh water, conservation corridors, family farms and ranches, the economy and nature-based recreation. Since our founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has led the way in strategic and evidence-based land protection and has saved over 30,000 acres of critical habitat through acquisition, facilitation and incubation of conservation projects.
We save land by developing conservation strategies, exploring funding sources and purchasing or accepting donations of land and conservation easements. Our other services include providing expertise to guide landowners through the land protection process, serving as a trusted community partner to support statewide land conservation and promoting land conservation through effective education and advocacy. Our vision is large-scale, and we are 100% committed to conservation in the state of Florida – for nature, for people, forever!
Conservation Florida works to protect XL Ranch Lightsey Cove: A Conservation Gem on Lake Istokpoga
XL Ranch Lightsey cove is 537 acres, prized for its undisturbed habitat. Located on the northwest edge of Lake Istokpoga, the landscape offers a glimpse of prehistoric Florida with ancient oak hammocks and sand pine scrub scattered among vibrant marshes and endangered grasslands.
Ancient oak hammocks grace the landscape at XL Ranch Lightsey Cove on Lake Istokpoga. Photo by Adam Bass.
Conservation Florida and its partners are working to save 537 acres of incredible Florida habitat that includes such endemic and endangered species as cutthroat grass and the Florida scrub-jay.
Sebring, Fla., June 26, 2020 — Conservation Florida, a leader in statewide land conservation, has entered into an agreement to buy a conservation easement on 537 acres in Highlands county.
This property is prized for its undisturbed habitat. Located on the northwest edge of Lake Istokpoga, the landscape offers a glimpse of prehistoric Florida with ancient oak hammocks and sand pine scrub scattered among vibrant marshes and endangered grasslands.
These habitats are teeming with life and play a vital role in protecting the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, which spans from Orlando to Florida Bay at the southern tip of Florida.
Added public benefits include protection of 2,000 feet of shoreline, scenic vistas and an archaeological site. Protection will also contribute to the preservation of Highland County’s cultural ranching heritage, as this privately-owned land has historically been used as a place for free roaming cattle to graze.
“Lake Istokpoga is Florida’s fifth largest lake and a world-class destination for bass fishing,” said Traci Deen, Conservation Florida’s executive director and CEO. “XL Ranch Lightsey Cove contains some of the most phenomenal habitat I’ve ever seen, and its protection is a top priority of ours.”
The XL Ranch Lightsey Cove lies within the Avon Park Air Force Range (APAFR) Sentinel Landscape. This vast landscape is centered around the Air Force’s “largest primary air-to-ground training range east of the Mississippi River,” according to APAFR.
“Our partners at Avon Park Air Force Range are supportive of this project because it falls within their Military Influence Planning Area 3,” said Adam Bass, Conservation Florida’s director of conservation.
The project fits into Conservation Florida’s strategy of saving lands with multiple benefits including recreational opportunities, agricultural production, habitat connectivity, water quality, rare and endangered species protection, and other factors, such as military readiness and cultural heritage.
Cary Lightsey, the owner of the property, said, “Lightsey Cove is a very diverse piece of land. It hosts prehistoric scrubs with endangered Scrub Jays, long leaf pines, cutthroat grass, cypress heads with ancient trees, shoreline on Lake Istokpoga, an Indian mound and many endangered wildlife species. This easement is a perfect fit for preserving this variety of land forever. The Cove should never be developed or destroyed because of the natural resources it provides the state of Florida.”
The protection of cutthroat grass is important because this species of grass is found nowhere else in the world, and only in five Florida counties. Other endangered plant species found in the cutthroat grass community include an herb called ‘many flowered grass-pink’ and Edison’s ascyrum. The habitat is also ideal for species such as the Florida scrub-jay, Florida panther, and gopher tortoise, as well as a large number of plant species that are State-listed as threatened. During a recent site visit, Conservation Florida’s team documented scrub jays on the property. Florida black bears and panthers have also been confirmed to use the site.
With the property under contract, Conservation Florida and its partners are seeking grants and donations to help buy a conservation easement, which is a binding legal agreement that permanently restricts development of the land.
The XL Ranch Lightsey Cove conservation easement project is one of many that Conservation Florida is working on in the Greater Everglades ecosystem. A larger goal of the regional initiative is to form a continuous conservation corridor stretching from Lake Wales Ridge to Lake Okeechobee.
“I believe this state will stay sustainable, if we continue preserving our sensitive lands. Our future depends on us doing what we can to save it,” said Lightsey.
About Conservation Florida
Conservation Florida is a statewide accredited land trust with a mission to save Florida’s natural and agricultural landscapes for future generations. Our conservation projects support Florida’s native plants and wildlife, fresh water, conservation corridors, family farms and ranches, the economy and nature-based recreation. Since our founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has led the way in strategic and evidence-based land protection and has saved over 30,000 acres of critical habitat through acquisition, facilitation and incubation of conservation projects.
We save land by developing conservation strategies, exploring funding sources and purchasing or accepting donations of land and conservation easements. Our other services include providing expertise to guide landowners through the land protection process, serving as a trusted community partner to support statewide land conservation and promoting land conservation through effective education and advocacy. Our vision is large-scale, and we are 100% committed to conservation in the state of Florida – for nature, for people, forever!
Conservation Florida hosted an immersive online series that explored the backyards of Florida and recorded their biodiversity.
Using the iNaturalist app, participants recorded observations from their own backyards directly to CFL's Great Florida Backyard Bioblitz project. Over the course of two months, 9,427 participants logged 114,329 observations and recorded 7,585 species.
Over 100,000 observations made during Conservation Florida's Great Florida Backyard Bioblitz
Conservation Florida (CFL), a leader in statewide land conservation, hosted its first virtual Great Florida Backyard Bioblitz series during April and May to provide an at-home exploration of Florida’s biodiversity during spring school closures and stay-at-home orders resulting from Covid-19.
This young lady found a colorful ringneck snake in her family’s pool. Our backyard wildlife may be wild, but sometimes they find themselves in need of a helping hand. Photo by Dr. Mark Cook @lightswitchaddict.
Using Facebook live and Zoom, CFL transformed an in-person bioblitz into an immersive online experience that was enjoyed by more than 14,000 viewers. Thanks to a partnership with the University of Florida’s Thompson Earth Systems Institute and their Scientist in Every Florida School program, webinars of the events were made available to K-12 students via thousands of teachers statewide.
In a traditional bioblitz, participants come together to find, count, and identify as many species of plants, animals, microbes, fungi, and other organisms as they can. Using the iNaturalist app, participants recorded observations from their own backyards, neighborhoods, and nearby wild spaces to CFL's Great Florida Backyard Bioblitz project. Over the course of two months, 9,427 participants logged 114,329 observations and recorded 7,585 species.
CFL hosted four live online Great Florida Backyard Bioblitz events that each followed a special guest who lead viewers through unique areas of Florida. The four hosts of the Great Florida Backyard Bioblitz allowed viewers and participants to virtually visit several Florida locations from an urban park in Tallahassee to a cattle ranch in the Northern Everglades.
The Great Florida Backyard Bioblitz as an online series was successful thanks to each of the participants, viewers, partners, and special guests. In addition to educating people of all ages about Florida’s immense biodiversity, this program allowed CFL to facilitate the recording of important species for scientists working to understand and conserve nature.
Meet the special guests who volunteered to support this program:
Peter Kleinhenz
Peter works as the Aucilla River watershed coalition coordinator for Tall Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy. He also hosts an online video series, Wild Wander, that tells the stories of unique and important natural ecosystems. In his free time, Peter enjoys herbing, birding, and exploring new places while searching for plants and animals.
Chad Crawford
As a native Floridian, Chad has made it his mission to share his beloved home state with the world. He is often called Florida’s Ambassador for this very reason. Emmy award-winning how to Do florida began as a way to combine Chad’s passions – filmmaking, Florida, and literally anything outdoors – but has evolved into a passion project. Chad uses his platforms to create fans o f Florida, but more importantly, he is interested in creating advocates for Florida.
Carlton Ward, Jr.
An eighth-generation Floridian and Conservation Florida Advisory Board member, Carlton is a conservation photographer and National Geographic Explorer whose passion for nature was born from the Florida landscape. His mission is to inspire appreciation and protection of Florida’s original nature and culture. Carlton’s full-time focus since 2016 has been the Path of the Panther project, where he works as an ambassador for the recovery of the Florida panther. The project, that is supported by grants from the National Geographic Society and numerous partners, calls for conservation of hundreds of thousands of acres of ranchlands and forests and across Florida. Recent honors include receiving the Conservation Leadership Award from the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, being named a Florida Icon by Florida Trend magazine and serving as the Rolex Artist in Exploration with the Explorers Club.
Matt Pearce
Matt is a Florida native and 7th generation cattle rancher. He owns and operates Pearce Cattle Company, a family-owned cow/calf operation with locations throughout South Florida and Central Georgia. He has served on the Florida Cattlemen’s Association Board for 10 years and is currently the President. His goal is to serve the industry and assist in successfully passing down the ranching lifestyle to the next generation.
Conservation Florida Expands its Team and its Capabilities
As a part of the challenging and nurturing internship program CFL has developed, three summer interns have been hired over the last few months. Each with unique roles and skillsets, these young professionals signify the organization’s commitment to cultivate conservation leaders of the future.
Conservation Florida now has more resources for land preservation with the addition of three new team members.
Gainesville, Fla., June 3, 2020 - Conservation Florida, a leader in statewide land conservation, has expanded its team and subsequently, its land preservation capabilities.
As a part of the challenging and nurturing internship program Conservation Florida has developed, three summer interns have been hired over the last few months. Each with unique roles and skill sets, these young professionals signify the organization’s commitment to cultivate conservation leaders of the future.
“Thanks to donors and volunteers dedicated to conserving Florida’s natural land, it has been a busy year and we are excited to welcome these three passionate and bright new CFL team members,” said Traci Deen, CFL’s executive director and CEO.
Conservation Florida’s newly hired legal intern is Florida native, Madi Dale. She will take her experiences from law school to research conservation laws in Florida and assist with maintaining online filing systems and data entry. Dale is returning to the CFL team for the second time after interning with CFL as an undergrad at the University of Florida. She is currently pursuing her J.D. at the University of Minnesota Law School. Dale enjoys traveling around the state and seeing the unique ecosystems Florida has to offer. She is passionate about CFL’s mission to permanently protect and conserve Florida’s landscapes for future generations.
Eva Ortiz-Feder is a Mexican American who just began working as Conservation Florida’s land stewardship intern. In this role, she will use her talents to assist with land protection projects, including the stewardship of D Ranch Preserve. Ortiz-Feder is currently a junior at the University of Central Florida majoring in biology with a pre-vet/zoology concentration and a minor in environmental science. Since she was young, Ortiz-Feder has been interested in conservation. She spent much of her childhood and teenage years volunteering to help wildlife in their natural ecosystems. Ortiz-Feder hopes to have a positive impact on the environment through her volunteering and career, and already sees Conservation Florida as a step in that direction.
Third-generation Floridian, Allison Russakis has been working as Conservation Florida’s multimedia intern for just over a month. She is responsible for managing Conservation Florida’s online presence by creating, curating, and analyzing content for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and the organization’s website. Russakis is a combined master’s and bachelor’s degree student at the University of Florida. She will graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science in Public Relations this December and a Master’s of Science in Management from the Warrington College of Business the following December. Russakis grew up watching her family work to protect and conserve the natural Florida land of their cattle ranches. Because of this and her love of traveling, especially throughout Florida, Russakis is grateful to have the opportunity to work as a part of Conservation Florida and help preserve Florida for generations to come.
With the addition of three new team members who are each passionate about the conservation of Florida’s natural land, the organization’s ability to work towards its mission is sure to be strengthened. The expansion of the Conservation Florida team echoes the increase in Florida conservation made possible only by dedicated donors and volunteers.
Conservation Florida has developed a year-round internship program that uses each intern’s unique skills and interests to personalize their learning experience. Providing an inclusive, team-oriented environment that fosters creativity and empowerment, we instill confidence in our interns that they can make a positive difference in the world through their work in the field of natural resource management and land conservation. Email info@conserveflorida.org to learn more about internships with Conservation Florida, and to read more about its staff, go to conserveflorida.org/staff.
About Conservation Florida
Conservation Florida is a statewide accredited land trust with a mission to save Florida’s natural and agricultural landscapes for future generations. Our conservation efforts include Florida’s native plants and wildlife, fresh water, conservation corridors, family farms and ranches, the economy and nature-based recreation. Since our founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has led the way in strategic and evidence-based land protection and has saved over 30,000 acres of critical habitat through acquisition, facilitation or incubation. While our role in the land protection process varies, our services include providing expertise to guide landowners through the land protection process, serving as a trusted community partner to support statewide land conservation and promoting land conservation through effective education and advocacy. Our vision is large-scale, and we are 100% committed to conservation in the state of Florida – for nature, for people, forever!
Conservation Florida Welcomes New Board Members
As Conservation Florida celebrates its 20th anniversary year, we are excited to welcome four new members to our board of directors — Neil Asma, Adam Strang Bass, Mike Forrester, and Margaret Hankison Spontak.
As Conservation Florida celebrates its 20th anniversary year, we are excited to welcome four new members to our board of directors — Neil Asma, Adam Strang Bass, Mike Forrester, and Margaret Hankison Spontak.
Neil Asma
Neil is a third generation Floridian from Winter Garden, where his family was once involved in the citrus industry. Neil received a B.A. in English from Washington & Lee University and a master’s degree in business administration from Rollins College. He’s now the vice president of Toole’s Ace Hardware, managing 10 local stores and serving as vice president of the Central Florida Ace Dealer’s organization.
Neil learned to love nature, backpacking, and camping with the Boy Scouts of America, reaching the rank of Eagle Scout. He enjoys hiking and hopes to hike the entire Florida Trail. He spends summers on the waterways of Chassahowitzka and wishes to pass his love of Florida’s nature down to his daughter.
Mike Forrester
Mike was born in Orlando and grew up in Osceola County. His great-grandfather was a steamboat captain on the Kissimmee River in the late 1800's. His grandfather introduced him to the history of Florida, while he and his dad visited many of the natural wonders of the state. Professionally, Mike was hired by Amtrak to work on its Florida service trains, eventually supervising their operation. Mike left Amtrak in 1995 to start a video production company, moving to Atlanta as a contractor and tropical system cameraman for CNN and The Weather Channel for the next decade.
During this time, Mike’s company opened a television studio which provided live shot capabilities, a green screen studio, editing suites and production services for National Geographic, Bloomberg, CNBC, Discovery and other network and corporate clients. In 2015, Mike sold his Atlanta company so he and his family could return to Florida. In 2017, he opened Orlando Corporate Media.
Returning to Central Florida has allowed Mike the opportunity to reconnect with his roots. He enjoys visiting parks, refuges, and preserves and has become endeared to the Florida Scrub-Jay. His concern for the loss of Florida's wildlife corridors and natural habitats led him to Conservation Florida, which he supports through advocacy and financial contributions. Mike also serves as board vice president of the Central Florida Railway Historical Society, which preserves the history of railroading in the region and volunteers with the Osceola County Historical Society, filming the oral history of longtime residents.
Mike, his wife, Jeanine, and 13-year-old daughter, Siena, reside in Winter Garden.
Margaret Hankinson Spontak
Margaret most recently managed philanthropy for the Duke Energy Foundation. The Foundation awards approximately $3 million in charitable contributions in Florida. Through the Foundation’s volunteer engagement program, employees have restored scrub habitat, removed exotic plants, cleaned Florida’s waterways and enhanced Florida State Parks. Project Park Power volunteer projects this year included Highlands Hammock State Park and Crystal River Preserve State Park.
Her past conservation experience includes director of development for Audubon Florida, director of policy and planning for St. Johns River Water Management District, promotions manager for Silver Springs and Weeki Wachee and co-author of Protecting Paradise. Her environmental communications work includes branding and communication for Marion County “Pennies for Parks,” a $20 million county land referendum, and the Silver River Society, the organization that advocated for purchase of lands now comprising Silver River State Park. She has facilitated numerous river planning projects over the years such as the St. Johns River Summit, American Heritage River designation public meetings, St. Mary's River Management Plan and Palatka Water Works design charrette. She is currently facilitating a coalition of 32 organizations focused on the restoration of the Ocklawaha River.
Margaret has a B.S. in communications from Florida State University and a master’s degree in business administration from Nova Southeastern. She is married to Vince Spontak and has a grown son Michael Spontak, who conducted GIS mapping and modeling on panther and bear habitat for the Florida Ecological Greenways Network.
Thanks to the addition of our new members, we are starting the year 2020 with an abundance of enthusiasm on our Board of Directors that will further our mission to protect Florida’s natural and agricultural landscapes for future generations. Our organization relies on volunteers, such as these passionate board members, to support our work throughout the state. We invite you to donate, volunteer, or join our efforts to protect more of Florida’s special places. Email info@conserveflorida.org to get involved.
Conservation Florida protects 476 acres in Volusia County
Announcing the protection of Conservation Florida’s new preserve — D Ranch! This 482-acre property in Volusia County 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, burrowing owls, and Florida black bears.
Land in Deltona bordering the Lake Monroe Conservation Area is now permanently protected.
Photo of tarflower (Bejaria racemosa) at D Ranch by CFL team member.
Orlando, Fla., Jan. 15, 2020 — Conservation Florida, a leader in statewide conservation, announced today that it now owns 476 acres in Volusia County thanks to a generous donation by D Ranch, Ltd.
Located in Deltona and just miles from downtown Sanford, the area is under immense development pressure. D Ranch, Ltd. chose to protect the property by working with Conservation Florida to see it preserved. A spokesperson for D Ranch Ltd. expressed “appreciation for Conservation Florida undertaking the preservation of not only ecosystems but some of Florida’s cultural heritage in the process.”
Conservation Florida prioritizes conservation projects that provide habitat for the survival of Florida’s iconic species, recharge drinking water or benefit other hydrologic functions, offer outdoor recreation, or benefit the community — protecting this property does all of the above.
The D Ranch Preserve, formerly known as D Ranch, served as a ranch and cow/calf operation for decades. The property is located across the street from the Beck Ranch Park on Reed Ellis Road and SR-415. It also borders the 7,487-acre Lake Monroe Conservation Area, which is managed by the St. Johns River Water Management District.
Conservation Florida will consider opening the property for passive public uses, such as hiking, horseback riding, and academic research.
In addition to buffering public conservation lands, the D Ranch Preserve further protects the Lake Monroe watershed. More, a freshwater stream on the preserve flows through Lake Monroe Conservation Area wetlands and into Lake Bethel, which feeds both Lake Monroe and the St. John’s River.
The preserve 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, burrowing owls, and Florida black bears.
To date, the Conservation Florida team has identified 43 species of native plants and spotted an American river otter swimming on-site.
“This property is what conservation is all about, and we’re grateful to D Ranch, Ltd. for wanting to see it protected for future generations of Floridians,” said Traci Deen, Conservation Florida’s executive director and CEO. “This property, located in an area under serious development pressure, protects rare ecosystems, provides habitat for Florida’s wildlife, builds on current conservation areas, and helps protect Florida’s freshwater. We’re so proud to preserve this property and hope that one day Floridians will be able to come out and experience it firsthand.”
Conservation Florida will consider a cattle grazing lease on certain portions of the land to serve as a near-term management tool of the improved pasture areas. However, the organization plans to restore the property to a natural state as part of a long-term management plan for the preserve.
About Conservation Florida
Conservation Florida is a statewide accredited land conservancy with a mission to save Florida’s natural and agricultural landscapes for future generations. Our conservation projects support Florida’s native plants and wildlife, fresh water, conservation corridors, family farms and ranches, the economy and nature-based recreation. Since our founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has led the way in strategic and evidence-based land protection and has saved over 30,000 acres of critical habitat through acquisition, facilitation and incubation of conservation projects.
We save land by developing conservation strategies, exploring funding sources and purchasing or accepting donations of land and conservation easements. Our other services include providing expertise to guide landowners through the land protection process, serving as a trusted community partner to support statewide land conservation and promoting land conservation through effective education and advocacy. Our vision is large-scale, and we are 100% committed to conservation in the state of Florida – for nature, for people, forever!
Thank you for 20 amazing years of land protection!
Conservation Florida celebrates 20 years of protecting Florida landscapes!
Happy anniversary, friends!
As Conservation Florida turns 20, please join us in honoring everyone who has supported this organization and its important mission over the last two decades. Thank you to all our past, present, and future partners, board members, advisory board members, staff, volunteers, and donors!
Conservation Florida started with the bold vision of our passionate founder. David Carr saw the need for a statewide land conservation group and took it upon himself to start one. Like so many good ideas, his vision took shape during discussions among friends around a kitchen table.
At the turn of the millennium, our founders gathered in the small town of Micanopy to launch a new nonprofit dedicated to protecting Florida’s magnificent landscapes, rural farmlands, and life-sustaining ecosystems for future generations.
Florida’s conservation future is uncertain, but in the face of what may seem like impossible challenges, we see opportunities. This milestone anniversary brings with it new energy to make the last great push for meaningful and lasting conservation in Florida.
You are a part of our success. You are part of our conservation community, and you are cordially invited to join us in celebrating Conservation Florida’s 20th anniversary!
Florida’s Nature Coast is a glimpse into our natural past. Photo by Greg Anderson.
Saving land to protect water
With your support, Conservation Florida is working to conserve landscapes that will provide long-term protection for Florida’s Springs
With your support, Conservation Florida is working to conserve landscapes that will provide long-term protection for Florida’s Springs. Below, we share two examples of how your support is saving land to protect water.
Manatees in a clear Florida spring. Photo by Mac Stone.
A diver explores Meeting House, a cavern located in the Wakulla Springs Protection Zone. Photo by Andreas Hagberg.
Wakulla Springs
Because of you, Wakulla Caves is now a part of the Wakulla Springs State Park.
Wakulla Caves forms a critical link between other protected lands in the Wakulla Springs Protection Zone.
Wakulla Caves has been a high priority on the State’s land protection list for over two decades. Thanks to you, strong partnerships, a generous landowner, and funding from Florida Forever and the U.S. Forest Legacy Program, this special property will now be protected forever.
Conservation Florida successfully negotiated the acquisition, secured a purchase agreement, worked with partners to obtain funding, and advocated for its protection before the Florida Cabinet. In July, Cabinet members voted unanimously to approve funding to complete the purchase. On November 22, the property became permanently protected!
The 717-acre property is essential to the health of Wakulla Springs. It has at least 13 karst sinks, which store water and feed the springs. Wakulla Springs is a National Natural Landmark and one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world. In addition to providing essential water quality benefits to Wakulla Springs and the Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve along St. Mark’s shores in the Apalachee Bay, the sinks provide entry into a vast underground cave and tunnel network that has long been a destination for cave divers. The site also harbors several rare animals, including three crustaceans that live in the aquatic caves, and a historic cemetery.
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.
“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.”
Silver Springs
Your sustained support is making a big difference for this Florida gem.
With your help over the last five years, Conservation Florida has successfully built a land protection buffer zone for Silver Springs in Marion County. Our latest project is located within the Heather Island/Ocklawaha River Florida Forever Project boundary.
Your ongoing support makes this type of multi-year, multi-phase project possible. This is your support in action!
Silver Springs Forest Conservation Area
Your 2015 Conservation Success
Your support helped us lead efforts to protect the 4,900-acre Silver Springs Forest Conservation Area. To save Silver Springs Forest, we entered into a contract with Rayonier and coordinated with the St. Johns River Water Management District to buy the property. We then raised $488,000 to close a funding gap, save the land, and leverage $11 million in state and federal funds for the purchase. Funding partners included the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Forest Legacy Program, the Felburn Foundation, the Moskovitz Foundation, and individual donors like you.
Silver Springs Sandhill
Your 2017 Conservation Success
Thanks again to you, Conservation Florida facilitated its second project within the Silver Springs Protection Zone. Known as Silver Springs Sandhill, the 365-acre property was bought by the state with funding from the Florida Forever program, and it is being managed by Marion County Parks and Recreation. Conservation Florida conducted the negotiations and signed a purchase option with multiple owners of the property, which was slated to be developed with 1600 housing units.
Rainey Pasture is a critical link in Conservation Florida’s Silver Springs Protection Zone project.
Rainey Pasture
Your Support in Action Now
Your ongoing support is helping us close in on the protection of Rainey Pasture. This is the most important “missing piece” in Conservation Florida’s Silver Springs Protection Zone plan. Once protected, a continuous link will be formed between the Indian Lake State Forest, Silver Springs Forest Conservation Area, the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, Silver Springs State Park, and the Ocala National Forest! See illustration 4 on the opposite page.
Protection of this 5,200-acre property will also provide a buffer from development on the west side of the Ocklawaha River. Our partners include the Florida DEP, the Florida Forest Service, and the U.S. Forest Legacy Program.
Conservation Florida’s 2019 Bioblitz: A perfect day for citizen science
Learn how to host a bioblitz in your community or school, by visiting nationalgeographic.org/projects/bioblitz. Email info@conserveflorida.org to participate in our 2020 bioblitz.
Love for Florida’s environment and curiosity about our natural world brought dozens of people — children, families, scientists, teachers, and college students — to Rock Springs Run State Reserve on Oct. 12 to take part in Conservation Florida’s annual bioblitz.
Participants ranged in age from 18-months to 85-years old. They traveled from places as far away as High Springs and Palm Beach Gardens to explore the Reserve, which is a 14,000-acre wild area approximately 30 miles north of Orlando.
The Reserve provides a critical connection between the Wekiwa Springs State Park and the Seminole State Forest. Together, these protected lands form the southernmost boundary of the Wekiva to Ocala Corridor.
Leading the Way
Participants of Conservation Florida’s 2019 Bioblitz scan the horizon for signs of wildlife.
Birders Robert Emond and Gigi DelPizzo kicked off the morning by leading participants on a search for birds. No one spotted the beloved and endangered Florida Scrub-Jay, but volunteer conservationists documented red tail hawks, vultures, cardinals, yellow warblers, and three kinds of woodpeckers!
Scanning the skies and searching the forest floor, participants ventured into the woods with herpetologist Dr. Marc Behrendt, to look for frogs, snakes, turtles, and other reptiles and amphibians.
Next, plant expert Allegra Buyer led participants through the pine flatwoods to look for and document numerous plant species including wire grass, hairy indigo, goldenrod, shiny blueberry, longleaf pine, and loblolly bay.
Our last tour was led by biologist Jess Rodriguez. She shared her experience in imperiled species conservation and management during the final hike of the day.
Making Science Fun and Accessible
As early as 2007, people have volunteered their time to take part in bioblitzes across the world. National Geographic defines a bioblitz as “an event that focuses on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time.”
Bioblitzes, whether in small communities or in large preserves, have become a popular and easy way to engage in citizen science — a way for anybody to interact with nature, get outside, and observe the precious biodiversity we strive to protect with each of our land protection projects.
Learn how to host a bioblitz in your community or school, by visiting nationalgeographic.org/projects/bioblitz. Email info@conserveflorida.org to participate in our 2020 bioblitz.
To learn more about the species documented during our Rock Springs Run State Reserve bioblitz event, please check out our project on iNaturalist!
No bigger than a dime, this pinewoods treefrog (Hyla femoralis) blends in well with a weathered post.. Photo by Jessica Modriskey.
Special Thanks
Thank you to the volunteers and everyone who helped make the bioblitz a success!
Volunteer guides, like Allegra Buyer (far right), were on-hand to answer questions about many of the species observed during the bioblitz. Photo by Jessica Modriskey.
Dr. Marc Behrendt
Allegra Buyer
Gigi DelPizzo
Robert Emond
Rebecca Harbour
Connie Modriskey
Leah Norris
Jess Rodriguez
Brian Scheick
For the Love of Florida
From the sandhills to the swamps, Floridians don’t always agree, but leave it to Floridians to find our common ground in the actual land we share.
Aerial photo of Central Florida’s Everglades Headwaters by Adam Strang Bass.
Article written by Traci Deen
Traci Deen, Conservation Florida’s Executive Director and CEO
We’re Floridians. We swim, eyes open and breath held, in crisp, turquoise Florida springs. As school children, we study the Florida panther as a big cat that still roams our most wild places. We dive off the coast and find coral reef systems bustling. We paddle and kayak waterways alongside the manatee and dolphin. We enjoy an endless variety of recreational activities on the best public lands in the nation. We eat Florida-grown, Florida-raised food. We love it here. Who wouldn’t? This is home, and it’s iconic. It’s Florida.
But we also watch as our coasts battle the tides of a rising sea and as our estuaries experience algal blooms that destroy entire ecosystems. We ache as panther after panther is struck down on our roads. We lament the loss of green space as another piece of paradise is paved, another ranch lost to rooftops, and we see what’s coming: more of us, more roads, more rooftops.
Protecting Florida’s natural and agricultural landscapes has never been more important than it is today as we face a growing population, an extraordinary rate of habitat loss and fragmentation, and reduced funding for land conservation.
The Last Great Push for Conservation
Florida is the third-most populous state in the nation, growing by nearly 1,000 newcomers each day. We’re projected to exceed 30 million residents by 2060. With this comes a greater demand for water and the development of rural and natural lands for urban use. How we manage our natural resources over the next 10 to 20 years – what we save and what we pave – will undoubtedly determine Florida’s conservation future, and the future of Florida as a whole.
So, this is it: This is the last great push for land conservation in our State.
Fragmentation & Loss of Habitat
As Florida’s population booms, new roads, housing developments, and shopping centers fragment natural ecosystems. Poorly planned expansion of cities cut off natural wildlife corridors. The importance of maintaining landscape connectivity to ensure the survival of wide-ranging wildlife species, like the black bear and panther, has been documented for nearly 30 years. Yet, there is still no coordinated, statewide effort to protect natural corridors that provide wildlife with access to safe passageways between conservation areas. Instead, we plan for three new toll roads that will slice through some of Florida’s most pristine natural and green spaces and vital wildlife corridors.
Earlier this year, Florida’s lawmakers passed a bill that begins the planning process for the toll roads that are intended for mostly rural, natural areas. Conservation Florida’s position is this: our state’s transportation infrastructure is important, but so is our state’s green infrastructure. Far too often it is overlooked and at great risk of being decimated if we don’t think and plan judiciously. As we contemplate growth and development, the protection of wildlife corridors and vulnerable natural systems must be contemporaneously addressed and designed.
Reduced Funding for Land Conservation
Florida was once a bold leader in land conservation. Created in 1999 under Governor Jeb Bush, our state “Florida Forever” land acquisition program was funded at about $300 million a year for a decade. In 2009, funding was slashed, and it has languished ever since.
In 2014, 75% of Florida voters passed the Florida Water and Land Conservation Initiative, commonly called “Amendment 1.” That was a moment to celebrate, for certain, as is our five-year anniversary of its passing—but there is significant work to be done. Intended to restore funding for land protection, including wetlands and forests, recreational lands, beaches and shores, and working farms and ranches, voters overwhelmingly approved the constitutional amendment that would divert 33% of revenue from a tax on real estate documentary stamps to the Land Acquisition Trust Fund (LATF).
Today, the LATF could be used to restore funding to historically successful land conservation programs like Florida Forever, the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, and Florida Communities Trust. However, despite public demand, adequate, meaningful, and consistent funding for critical land protection programs remains unseen.
We can do better. We must.
Photo of ferns and cypress trees at the Headwaters of the Everglades in Central Florida by Adam Strang Bass.
Conservation Florida will be your partner as we protect critical lands, advocate for meaningful and consistent conservation funding, and serve as a steady voice for the long-term prioritization of Florida’s wild and working landscapes.
Finding Common Ground
There is hope, however. From the sandhills to the swamps, Floridians don’t always agree, but leave it to Floridians to find our common ground in the actual land we share.
Conservation connects us. It’s part of our ethos, our Floridian ethic. In it, there is hope for Florida’s conservation future.
Conservation promotes the sensible, deliberate protection of lands that are necessary to keep our state, its people, and its wildlife healthy and thriving. And we tend to agree on it. Land conservation is a no-brainer, and Floridians just get it.
Conservation lands protect our life-sustaining and economy-sustaining water, and water is the lifeblood of our State. The economic benefits of conservation alone make conscientious land acquisition fiscally responsible. Responsible before we even consider the economic benefits of clean water and air, for example, that conserved lands provide. Land conservation deals in forever—and forever protects the future generations of Floridians.
Land conservation is a tool that, if used well, can also keep Florida’s family farms and ranches in business while simultaneously protecting the conservation value of the land. Maintaining green landscapes, wildlife corridors, and open space, while safeguarding food security and the rural communities that are dependent on the economic viability of agricultural operations is a double, or triple win. Imagine a ranching operation, thousands of open, beautiful Florida acres—and then imagine that land being protected from pavement forever while also continuing to produce. Conservation is the way!
You Make a Difference
Conservation Florida has permanently conserved over 25,000 acres of land over the last 20 years. But we must do more, and soon.
We know that Florida’s land and water should be defended with unyielding boldness and Florida’s biodiversity cherished. We’re working for and with you to protect Florida’s natural and agricultural landscapes—to preserve wild, wonderful Florida.
I invite you to join us as we continue to make strides toward our conservation goals, for the love of Florida, and for her future.
Support our work with a meaningful gift, volunteer as we explore and document wild Florida, or call your state lawmakers and tell them that conservation matters to you—just know that we will be here alongside you as together, we save land, for nature, for people, forever.
Every Gift Has a Story. What’s yours?
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.
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
Florida’s largest and deepest freshwater spring, Wakulla Springs, 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.
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.”
“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.
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.
Check out the video below of Meeting House cavern, which is one of over 13 karst sinks found on the Wakulla Caves property.
