Philanthropist Buys Time for Nature and Wildlife in Northern Everglades

Thanks to an anonymous conservation buyer, Eagle Haven (a 2,909-acre property on Lake Kissimmee) is getting a shot at permanent protection.

Conservation Florida successfully connected a conservation buyer with a critical conservation property in Polk County and will be working with the new owner to achieve its permanent protection.   

Eagle Haven, formerly known as Lost Oak, is a landscape lost to time, where 300-year-old live oaks and saw palmettos anchor thriving ecosystems. It is a place where swamps and marshes support an abundance of life while slowly going about the business of purifying water that feeds the Kissimmee River. It is also home to bald eagles and a population of Florida’s beloved scrub jays.  

However, with such natural beauty and over four miles of frontage on Lake Kissimmee, Eagle Haven was slated for a luxury golf resort development. The proposed development plan called for 40 cabins, a club house, two restaurants, a marina, and a clay shooting range.   

Thanks to Conservation Florida, and a friend of wild Florida who wishes to remain anonymous, these plans have been halted. The property has been purchased by a philanthropist who intends to work with Conservation Florida to protect it using a conservation easement to restrict development rights in perpetuity.  

This region is brimming with life and is home to roughly 38 federally-listed species and 161 state-listed threatened and endangered species. Our current work in this region will protect thousands of acres of family-run ranches and wild landscapes, which will provide significant habitat for Florida panthers and many other critical species like the grasshopper sparrow. Read more.

Conservation Florida and its partners launched the H2O: Headwaters to Okeechobee watershed protection initiative in November. This vital and vibrant landscape spans Orange, Osceola, Lake, Highlands, Glades, St. Lucie, Martin, and Polk counties.  

This area contains historic cattle ranches, sweeping vistas, and critical ecosystems. Because it forms the headwaters of the Greater Everglades, its protection is vital for the future of Florida’s freshwater supply.  

The purchase is a temporary measure that allows Conservation Florida and its partners in the Avon Park Sentinel Landscape and H2O: Headwaters to Okeechobee initiative time to seek funding to acquire a conservation easement on the land to ensure its permanent protection.   

“We are grateful not only to the incredibly generous conservation buyer, but to our many partners in the region and to our advisory board member Carlton Ward, Jr. who helped connect us with the buyer,” said Traci Deen, Conservation Florida’s executive director and CEO. “This is a great example of how our conservation community is creatively working together to save Florida’s iconic natural habitats for future generations.”  

The protection of Eagle Haven will provide many benefits to the public including the protection of Florida’s biodiversity at the species, natural community, and landscape levels. It has long been a high priority conservation area for Florida's rarest species.   

“As we near the end of an especially challenging year, this news fills me with hope. By working together, we can protect enough of the missing links in the Florida Wildlife Corridor to save the green heart of our great state — for the benefit of water, wildlife and all Floridians,” said Carlton Ward Jr., founder of the Florida Wildlife Corridor and a Conservation Florida advisory board member.  

Its protection also benefits tourism and recreation in the region.

Brad Weihrauch, president of the Kissimmee River Valley Sportsman Association, said, “Eagle Haven, formerly known as Lost Oak and Shady Oaks, is a critical component in The Kissimmee Chain of Lakes and The Everglades Headwater National Wildlife Refuge. The protection of this valuable piece of Old Florida is pivotal to the quality of water that flows south to the beautiful Florida Everglades and out to our coastal estuaries. The partnering efforts and commitment to save Lost Oak shows the level of dedication that this area of the state needs and deserves.”    

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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 Announces New Partnership with U.S. Air Force

To protect more land for conservation in the Northern Everglades, a cooperative agreement has been formalized between Conservation Florida and the Avon Park Air Force Range.

AVON PARK, Florida (Dec. 02, 2020) — Conservation Florida, a leader in statewide land conservation, and the Avon Park Air Force Range have joined forces to protect natural and agricultural lands in the range’s Sentinel Landscape region of the Everglades Headwaters.

The cooperative agreement authorizes Conservation Florida to negotiate the purchase and terms of conservation easements in partnership with the Air Force for properties in the Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape.

The landscape covers almost 1.7 million acres of land and is known for its rich biodiversity and abundance of private ranches. It is anchored by the Air Force’s largest primary air-to-ground training range east of the Mississippi River, which is used by every branch of the Armed Forces.

Portions of the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area also lie within the boundary of the Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape. Beyond the boundary, Conservation Florida and its partners recently introduced the H2O: Headwaters to Okeechobee watershed protection initiative. This extends protection efforts of the regional partnership from Orlando south to Lake Okeechobee. Protection of both natural and working land in the region is essential. This landscape highlights the importance of working with ranchers to protect water, wildlife, and wildlife corridors.

This region is brimming with life and is home to roughly 38 federally-listed species and 161 state-listed threatened and endangered species. Our current work in this region will protect thousands of acres of family-run ranches and wild landscapes, which will provide significant habitat for Florida panthers and many other critical species like the grasshopper sparrow. Read more.

“The Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape offers willing landowners expanded opportunities for protecting their land. Conservation Florida’s critical role delivers additional support from federal, state, and local programs to help the U.S. Air Force meet landowners’ specific needs. The result is a much greater capacity for land protection and conservation benefitting the citizens of Florida by protecting water, open space, biodiversity, military training, and agriculture. This new cooperative agreement is an exciting step forward for the Sentinel Landscape Partnership and we look forward to continued success alongside Conservation Florida,” said Chad Allison, program manager, Central Florida Regional Planning Council.

In addition to being a geographic region, the Sentinel Landscape is also a partnership to conserve land within its boundaries. Conservation Florida is a partner in this collaborative effort to protect land of high conservation value that also enhances military readiness.

“Since 2010, Avon Park Air Force Range has been fortunate to have one of the most dynamic and successful Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) programs in the nation. In partnership with local, state, and non-governmental organizations, $23 million has been invested into the landscape surrounding the Range resulting in the protection of 12,000 acres of private lands. Despite the success, one aspect that was lacking has been the opportunity to work with an established land trust. The partnership with Conservation Florida changes all that and will no doubt bring even more opportunity to preserve working lands, protect the environment, and sustain the military training mission, said Buck MacLaughlin, Lt. Col., Ret. AF.”

Avon Park Air Force Range will administer funding in support of the purchase of the conservation easements via the Department of Defense’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) program.

The REPI program allows the Air Force to work with nonprofits, such as Conservation Florida, to limit the use or development of real property in the vicinity of, or ecologically related to, a military installation or military airspace.

The purpose of this agreement is to protect land with significant conservation value near the Avon Park Air Force Range, and thereby limit encroachments of activities near the military installation that are incompatible with local communities and may interfere with military operations.

This project represents a growing trend to protect land that serves many purposes for humans and wildlife. Conservation Florida uses this strategy to prioritize projects that meet many needs including recreational opportunities, agricultural production, habitat connectivity, water quality, rare and endangered species protection, and other factors -- like military readiness.

“This partnership will strengthen and accelerate the pace of land protection throughout the region, and Conservation Florida is ready to get to work,” said Adam Bass, Conservation Florida’s director of conservation.

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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!

Introducing the H2O: Headwaters to Okeechobee

The Everglades Headwaters Watershed forms the boundary for the H2O, a regional protection initiative that’s all about water.

With your support, Conservation Florida is working to conserve landscapes that will provide long-term protection for Florida’s freshwater. We’re working in the Northern Everglades from the Headwaters in Orlando to Lake Okeechobee.

This vital and vibrant landscape spans Orange, Osceola, Lake, Highlands, Glades, St. Lucie, Martin, and Polk counties.

It is prized for its large, historic cattle ranches, sweeping vistas, and critical ecosystems. Because it forms the headwaters of the Greater Everglades, its protection is vital for the future of Florida.

Land protection and water protection are intertwined in Florida’s landscapes.

Many are surprised to learn that the Everglades Headwaters begin in Orlando behind large hotels that support Florida’s bustling tourism industry. Water from Shingle Creek flows for miles before it meets Lake Tohopekalinga, on into the Kissimmee River system, and south to the Everglades.

Protection of both natural and working land in the region is essential. This landscape highlights the importance of working with ranchers to protect water, wildlife, and wildlife corridors.

The conservation projects that we target in this region will help filter surface water flowing from the north before it reaches Lake Okeechobee. In addition to contributing to the clean-drinking water supply for millions of people, the land provides shelter for many species of neotropical birds during their spring and fall migrations. It is also estimated that more than 50% of all habitat used by panthers in the Northern Everglades is on private lands.

This region is brimming with life and is home to roughly 38 federally-listed species and 161 state-listed threatened and endangered species. Our current work in this region will protect thousands of acres of family-run ranches and wild landscapes, which will provide significant habitat for Florida panthers and many other critical species like the grasshopper sparrow.

We’re working with trusted partners, including Avon Park Air Force Range, to acquire conservation easements within the H2O that will protect thousands of acres. The H2O includes the Avon Park Sentinel Landscape. Partners include NRCS, U.S. Airforce, Department of Defense, Central Florida Regional Planning Council, Wildlands Conservation, Florida Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ducks Unlimited, National Wildlife Refuge Association, Green Horizons Land Trust, and Crawford Entertainment. Together, we’re working to protect H2O within the H2O.

Highlighted Conservation Florida Projects within the H2O

XL Ranch Lightsey Cove

This 537-acre ranch is prized for its undisturbed habitat. 

Arbuckle Creek Ranch

This 1,250-acre ranch is adjacent to the Avon Park Air Force Range.

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For the Love of Florida: we have work to do

By Traci Deen, Conservation Florida’s executive director and CEO

Floridians get it. We know that getting out in nature does the body and mind good. 

We’re seeing this in action now. As people search for ways to cope with stress and heartache, as we try to stay healthy and active and look for safe ways to connect with loved ones, Floridians are turning to nature and local family farms like never before. 

We’ve been getting outside and soaking up the Wild Florida Rx and have found nature to be a source of comfort. I think many of us have gained a deeper appreciation for the benefits provided by our natural ecosystems and a better understanding of what we have to lose. 

This difficult year has made Conservation Florida’s mission even more relevant, and it has added a new urgency to our motto: Saving Land. For Nature. For People. Forever. 

But what hit us during this year is recognizing that while we are working every day to save land, this year, the land saved us. 

While we don’t know how current challenges will play out, there is one thing we can promise you: the land we conserve together will still be here tomorrow, next year, and 100 years from now. That’s permanence. That’s something you can count on. 

…and nature is always there for us when we need it most.

Imagine if earlier generations didn’t protect the special places on which we now depend? Where would we be today? 

We swim, eyes open and breath held, in crisp, turquoise Florida springs. We explore, vacation, and fish our coasts. 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. 

Now, it’s our turn to continue that legacy and save Florida’s natural and agricultural landscapes for future generations. 

We have work to do!

We 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, and another ranch is lost to rooftops. 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. 

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 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. 

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.

My heartfelt invitation to make a difference for Wild Florida 

Because of you, Conservation Florida has permanently conserved over 25,000 acres of land over the last 21 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 must be cherished. 

So, as a friend to nature, please take a look at your values, your priorities, and your budget and join us: 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. 

Nature is a precious gift, and we have a chance, right here, right now, to save enough of it in Florida to make a lasting difference … a forever difference. Land conservation deals in forever.

Remember, it all starts with the land. Clean air, fresh drinking water, nutritious food, recreation, physical health, and mental wellbeing. 

We are all tied to the land and part of nature. Nature saves us…now we save nature. We’re working for and with you to protect Florida’s natural and agricultural landscapes — to preserve wild, wonderful Florida. 

This is my heartfelt invitation to join us as we continue to make strides toward our conservation goals, for the love of Florida and for her future.

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Every Gift Has a Story

by Justin Buzzi, owner of Get Up And Go Kayaking

Growing up in florida means getting out on the water all the time. And because my dad is a boat captain, I’ve even had the opportunity to live on the water. It’s where I feel the most at home and the most relaxed. 

Naturally, when I started my clear-kayaking business back in 2016, it was completely focused on our waterways. Since then, I’ve led more than 350 guided kayak tours in and around Central Florida to share my passion for our natural surroundings. Now that we have 14 locations, we have the incredible opportunity to educate even more people about our fragile environment and the importance of saving our lands and precious waterways. 

Our goal is to share our love of kayaking and wildlife, one tour at a time. I want to make absolutely sure that we preserve our wilderness areas for generations to come. We started contributing to Conservation Florida when Alex McKeeman, our first tour guide, passed away while diving Silver Glen Springs. Each year, we hold one day where 100 percent of the proceeds go to Conservation Florida. It’s been a great way to keep his memory alive. He, too, was extremely passionate about the true, authentic Florida that we hold so dear to our hearts.

Kayakers paddle Rainbow River in a clear kayak. Photo courtesy of Get Up and Go Kayaking.

Conservation Florida awarded funding for XL Ranch Lightsey Cove project by U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

Ancient oak hammocks grace the landscape at XL Ranch Lightsey Cove on Lake Istokpoga. Many rare and endangered species such as native orchids are also found on the property. The native Florida Tampa butterfly orchid, shown here, is rare and cannot be harvested from the wild.Photo courtesy of NRCS.

Conservation Florida has secured funding to protect 537 acres of incredible Florida habitat for rare and endangered species thanks to a partnership with Natural Resources Conservation Service.

SEBRING, Florida (Sept. 30, 2020) — Conservation Florida, a leader in statewide land conservation, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) have partnered to protect a conservation gem on Lake Istokpoga in Highlands County.

With exceptional habitat, such as wet prairie, scrub, and cutthroat grass, this property is a high protection priority. 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 free roaming cattle have been grazing in this region since the 1800s.

Landowner Cary Lightsey talks with NRCS and Conservation Florida staff during a tour of the property. Photo by CFL staff.

Conservation Florida has been selected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to receive funding to protect XL Ranch Lightsey Cove. Funding will be awarded via the NRCS Agricultural Conservation Easement Program for Agricultural Land Easements Grasslands of Special Environmental Significance (ALE-GSS). 

“Projects like XL Ranch are a great example of NRCS’s commitment to preserve working agricultural lands and protect the long term sustainability and viability of these farms across the state of Florida,” said Juan Hernandez, NRCS Florida State Conservationist.

In Florida, NRCS, has provided financial and technical assistance for landowners to restore 189,866 acres of wetlands since 1998 and preserve 59,612 acres of agricultural land since 1996 through easements.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Conservation Florida, and we look forward to working with both NRCS and the Lightsey family to acquire a conservation easement on XL Ranch Lightsey Cove,” said Traci Deen, the executive director and CEO of Conservation Florida. “We’ll be protecting this critically important property forever, and that’s very special.”

The purpose of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program is to protect the long-term viability of the nation’s food supply. The easements are designed to keep productive working lands in agricultural uses. More benefits to the public include improved environmental quality, historic preservation, wildlife habitat and protection of open space.

Cows grazing on XL Ranch. Photo by Adam Bass.

The ALE-GSS program funding offers protection for “the long term grazing uses and related conservation values” of XL Ranch Lightsey Cove. According to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, “The program emphasizes support of grazing operations, maintaining and improving plant and animal biodiversity, and protecting grasslands and shrublands under threat of conversion to cropping, urban development, and other non-grazing uses.”

More, XL Ranch Lightsey Cove lies within the Avon Park Air Force Range (APAFR) Sentinel Landscape. The APAFR Sentinel Landscape covers almost 1.7 million acres of land and is known for its rich biodiversity and abundance of private ranches. The sentinel landscape is anchored by the Air Force’s largest primary air-to-ground training range east of the Mississippi River, which is used by every branch of the Armed Forces. The sentinel landscape is also home to portions of the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area.

The APAFR Sentinel Landscape is also a partnership to conserve land in this region. Conservation Florida is a partner in this collaborative effort to protect land of high conservation value that also enhances military readiness.

“XL Ranch Lightsey Cove is a slice of Old Florida, and its protection is vital to the Northern Everglades,” said Adam Bass, Conservation Florida’s director of conservation. “We look forward to working with our partners to protect this important property in perpetuity.”  

To make a donation in support of regional conservation, visit conserveflorida.org. Explore their website to learn more about Conservation Florida, its partners, and its work to save land throughout Florida.

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Curious about the Lightsey family ranching legacy and NRCS conservation programs? Keep scrolling!

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 Welcomes Two New Members to its Board of Directors

Adding again to our growing team, we are excited to welcome two new members to our board of directors — Ellery Badcock Linder and Will Hollis

Ellery Badcock Linder 

Ellery Linder is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Wherewithal, a women’s apparel company introducing an entirely new bra design that allows women to create their own unique and personal fit. After starting her career in publishing at Food Network Magazine in NYC, she transitioned into retail joining the Home Shopping Network’s culinary e-commerce team in St. Petersburg, Florida. At HSN, Ellery was the brand marketing lead for the culinary division, overseeing the development of category and brand strategies that drove incremental sales, customer growth and brand engagement. She managed external partnerships like Food & Wine, as well as cross-functional teams that created comprehensive, omni-channel marketing plans to establish customer advocacy, awareness and brand loyalty.  

Retail is in her DNA, as her family has owned their furniture company, Badcock & More, for 116 years, operating over 370 stores across the Southeast. As a fifth generation Floridian, Ellery is passionate about preserving the history and environment of her home state for future generations.   

Will Hollis

Will Hollis is a fifth generation Floridian born in Lakeland, Florida who grew up on Crooked Lake in Babson Park. Volunteering started in middle school for Will, and it has become an integral part of his life ever since.  In 2009, he enrolled in Stetson University, where his grandfather and many other family members attended before him. After graduating from Stetson, Will started a marketing and public relations firm, Hill and Hollis Enterprises, where he implemented many successful local and regional PR campaigns focusing on real estate developments. 

After selling Hill and Hollis and moving to Colorado for a little over a year, Will and his wife, Emily, moved back to DeLand, Florida to start Hollis House Woodworking and Design making custom furniture together, as well as Silloh Development, a land clearing company that would allow Will to deploy his resources for disaster relief after hurricanes. Today, Will also serves on the board of directors for the Rotary Club of DeLand, the Neighborhood Center of West Volusia, a non-profit organization that feeds the hungry, houses the homeless, and prevents homelessness, and has previously served as a board member for Discover DeLand, a group of professionals working together to promote and market the city of DeLand. 

Will is looking forward to becoming actively involved and volunteering his time for Conservation Florida. Will and his wife Emily enjoy hiking and camping all over the United States but feel especially close to Florida’s local state parks, water management areas, and National Forests.   

These new board members add to the bench strength of our team. As Conservation Florida continues to grow, we are expanding our work 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.  

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About Conservation Florida  

Conservation Florida is an 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 chosen as inaugural host of Scholars for Conservation Leadership Program

Recent College Graduates to Jump Start Their Careers in Florida

ORLANDO, Florida (Aug. 18, 2020) — Conservation Florida, a leader in statewide land conservation, and the Land Trust Alliance, a national land conservation organization working to save the places people need and love by strengthening land conservation across America, today announced placement of two Scholars for Conservation Leadership Program Fellows.

The Scholars for Conservation Leadership Program is a career and leadership development program launched by Land Trust Alliance and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Cooperative Forestry. The program aims to expand opportunities for students to pursue careers in natural resource management and conservation, with an emphasis on reaching students of underrepresented and minority backgrounds in these sectors.

2020 Scholars for Conservation Leadership Program Fellow, Lillian Dinkins at Conservation Florida’s D Ranch Preserve. Photo by Lloyd Green.

Lillian Dinkins, who graduated with a degree in environmental science from Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama, and Papa Gueye, who graduated with a degree in agronomy from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee, Florida, began their paid, yearlong fellowship at Conservation Florida on Aug. 3. (Photos of Dinkins and Gueye are available on request.)

“I’m beyond excited for this upcoming year with Conservation Florida,” Dinkins said. “Florida has really unique wildlife and ecosystems that I’ll be able to learn about as well as help protect. I’m especially excited to help with educational programming.”

“I am honored to be selected to complete a prestigious yearlong fellowship with Conservation Florida,” Gueye said. “I’m very grateful for this amazing opportunity, which would not have been possible without the support and mentorship of my family and friends. As I graduated from both high school and college in Florida, I also could not be happier to be able to work in a state that is dear to my heart.”

2020 Scholars for Conservation Leadership Program Fellow, Papa Gueye at Conservation Florida’s D Ranch Preserve. Photo by Lloyd Green.

Through these fellowships, Conservation Florida becomes the first land trust in the nation to host SCLP fellows. Dinkins and Gueye chose to pursue their fellowships at Conservation Florida because of the organization’s ability to provide them with particularly relevant on-the-job training while enabling them to work remotely. Both fellows will be based in Orlando.

The 2019 pilot program brought together 10 undergraduate college students from across the country in October for a one-day professional development experience followed by attendance at Rally: The National Land Conservation Conference held in Raleigh, North Carolina. While at the largest national convening of conservation professions in the country, students heard from leaders in conservation and natural resource management, and gained skills in support of their career development.

After the seminar, the students joined the conference, where they had the opportunity to participate in numerous trainings and workshops while connecting with young professionals and conservation practitioners from across the nation. Out of the initial cohort, two students were selected to participate in a paid, yearlong fellowship at a land trust to gain on-the-job experience.

“All of us at the Land Trust Alliance are gratified to see so much come of this program,” said Andrew Bowman, president and CEO of the Alliance. “Through this opportunity, accomplished students from across the country are gaining valuable practical experiences with land trusts and building the professional networks they need to advance their careers.”

“Growing a diverse and inclusive future for conservation is a goal we share with the Land Trust Alliance and Conservation Florida,” said Deputy Chief John Phipps, State and Private Forestry, USDA Forest Service. “We are proud to support future conservation leaders like Lillian and Papa.”

“We’re thrilled to have two bright, passionate conservationists joining our team as they begin their careers,” said Traci Deen, the executive director and CEO of Conservation Florida. “It’s an honor to host Lillian and Papa and partner with the Land Trust Alliance and USDA Forest Service on this timely and important program.”

SCLP will begin recruiting its next cohort of 20 college students in February 2021. Interested students should bookmark www.landtrustalliance.org and watch for more information about the application process in the months ahead.

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About Conservation Florida

Conservation Florida is an 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!

About the Land Trust Alliance

Founded in 1982, the Land Trust Alliance is a national land conservation organization that works to save the places people need and love by strengthening land conservation across America. The Alliance represents 1,000 member land trusts supported by more than 200,000 volunteers and 4.6 million members nationwide. The Alliance is based in Washington, D.C., and operates several regional offices. More information about the Alliance is available at www.landtrustalliance.org.

About the USDA Forest Service

The mission of the USDA Forest Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the nation’s forests, grasslands and watersheds to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains world-renowned forestry research and wildland fire management organizations. The Cooperative Forestry unit of the USDA Forest Service works closely with partners to enhance and maintain forests across watersheds and ecosystems, both on private and public land, and delivers its work through states, local governments, other federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and other partners leveraging additional resources and fueling innovation.

Conservation Florida’s protection of Arbuckle Creek Ranch will help nature and the military

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.

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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

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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.

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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!