Conservation Florida's Eagle Haven Project Takes Big Step Forward

Thanks to strong partnerships, partial funding has been secured to protect Eagle Haven, a 2,909-acre property on Lake Kissimmee

About the H2O: Headwaters to Okeechobee Initiative: 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.

LAKE WALES, Florida  (March 3, 2021) — Conservation Florida, a leader in statewide land conservation, and its partners at Avon Park Air Force Range, have secured partial funding to protect land within the Avon Park Sentinel Landscape, which contains some of Florida’s most thriving ecosystems. Thanks to the Readiness Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) program, the Eagle Haven property (formerly named Lost Oak) is one step closer to permanent protection. 

Eagle Haven is an ecological gem in Florida, spanning four miles of Lake Kissimmee shoreline. It contains six different habitats brimming with life. From bald eagles to otters, Eagle Haven provides critical habitat for roughly 200 species, including the beloved Florida scrub-jay. 300-year-old live oaks dot the landscape while the swamps and marshes work around the clock to purify water for the Kissimmee River.  

In addition to its ecological features, Eagle Haven is special due to its location in the H2O: Headwaters to Okeechobee, which is a regional land and water protection initiative in the Northern Everglades spanning from the headwaters in Orlando to Lake Okeechobee.

In 2020, Conservation Florida and the Avon Park Air Force Range formalized a partnership that has accelerated the pace of land protection in the Northern Everglades. Through its REPI program, Avon Park Air Force Range has pledged $1.6 million in funding toward the purchase of a conservation easement on Eagle Haven. 

“We are extremely pleased to work with Conservation Florida in the effort to protect Eagle Haven and to contribute to the H2O initiative. Preserving the natural habitat on Lost Oak enhances the Range’s internal conservation efforts while protecting a critical military flight corridor,” said Buck MacLaughlin, Lt. Col., Ret. AF.

This project exemplifies the tremendous work going on in the Everglades Headwaters and the strong, successful partnerships that lead to the 2016 Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape designation.

“Our partnership with the Avon Park Air Force Range is a catalyst for protecting land in the H2O, said Adam Bass, director of conservation at Conservation Florida. “Eagle Haven is one of several largescale land protection projects we have underway in the region.”

Conservation Florida is working to secure the remaining funds needed to acquire a conservation easement and is seeking donations to support its efforts. 

Land protection opportunities inside the H2O boundary are a high priority for Conservation Florida and its partners not only for water and wildlife, but also for sustaining military operations at the Avon Park Air Force Range. 

Last year, Conservation Florida teamed up with a conservation buyer who purchased Eagle Haven as a temporary way to stop it from being developed. The anonymous philanthropist has given the organization time to find funding to place a conservation easement on the land to ensure its permanent protection.

The new landowner has already begun caring for Eagle Haven’s important habitats by introducing prescribed burning, which was professionally conducted by Kissimmee Valley Foresters in January. 

The region is home to 161 state listed threatened and endangered species. Securing this property will mean protecting habitat for Florida panthers and other endangered species, such as the grasshopper sparrow. 

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 Eagle Haven shows the level of dedication that this area of the state needs and deserves.”

The scenic countryside of Eagle Haven was nearly developed into a luxury golf resort. The development plan included 40 cabins, a clubhouse, two restaurants, a marina, and a clay shooting range. The property includes four miles of frontage on Lake Kissimmee, which made it valuable to developers and conservationists. Thanks to the swift action of Conservation Florida and the conservation buyer, Eagle Haven has a chance to be protected forever.

The Department of Defense’s REPI program works with nonprofits, such as Conservation Florida, to conserve land near military installations and ranges. These partnerships work across boundaries to protect wildlife habitats, water resources, threatened and endangered species, and working lands. This strategic use of funding will serve the public interest by protecting endangered species, agricultural needs, and water purity. 

Eagle Haven represents the true potential to protect a piece of the H2O: a vital and vibrant landscape that spans Orange, Osceola, Lake, Highlands, Glades, St. Lucie, Martin, and Polk counties.

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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 teams up with local organizations to promote bird conservation

Environmental groups seek to engage new audiences in bird conservation through the online resource eBird. 

Conservation Florida, along with Tall Timbers and Alachua Conservation Trust, is partnering with local Audubon chapters, including West Volusia Audubon and Orange Audubon Society, to document declining bird species on private and land trust owned lands. Collectively, the three land trusts protect thousands of acres that, in many instances, have been birded infrequently, if ever. 

The partnership aims to generate more interest in birdwatching and eBird, an online database of bird sightings that provides bird enthusiasts, research professionals, and amateur naturalists with real-time data about bird distribution and population. The partners intend to engage private landowners and birdwatchers in the collection of scientific data. The partnership offers opportunities for private citizens to contribute to the protection of Florida’s birds. 

“Conservation Florida is grateful to Tall Timbers for spearheading this unique partnership,” said Traci Deen, Conservation Florida’s CEO, “and we are excited to host our first birdwatching tour with Orange Audubon Society and West Volusia Audubon at D Ranch Preserve.”

Tall Timbers received a $5,000 grant from Cornell Lab of Ornithology to work with other land trusts and Audubon chapters to address the well-known bird population decline in North America and help assess habitat reduction and fragmentation.

“Tall Timbers, along with its partners, will help fill in the gaps of bird distribution within Florida and Georgia, while engaging new audiences with bird conservation through the use of eBird,” said Peter Kleinhenz, Aucilla River Watershed Coalition Coordinator at Tall Timbers. “Until people feel personally connected to a problem, they are far less likely to take actions required to solve it.”

This month, Conservation Florida will be holding educational events to give landowners and birders online and in-person tutorials of eBird. The collaborative events are a way for seasoned and aspiring birders to learn about bird conservation efforts and how they can help. On Feb. 27, Conservation Florida, Orange Audubon Society, and West Volusia Audubon will host a guided birdwatching tour at Conservation Florida’s 487-acre D Ranch Preserve in Osteen, Florida. The event is a way for bird enthusiasts to learn about eBird and bird conservation efforts in a safe, socially distanced environment.  

eBird is an app and website that gives birders the ability to document the species of birds they see, record the given time, and mark the location of the sighting. Every time a user documents a sighting, it contributes to a global database of recorded distribution, abundance, habitat use, and migration trends. The more people contribute, the more it will help scientific research and bird conservation efforts.

On Feb. 25, Conservation Florida and Orange Audubon Society will host an introductory training to eBird. Local Audubon volunteers will teach the basics of eBird and how to log bird sightings on eBird. This event is a great way to get people involved with conservation efforts.

“Orange Audubon Society is pleased to be joining with Conservation Florida in this effort, funded by Cornell Lab of Ornithology, to get more people into birding, including landowners, and at the same time to develop a better knowledge of bird distribution on conservation lands that normally have no public access,” said Deborah Green, Orange Audubon Society President. “eBird is Cornell Lab’s remarkable bird observation recording app and database that we hope more people learn to use. We are excited to do bird surveys on the D Ranch Preserve and look forward to expanding this effort in partnership with Conservation Florida into other important conservation properties.”

Eli Schaperow, West Volusia Audubon's lead birder, will be attending the outing at D Ranch Preserve.

Schaperow said, “We are always excited to partner with organizations like Conservation Florida and Orange Audubon Society to both educate the public and learn about what other organizations are doing.  We hope that with what we learn from collecting data at sites like D Ranch, we can find suitable habitat that can be restored to healthy Scrub for imperiled species like the Florida Scrub-jay. This is also a great opportunity to sharpen our surveying skill, so the data we collect may be improved and shared by using tools like eBird.”

Getting more people connected with nature is one of many steps in protecting Florida’s habitat. Florida land trusts have access to thousands of acres that have rarely been birded. Introducing landowners and bird enthusiasts to eBird could offer greater insight into bird distribution on private conservation lands.

In addition, equipping landowners with the ability to document birds on their properties will give researchers long term data on bird distribution, something that can be challenging to track on private lands. More frequent data collection of bird species on private and land trust owned lands will improve conservation efforts throughout the state.  The decline in bird populations is no secret but, through this project, Conservation Florida looks forward to lending a helping hand.   

About the Partners

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!

Tall Timbers

Tall Timbers is recognized as the home of the study of fire ecology and is an advocate to protect the right to use prescribed fire for land management. It is also recognized as one of the nation’s leading land trusts.

Alachua Conservation Trust 

The mission of Alachua Conservation Trust (ACT) is to protect the natural, historic, scenic and recreational resources in and around North Central Florida. ACT protects land through purchase, donation, and conservation easements in 16 counties.

Orange County Audubon

The purpose and dedication of Orange Audubon Society (OAS) is to promote public understanding of, and an interest in, wildlife and the environment that supports it. OAS’ education programs foster the recognition of the tangible and intangible values in the remaining natural areas of Florida and the world, and our responsibility for the conservation of the Earth’s natural ecosystems and the services that they provide for the health of the planet.

West Volusia Audubon

West Volusia Audubon is committed to ongoing stewardship and enjoyment of the natural world.

Announcing new officers and board members

Conservation Florida Welcomes Three New Members to its Board of Directors and Elects New Officers to Serve on its Executive Committee

"We are beyond grateful to have passionate and knowledgeable board members and allies who give so much to our organization because they believe in the importance of the work we are doing to protect Florida’s wild places,” said Traci Deen, CEO of Conservation Florida.   

We are excited to welcome Courtney Barnard, Kipp Frohlich, and Matt Pearce to our board of directors. They represent each of our three key regions: Everglades Headwaters, Northwest Florida, and Central Florida and bring a diversity of skills to our team. We are lucky to have them as resources for land protection and advocates for conservation in Florida.  

New Board Members

Courtney Barnard 

Courtney serves as the director of government affairs in Florida for Verizon. Her areas of focus include local government relations and community engagement. Courtney has over a decade of experience working in public policy and grassroots engagement in Florida. Prior to her role with Verizon, Courtney previously worked in housing advocacy with the Florida Realtor Association and Florida Apartment Association. Outside of work, she volunteers locally and is a lifetime member of Leadership Florida.

Courtney received her master’s in political science, international studies track at the University of Central Florida and her bachelor’s in politics and international relations at Scripps College in Claremont, CA. She also holds a certificate in public policy from the University of Washington, Jackson School of International Relations. 

Courtney is a native of California, but has lived in Central Florida for a decade. She is passionate about her local community and loves having nature on her doorstep. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, stand up paddle boarding, yoga, baking, and reading.

"I'm proud to serve as a board member of Conservation Florida and to support their work to protect the beauty of wild Florida for generations to come,” said Courtney. “Conservation Florida is a leader statewide working to permanently protect our natural lands and species."

Kipp Frohlich 

Kipp grew up in Treasure Island, Florida and always dreamed of working in the conservation profession. He received a bachelor’s in biology from Furman University and a master’s in wildlife ecology from the University of Florida. For 35 years, Kipp fulfilled his childhood dream of working for numerous agencies including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Florida Department of Natural Resources, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. He joined the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission when it was created in 1999 and retired as director of habitat and species conservation in 2020. Kipp and his wife Leslie reside in Tallahassee and love spending time outdoors camping, fishing, hiking, and traveling. They are thankful that their two grown children have a deep love of nature and outdoor pursuits. 

“After a career of protecting some of Florida’s most iconic wildlife, I am thrilled to be able to help Conservation Florida with their mission of saving the unique habitats that support our state’s rich biodiversity,” said Kipp. “Given the current population of Florida and its projected growth, it’s essential that we conserve more land now, for wildlife, people, and our future.”

Matt Pearce 

Matt is a Florida native and 7th generation cattle rancher who is passionate about protecting habitat for ranching and wildlife. 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 the immediate past president. His goal is to serve the industry and assist in successfully passing down the ranching lifestyle to the next generation. 

“I’m excited to serve on Conservation Florida’s board of directors and work to preserve the wild Florida that I grew up with. I want my kids and grandkids to experience the Florida I’ve always known, and learn from it the same love, appreciation, and conservation mindset – for the future of Florida,” said Matt.

New Executive Committee

Conservation Florida’s board of directors has elected a new slate to serve its executive committee – President, KC Nayfield; Vice President, Neil Asma; Treasurer, John Regenfuss; Secretary, Mike Forrester.  This team of longtime conservationists is committed to protecting Florida’s natural and agricultural landscapes for future generations, and Conservation Florida is thrilled to have such knowledgeable and passionate volunteers leading its board of directors.  

KC Nayfield, President 

KC is a Florida native. He spent his veterinary career as a surgeon to pets and exotic animals in Crystal River. He built a practice there over three decades, and as an independent veterinarian, he gained tremendous small business expertise. He is regionally known as a skillful and ethical surgeon. KC and his wife, MaryBeth, brought their two children up to cherish the great outdoors. MaryBeth has been a public health nurse in Citrus County for her entire career. The family are lifelong sailors, explorers and wildlife fans. 

Neil Asma, Vice President 

Neil is a third generation Floridian from Winter Garden, where he is the Vice President of Toole’s Ace Hardware, an organization of eleven Ace Hardware stores in Central Florda.  He received his BA in English from Washington & Lee University, and MBA from Rollins College. 

Neil learned to love nature backpacking and camping with the Boy Scouts of America, reaching the rank of Eagle Scout.  He and his wife Sarah are passionate about ensuring their daughter will grow up with the same chance to love natural Florida.  

John Regenfuss, Treasurer 

 In the early part of his career he specialized in turning around financial and/or administratively distressed academic departments. He holds a BA degree in Philosophy from St. Francis Seminary and a MBA with emphasis in Human Resources and Finance from Keller Graduate School of Management. He also holds a Yellow belt from Six Sigma. John has a long history of serving his community. In addition to being a Lions Club member since 1988, he has served on the boards of many organizations including the Curative Rehabilitation Center, Moraine Symphony Orchestra, Port Washington Fish Day, Rehabilitation Facilities of Wisconsin, Mukwonago School Board, and Big Bend Police Commission. His hobbies are running, bicycling, camping, fishing, kayaking, gardening and tinkering. 

Mike Forrester, Secretary 

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 Florida history, while he and his dad traveled the state, visiting many of Florida’s iconic sites and historic locations.  

Mike has been a freelance producer and cameraman for The Weather Channel, National Geographic, Bloomberg, CNN and other networks. He is President of Orlando Webcasts which produces live, online corporate meetings, town halls and conferences. 

He spends his free time visiting state parks and conservation areas, learning more about our state's fragile ecosystem, 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 become active with Conservation Florida. 

As Conservation Florida continues to grow, so does the hope for a future where vital and vibrant Florida land is protected forever. Our organization relies on volunteers, such as these dedicated 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! 

Your Love for Wild Florida Inspires Team Conservation Florida

Photo: K Honor Photography

The week leading up to Valentine’s Day, team Conservation Florida asked fellow Floridians to use the hashtag #ILoveWildFlorida and share the special reasons they love wild Florida on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. 

In addition to encouraging followers to show appreciation for Wild Florida online and offline, one lucky winner was chosen to receive Conservation Florida merchandise. 

I love Wild Florida simply because it exists,” said the contest winner on Instagram. “On every trail, at every park there is always something that takes my breath away and I am filled with gratitude for the conservation efforts that help keep Florida Wild.

This Valentine’s Day, it is abundantly clear how much the wild beauty of our fabulous state is loved by its inhabitants. As a statewide accredited land trust working to protect Florida's natural and agricultural landscapes for future generations, the love you share fuels our drive to accomplish this mission! 

“With all of the changes I’ve seen…I’m grateful parts of Wild Florida are still here,” said another participant of the contest.

Thank you for using your voice to speak up for conservation and inspiring the Conservation Florida team to work harder than ever to protect the wild Florida we all know and love.

Interested in showing your love for Wild Florida outside of social media?

Explore ways to give and consider donating today. 

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!

New Hire Supports Conservation Florida’s Race to Save Florida’s Landscapes

Conservation Florida, a leader in statewide land conservation, hired Allison Reynolds as a new land protection associate to strengthen its team and further its mission of protecting Florida’s wonderful wild places. Reynolds previously volunteered with Conservation Florida as a land protection intern.   

She brings the professional experience of over 20 years in the commercial real estate industry. Prior to her real estate career, she worked on diverse research and conservation projects throughout Florida and Georgia. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biological Science from Florida State University and is now continuing her education by attending the University of Central Florida pursuing a master’s in interdisciplinary studies. 

“For me, land protection is incredibly rewarding because it allows me to help keep Florida wild while using the knowledge and skills I've acquired over the course of my real estate career,” said Reynolds.

A lifelong Florida resident, her love for the outdoors was nurtured by a childhood spent camping, visiting the beaches and springs and adventuring in nature. Seeing firsthand the impacts of accelerating development and population growth on our natural areas, she will put her experience to work protecting important landscapes and environmental resources for the benefit of future generations.

“I am thrilled to join the staff of Conservation Florida and assist this incredible organization with their mission of preserving the natural areas that we all treasure,” said Reynolds.

Interested in working for or volunteering with Conservation Florida?

Conservation Florida is now accepting applications for summer internships and have ongoing volunteer opportunities. Sign up to volunteer here.

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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 Opens Office near the Everglades Headwaters

Conservation Florida opens new office at The Lodge in Polk County.

Conservation Florida has opened an office in Winter Haven, Florida to better serve landowners in South Florida and support the organization’s mission to protect natural and agricultural landscapes throughout the state of Florida.  

“The office is going to dramatically enhance our work in the region to protect wild Florida and serve family farmers and ranchers,” said Adam Strang Bass, Conservation Florida’s Director of Conservation. “As a lifelong resident of Polk County, I’m very proud of this next step in our growth.” 

The new office space increases Conservation Florida’s reach, and gives its team more resources to accomplish its H2O: Headwaters to Okeechobee initiative. This initiative aims to protect the vital and vibrant landscape that spans from the Everglades Headwaters in Orlando to Lake Okeechobee to provide long-term protection for Florida’s freshwater.  

“We are committed to conservation in the Everglades Headwaters. Our new location in Polk County will improve our coordination with partners and enhance conservation efforts in the H2O: Headwaters to Okeechobee,” said Traci Deen, Conservation Florida’s Executive Director and CEO. 

Read more about Conservation Florida’s critical, water-saving H2O initiative here.  

Conservation Florida’s addition of an office in Winter Haven reflects the organization’s commitment to protecting land statewide. As the need for land conservation continues to grow, the organization’s mission becomes more necessary and urgent.  

The organization currently has an office in Gainesville and is considering another office in Orlando to strengthen its capabilities and its statewide presence.  

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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!

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!