Gissy Springs and Rainbow River Ranch added to growing list of Conservation Florida land protection priorities

Conservation Florida is urging the State to act quickly to protect these missing pieces of a land protection puzzle that will form an unbroken corridor of conservation lands from Rainbow Springs State Park to Withlacoochee State Forest.

Photo of Rainbow River by James Steele.

Public access is not permitted. Please respect private property rights. This land is privately owned, and trespassing may interfere with protection efforts.

Dunnellon, Fla. (May 12, 2021) - Conservation Florida, a dynamic driver of statewide land conservation and partner in the protection of the Florida Wildlife Corridor, is working on an exciting new land and springs protection project – Gissy Springs and Rainbow River Ranch. 

Located within the Rainbow River Corridor, which is a high priority Florida Forever project, these two properties, totaling 300 acres, span the last 4,620 feet of undeveloped shoreline and contain at least 13 springs that flow into the Rainbow River. 

The Rainbow River is one of the longest spring runs in the world and is a state-designated Aquatic Preserve and Outstanding Florida Water as well as a Surface Water Improvement and Management Act priority water body. These designations speak to the critical significance of protecting this Florida jewel.

“Swift action to acquire conservation easements on these lands will provide added protection to the Rainbow River and the ecosystem that it supports,” said Traci Deen, CEO at Conservation Florida. 

Overuse, septic waste, and pollution pose serious threats to the health of the river. When the landowner, Jim Gissy, explored the idea of building an eco-friendly resort on his riverfront property, he was initially thinking it would be a boon to the community and create jobs. However, his proposal was met with opposition from environmental advocacy groups who feared increased use would further degrade the river's habitat. 

Mr. Gissy withdrew his application to develop because he didn’t want to build something the community did not want. Instead, he met with Conservation Florida to discuss options for selling conservation easements on the property.

“I think there needs to be a balance between keeping nature “nature” and supporting the local economy,” said Gissy. “There’s no other place like it in Florida and the timing is good to protect it,” he said referring to the Rainbow River spring run. 

This would not be the first time Gissy has protected land on the Rainbow River. He previously sold land holdings along the river to the state for conservation purposes. He also worked with state and federal authorities to restore a dazzling second magnitude spring to its original glory by removing years of debris that had clogged it. 

Long sought-after for protection, the parcels would provide the missing pieces in a chain of connected conservation lands, including the Rainbow Springs State Park and Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, which surround the properties.

Sandwiched between Rainbow Springs State Park and State Campground, Gissy Springs is a critical missing piece of the Rainbow River Corridor that would connect the current northern and southern parcels of the park. The Rainbow River Ranch is located along the park’s southern boundary.

As stated in the Florida Forever Five-Year Plan, “the proposed acquisitions would provide a more contiguous system of natural areas by creating an intact corridor between conservation lands. It would also provide added protection for the river by safeguarding the remaining undeveloped lands in the already significantly altered waterway.” Gissy Springs, with 13 spring vents, flows into the Rainbow River, which feeds the larger Withlacoochee River. 

The Withlacoochee River and its basin encompass a wide range of ecosystems including floodplain forests, cypress domes, pine flatwoods, sandhills, lake systems, and marshes that provide habitat for important wildlife populations.

Dr. Burt Eno, president of Rainbow River Conservation (RRC), has been advocating for the protection of this land since 2006, when the group submitted the Rainbow River Corridor Project application to Florida Forever. The project sought to protect the Rainbow River by conserving large parcels of land along the river. Among those parcels were the Gissy Springs property and the portion of the Rainbow River Ranch now owned by Gissy. 

"RRC vigorously opposed development on those properties and we are now very pleased that Mr. Gissy has chosen to protect those properties, and the Rainbow River, through conservation easements. We wish him well in this endeavor," said Eno.  

Rainbow River Ranch and Gissy Springs contain several natural communities including hydric hammock, sandhill, scrubby/mesic flatwoods, and upland mixed forest/mesic hammock. Acquisition of these lands will help preserve habitat for numerous species including several turtle species and state-listed wading birds, according to the Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection.

Adam Bass, director of conservation at Conservation Florida said that this project checks a lot of boxes. “It meets several of the state's highest protection goals, making it an excellent candidate for funding through Florida Forever this year.” 

In addition to protecting a spring run and agricultural lands, it protects biodiversity by conserving rare species habitat, preserves landscape linkages and completes a conservation corridor, protects surface waters, contributes to aquifer recharge, and enhances natural resource-based recreation opportunities by filling several land gaps between sections of the Rainbow River State Park. Rainbow Springs is a first magnitude spring and currently has the highest average flow of any spring in Florida.

This is a rare opportunity to complete a corridor of protected lands to prevent further development and conflicting land uses that could harm the ecological value of the beautiful Rainbow River. Further, the project will provide potential restoration of altered habitats along the riverbank to help restore and maintain water quality. 

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Help Conservation Florida save more land like Gissy Springs by making a donation 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! 

Director of Philanthropy Hired to Increase Land Conservation Capabilities

Conservation Florida, a leader in statewide land conservation, hired Sarah Collins as its first director of philanthropy. This is a new position for the organization that will further its statewide strategy to save land that supports Florida’s native plants and wildlife, fresh water, conservation corridors, family farms and ranches, the economy and nature-based recreation.

Collins will combine her professional experience and passion for Florida to lead strategic fundraising initiatives that support the organization’s mission. She hopes to serve a greater purpose and to build meaningful relationships in philanthropic support to protect Florida’s natural beauty for future generations.

“Sarah will now combine her deep love for Florida with her skillset and lead Conservation Florida’s philanthropy team,” said Traci Deen, Conservation Florida’s CEO. “She brings a high level of energy, skill, and passion to our team and we are thrilled to have her join us in the mission to save the wild places that we all love.”

Born and raised in Tallahassee, she earned her undergraduate degree in fine arts and master’s in Integrated Marketing and Communication Management from Florida State University. As a graduate and former employee of FSU, Collins is delighted to share her love for the garnet and gold with her family members who reside in the city.

“Bringing more than 10 years of professional experience in fundraising and solicitation strategy from my previous roles with FSU and the Economic Development Council, I’m thrilled to continue serving Florida in this capacity now through Conservation Florida,” said Collins.  

Her family has treasured Florida’s natural wonders for six generations. They enjoy sharing stories and memories about wild Florida spanning the many years of their history in the state.

Growing up, Collins spent countless days exploring the woods and coast of the Big Bend area of Florida. From turkey tracking with her dad and sister to wondering through the Apalachicola National Forest to scalloping and fishing on Live Oak Island — a love for nature is in her blood.

In her new role as Conservation Florida’s director of philanthropy, she is dedicated to showing how giving back, at any level, can instill a lasting impact on our state’s irreplaceable resources. 

“As a nature enthusiast, my hope for the role is to ensure that not only my own children — Fisher, Olivia, and Rory; but, that coming generations can also experience the same beautiful state I grew up in,” said Collins.  

Welcome Sarah Collins by making a donation today!

Help Conservation Florida give her a warm welcome and donate through the link below or contact her via email, sarah@conserveflorida.org.

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 Working to Protect Ranch in Florida Wildlife Corridor

Conservation Florida announces another piece of wild Florida under contract for conservation 

LAKE PLACID, Fla., April 28, 2021 - Conservation Florida, a dynamic driver of statewide land conservation and partner in the protection of the Florida Wildlife Corridor, has entered into a contract to buy a conservation easement on a 1000-acre working cattle ranch in Highlands County.  

The ranch is located within the boundaries of Conservation Florida’s H2O: Headwaters to Okeechobee initiative, a land conservation initiative that’s all about water in the Northern Everglades. This vital and vibrant landscape 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.   

More, the property sits as a critical piece of the Florida Wildlife Corridor, a statewide ecological greenway connecting the Everglades to the Panhandle.  

This incredible property encompasses a mosaic of natural habitats. Towering longleaf pine covers swaths of wire grass and saw palmettos. The area’s dominating flatwoods intertwine with native grasses and rare plant species to create a classic example of Florida’s natural complexity.  

“Primarily composed of native range, longleaf pine flatwoods, cutthroat seep and wetlands, this unbelievable ranch is home to an abundance of documented native and endangered wildlife,” said Adam Bass, Conservation Florida’s director of conservation. “Florida panthers, black bears, gopher tortoises, and rare grasses found only in Florida...this property’s protection will be a home run.” 

At a time when Florida’s last, large ranchlands are under intense development pressures, Conservation Florida has made ranchlands in the Northern Everglades and the Florida Wildlife Corridor a top protection priority. 

The property is another Conservation Florida project that exemplifies the trend of multi-purpose land conservation. The organization uses this strategy to protect land that meets many needs including agricultural production, water quality, rare and endangered species protection, and other factors – like habitat connectivity and building a statewide wildlife corridor.  

“The protection benefits of this ranch will extend well beyond its boundaries. We know that the long-term health of the entire Greater Everglades Ecosystem and the protection of the Florida Wildlife Corridor hinges on conserving lands like these,” said Traci Deen, CEO of Conservation Florida. 

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 protects the conservation values of the land. 

"We’re pleased and honored to work with this landowner to meet their conservation goals,” said Bass. “That’s what Conservation Florida is here for. We’re looking forward to protecting this piece of wild Florida together with the landowner and our partners.” 

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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's Important Mission to be Featured by GiveVisuals

Conservation Florida selected for Video Storytelling Opportunity

ORLANDO, Florida  (April 23, 2021)—We’re excited to share the news that Conservation Florida was selected by GiveVisuals because of its success in protecting natural and agricultural landscapes throughout Florida. Thanks to this generous opportunity, the organization will receive creative tools and assistance creating a video that shows the significance of protecting land for future generations. 

The video will be created by volunteers from around the world who work with GiveVisuals to create impactful visual stories. The purpose of Conservation Florida’s video is to help raise awareness, advocates, and resources for the organization’s land conservation programs. 

GiveVisuals is a nonprofit organization that provides emerging charities with the free opportunity to expand the impact of their good works in service to others by fostering a network of creative people who want to share their visual storytelling talents.  

“This is exactly what we need, said Cyndi Fernandez, Conservation Florida’s associate director. “With more people than ever moving to Florida, we need to show the benefits of conservation and what’s at stake if we don’t protect our ecosystems.” 

Florida couple, Andy and Ashley McEntire, founded GiveVisuals in 2018 to bring accessibility to professional filmmaking to more nonprofits. The video is expected to be completed in the fall and will allow Conservation Florida to reach new audiences and communicate the urgent need to work together to conserve Florida.  

“We love being able to give back in such a meaningful way. Stories have so much power, and we are honored to be able to help tell the story of Conservation Florida,” said Shannon Abitbol, Executive Director of GiveVisuals.

Read more about why support for our conservation efforts is needed more now than ever. For the love of Florida.

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 ‘This Brand Saves Land’ Corporate Partnership Opportunity

Conservation Florida seeks business partners interested in joining forces for the protection of natural and agricultural landscapes throughout Florida.

ORLANDO, Florida  (April 19, 2021) — Conservation Florida, a statewide leader in land conservation, launches its This Brand Saves Land™ corporate philanthropy campaign. It offers a mutually beneficial partnership opportunity to businesses whose values align with the protection of natural and agricultural landscapes throughout Florida. This initiative benefits Conservation Florida’s statewide conservation mission, its partners, and Florida land and water all in one fell swoop. Businesses that sign up for the program can support land conservation in a meaningful way and showcase their company values to consumers.  

Do you love Florida? Us, too! 

This cause-related marketing opportunity is right for businesses that have a strong affinity for what keeps Florida Florida, including native plants and wildlife, freshwater, wildlife corridors, family farms and ranches, Florida’s economy, and nature-based recreation. Conservation Florida tackles projects that have a global significance and protect some of the rarest habitats and species in the world. These land protection successes have earned Conservation Florida a reputation for finding creative and common-sense approaches to land conservation.   

Conservation Florida’s success has always been bolstered by partnerships. By partnering with businesses that share the same vision for Florida’s conservation future, Conservation Florida will expand its programs, its land protection pace, and propel the land conservancy to new conservation heights. This Brand Saves Land™ is a way for businesses to highlight their values, social responsibility, and how they are giving back to the community. 

“This Brand Saves Land is a new and exciting way for businesses to be involved in our shared Floridian community and display their support for land conservation directly to their customers. The combined power from corporate partnership will energize and increase our protection of the natural beauty of Florida for generations to come.” 

This Brand Saves Land™ is more than corporate philanthropy. It is a co-branding opportunity that demonstrates your business’s commitment to a healthy future for Florida. There are many ways to participate but pledging a percentage of annual sales, for example, would allow for your use of the This Brand Saves Land™ logo in accordance with the campaign's terms and conditions. The logo is customizable to fit each business’s preference.

The logos for This Brand Saves Land™ are customizable to reflect your brand’s unique products.

In an era of social responsibility, consumers make decisions based on a company’s social and environmental responsibility. Cause-related marketing campaigns have been shown to directly drive sales and boost a company’s public image. There is growing evidence that consumers will choose a brand affiliated with a cause. A Cone Cause Evolution Survey found that, when cost and quality are equal, 87% of consumers would switch to a brand that supports a cause. The study also found that 61% of consumers are willing to try a new product if it's related to a cause.  

Businesses that partner with Conservation Florida sign on to the larger goals of the campaign. All corporate partners who take part in the This Brand Saves Land™ campaign will help generate publicity for the campaign, which will amplify the campaign’s reach and impact by creating awareness of the campaign and benefit participating organizations. 

This Brand Saves Land™ is a bold step for land conservation efforts in Florida. Businesses that link arms via This Brand Saves Land™ will play a vital part in protecting Florida’s future. Join us! 

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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!

Traci Deen to lead Alliance of Florida Land Trusts

Conservation Florida CEO takes on new leadership role to help save more land in Florida.

ORLANDO, Florida  (April 16, 2021) — Conservation Florida’s CEO Traci Deen was elected president of the Alliance of Florida Land Trusts at their annual meeting held in April. She promises to bring to the group a spirit of collaboration and respect along with her background in advocacy, environmental law, and land conservation.

Finding strength in numbers, the Alliance of Florida Land Trusts is a network of over 22 land trusts working to protect Florida’s environmentally sensitive lands, natural areas, and public health. The alliance was formed to improve communication between land protection groups and be a unified voice advocating for conservation funding at the state level.

The Alliance of Florida Land Trusts also aims to share news updates among Florida’s conservation community, facilitate coalition building to address land conservation issues, and train volunteers to effectively advocate for land conservation measures.

The position of president was previously held by Tom Kay, executive director of the Alachua Conservation Trust. Other executive officers include, Christine Johnson as vice president, Kevin McGorty as treasurer, and Shane Wellendorf as secretary. Joining them as member at large is Rebecca Perry. Johnson is president of the Conservation Foundation for the Gulf Coast. McGorty and Wellendorf both hold leadership positions at Tall Timbers Land Conservancy as the director and conservation coordinator respectively. Perry serves as the director of real estate and community conservation of the North Florida Land Trust.

Deen became CEO of Conservation Florida in 2017. Under her leadership, Conservation Florida has forged new partnerships, launched new landscape-scale land conservation initiatives, and protected over 8,400 acres of natural and agricultural land.

In her role as president of the Alliance of Florida Land Trusts, Deen will apply her energy, strategic thinking, and resourcefulness to help the group achieve its shared goals of improving communications among state conservation practitioners, advocating for meaningful conservation funding, and sustainable land protection solutions.

“What an honor to work with the dedicated, passionate members of the Alliance of Florida Land Trusts,” said Deen. “This is an exciting and critical moment for land conservation in Florida, and together, we are capable of achieving powerful results for our natural environment.”

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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'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!