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Conservation Florida and Florida Department of Environmental Protection Safeguard Wildlife Corridor in Putnam County
Conservation Florida, in partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), is proud to announce the permanent protection of once at-risk land in the Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Putnam County.
Conservation project closes critical gap in Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area, safeguards watersheds, and expands public land
PALATKA, Fla. (July 1, 2026) — Conservation Florida, in partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), is proud to announce the permanent protection of once at-risk land in the Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Putnam County.
Within Caravelle Ranch WMA's 12,000-acre footprint, a small 5-acre parcel remained privately owned and vulnerable to development. The permanent protection of these additional acres fills a critical gap within the WMA, safeguarding important connectivity for wildlife, water resources, and public recreation.
“By permanently protecting these acres in Caravelle Ranch WMA, we ensure wildlife like our Florida black bears can continue roaming freely across this land for generations to come,” said Conservation Florida CEO Traci Deen. “We give our kids more trails to explore, protect more of Florida’s natural heritage, and safeguard more clean water for Floridians everywhere.”
Room to Roam
Surrounded by conservation lands, this property serves as a natural passageway for wildlife like Florida black bears, bobcats, eastern Indigo snakes, southern flying squirrels, and the beloved Florida scrub jay. Protecting this land helps maintain the protected and connected corridors these species depend upon for feeding, breeding, and movement across the state.
“This was the final unprotected inholding on the west side of the Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area,” said Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Executive Director Roger Young. “Its protection strengthens an already significant conservation landscape by improving connectivity, supporting wildlife movement, and making the entire area more resilient for Floridians.”
Trails to Trek
Beyond its ecological value, this project transforms formerly private land into a place all Floridians can now enjoy. Visitors to Caravelle Ranch WMA can explore diverse habitats year-round from dawn to dusk. With miles of trails and opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and wildlife photography, this conservation gives Floridians more acres to explore and connect with nature.
From Land to Water
This project also goes beyond the footprint of the wildlife management area. Located between the St. Johns and Ocklawaha river systems and less than a mile from Lake Ocklawaha, the land is deeply connected to the water around it. The property helps filter rainfall, recharge groundwater supplies, and protect water quality.
“Protecting this land means protecting our watersheds,” added Deen. “Every single drop of rain that falls on these soils eventually makes its way into waterways that support wildlife, recreation, local economies, and communities throughout the region.”
Forever WILD
The work to protect this missing piece began in 2025 when Conservation Florida identified the parcel as a high-priority conservation opportunity in Caravelle Ranch WMA. The nonprofit worked alongside FDEP and dedicated landowners Andrew and Lawrence Longhi to ensure the property would remain protected forever.
The conservation of this land strengthens the 12,000-acre Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area while protecting wildlife habitat, safeguarding critical watersheds, and expanding public access to the outdoors. As Florida continues to grow, projects like this ensure the state’s natural heritage remains protected and accessible for future generations.
Caravelle Ranch WMA is open to the public for outdoor recreation year-round. Learn more here.
To learn more about Conservation Florida’s work to conserve places like Caravelle Ranch WMA, visit conservationfla.org.
About Conservation Florida
Conservation Florida is an accredited, nonprofit land conservancy dedicated to conserving the Sunshine State’s water, wildlife, wild places — the places that make Florida home. Since its founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has saved roughly 45,000 acres, serving all 67 counties in Florida, by prioritizing strategic and evidence-based land protection, education, and advocacy.
Visit www.conservationflorida.org and follow on social media @conservationflorida to learn more.
Conservation Florida’s Sarah Shepard Selected for Leadership Florida Connect Class 16
ORLANDO, Fla. (June 17, 2026) — Conservation Florida is proud to announce that Communications Director Sarah Shepard has been selected to participate in Leadership Florida’s 2026-2027 Connect Class 16.
Leadership Florida Connect is the state’s only leadership program that spans industry boundaries and focuses solely on developing Florida’s existing and emerging leaders. The program brings together a diverse group of professionals from across the state and across industries to explore Florida’s most pressing opportunities and challenges while building meaningful relationships that strengthen communities statewide.
“I'm honored to join Leadership Florida Connect Class 16 alongside such an accomplished group of leaders from across the state,” said Conservation Florida’s Sarah Shepard. “Florida's future depends on collaboration and a shared commitment to protecting what makes our home state special.”
Conservation Florida congratulates Sarah on this selection and celebrates the continued momentum of a new generation of leaders dedicated to securing a vibrant future for the Sunshine State.
For more information about Conservation Florida and its conservation impact, please visit www.conservationflorida.org.
Sarah Shepard is a communications leader and storyteller passionate about connecting people to purpose-driven causes. As Communications Director for Conservation Florida, she leads the organization's statewide communications, marketing, public relations, and community engagement strategies, helping advance the mission of protecting Florida's water, wildlife, and wild places.
During her tenure, Conservation Florida's audience reach, media presence, and digital engagement have grown dramatically, helping translate compelling stories into meaningful conservation impact across the state. Her work has helped raise awareness, inspire support, and drive investment in the protection of wild Florida.
Before joining Conservation Florida, Shepard built a career rooted in service and community impact, including work with Teach For America and K9s For Warriors. She continues to leverage the power of storytelling to inspire action and create lasting change for the people and places that make Florida unique.
About Conservation Florida:
Conservation Florida is an accredited, nonprofit land conservancy dedicated to conserving the Sunshine State’s water, wildlife, wild places — the places that make Florida home. Since its founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has saved roughly 45,000 acres, serving all 67 counties in Florida, by prioritizing strategic and evidence-based land protection, education, and advocacy.
Conservation Florida and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Expand Price’s Scrub State Park to 1,000+ Acres
Conservation Florida, in partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), has officially expanded Price’s Scrub State Park, increasing the park’s footprint to more than 1,000 acres.
The nonprofit land conservancy’s 68.5-acre addition to the state park builds upon a history of conservation in Price’s Scrub State Park. In 2002, the nonprofit conserved the initial 952 acres of what would eventually become Price's Scrub State Park.
Nearly 70 acres added to popular state park, safeguarding wildlife habitat, wetlands and public access in Marion County
ORLANDO, Fla. (May. 20, 2026) — Conservation Florida, in partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), has officially expanded Price’s Scrub State Park, increasing the park’s footprint to more than 1,000 acres.
The nonprofit land conservancy’s 68.5-acre addition to the state park builds upon a history of conservation in Price’s Scrub State Park. In 2002, the nonprofit conserved the initial 952 acres of what would eventually become Price's Scrub State Park.
“We are so happy to announce the addition of Price’s Scrub, and to continue to collaborate to add to our award-winning state park system,” said Conservation Florida CEO Traci Deen. “We are grateful to partner with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, landowner Michelle Reller, and our philanthropic supporters who make this work possible.”
Florida’s 176 state parks span more than 800,000 acres and draw visitors from all around the world. In 2025 alone, Florida’s state parks welcomed more than 28 million visitors and contributed an estimated $3.6 billion in statewide economic impact.
For Nature, For People
Officially opened to the public in 2003, Price’s Scrub features a 9.5-mile trail system where hikers, bikers, and equestrians may spot an array of plants and wildlife, including gopher tortoises, bald eagles, swallow-tailed kites, and blue flower butterwort. It is one of Marion County’s highest-ranked sites for biodiversity, and the park protects a rare and endangered scrub habitat found in few places across the state.
Price’s Scrub State Park serves as an important corridor linkage between Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and Goethe State Forest. Wide-roaming mammals like the Florida black bear rely on protected connected land such as this to survive.
Price’s Scrub State Park, located in Marion County, serves as an important corridor linkage between Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and Goethe State Forest. This 68.5-acre addition expands the west side of the park and brings the park’s total footprint to 1,000 acres.
The state park also lies within the Marion County Farmland Preservation Area, a nearly 200,000-acre network established to keep agriculture alive while protecting the region’s resources and character. Marion County is known as the horse capital of the world, and lands like these ensure that legacy lives on.
“Horse Farms Forever is proud to celebrate Conservation Florida’s addition to Price’s Scrub State Park,” said Horse Farms Forever Director of Conservation Strategies Busy Shires. “This is a meaningful step forward in protecting land within the Marion County Farmland Preservation Area. By conserving these acres, we preserve the very character of Marion County. We are honored to work alongside partners like Conservation Florida to ensure this legacy endures for generations to come.”
Conserving this land also means protecting Florida's water. The park safeguards more than 1,000 acres of groundwater and surface water priority areas that filter and replenish springs, sinks, aquifers, and other natural systems, supporting long-term water quality and quantity for both people and animals alike.
Forever
This state park expansion by Conservation Florida was made possible by landowner Michelle Reller, who worked with the nonprofit over several years to grant a portion of her property to FDEP to permanently protect the land and the wildlife who rely upon it.
“I am ever so grateful to Conservation Florida,” said landowner Michelle Reller. “They were instrumental in securing a contract to sell a portion of my property to become a state park. They were a pleasure to work with, and I can't thank them enough.”
The funding for this acquisition came from the Florida Forever Program through the Division of State Lands at the Department of Environmental Protection. The program funds projects that aim to conserve, protect and restore environmentally endangered lands and ecosystems.
“This was a truly poignant moment for our organization,” added Deen.
“After celebrating our 25th anniversary last year, we were honored to return to our roots and the very first landscape we protected as a land conservancy.”
Conservation Florida has conserved more than 45,000 acres across the state, including expansions to other state parks like Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, providing critical habitat to the endangered Florida panther.
To learn more about Conservation Florida’s work to conserve places like Price’s Scrub State Park, visit conservationfla.org.
About Conservation Florida
Conservation Florida is an accredited, nonprofit land conservancy dedicated to conserving the Sunshine State’s water, wildlife, wild places — the places that make Florida home. Since its founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has saved roughly 45,000 acres, serving all 67 counties in Florida, by prioritizing strategic and evidence-based land protection, education, and advocacy.
Visit www.conservationflorida.org and follow on social media @conservationflorida to learn more.
MANG and Conservation Florida Debut "Protect Our Paradise" Collection to Protect Endangered Florida Panthers
MANG is proud to partner with Conservation Florida to launch the "Protect Our Paradise" collection, a new line of sun-protective performance gear dedicated to protecting critical habitat for the endangered Florida panther.
Limited-edition sun shirt funds land conservation for Florida's most iconic big cat
Palm Beach, Fla. (May XX, 2026) — MANG is proud to partner with nonprofit Conservation Florida to launch the "Protect Our Paradise" collection, a new line of sun-protective performance gear dedicated to protecting critical habitat for the endangered Florida panther. The debut sun shirt is available beginning May 19 online, with a portion of proceeds benefiting Conservation Florida's land conservation mission.
The “Protect Our Paradise” sun shirt features original artwork by MANG's resident artist Aunt Sheri, depicting a Florida panther interwoven with mangrove roots, a symbol of the connection between Florida's lands and waters.
Fewer than 200 Florida panthers are estimated to remain in the wild, and the species continues to face its greatest threat: development. As Florida's population grows, wild places have become increasingly fragmented, putting this wide-roaming mammal at risk of extinction.
Every shirt sold directly supports land conservation efforts that keep wildlife corridors protected and connected.
"We're proud to partner with Conservation Florida to protect the wild places that define our state," said MANG CEO Kyle Rossin. "In Florida, land and water aren't separate. They function as one connected system. If we don't protect the land, we lose everything that depends on it: our shorelines, our mangroves, and ultimately species like the Florida panther that rely on connected corridors to survive."
“Every acre we conserve brings us one step closer to a future where the Florida panther thrives in the wild,” said Conservation Florida CEO Traci Deen. “We’re grateful to MANG and to Florida for protecting our wild places with us.”
To celebrate the release of the Protect Our Paradise collection, MANG and Conservation Florida planted 300 mangrove trees on the shores of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area in Palm Beach County.
About MANG
MANG is a Florida-based apparel and conservation company on a mission to restore the world's coastlines, one shirt at a time. For 10 years, MANG has paired sun-protective performance gear with hands-on coastal restoration, planting over 880,737 mangrove trees to rebuild vital shoreline ecosystems that protect coasts, capture carbon, and provide critical habitat for wildlife. Through its "Buy One. Plant One." commitment and partnerships with conservation organizations, MANG empowers customers to wear their values and make a measurable impact every time they gear up. Visit www.manggear.com and follow on social media @manggear to learn more.
About Conservation Florida
Conservation Florida is an accredited, nonprofit land conservancy dedicated to conserving the Sunshine State’s water, wildlife, wild places — the places that make Florida home. Since its founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has saved roughly 45,000 acres, serving all 67 counties in Florida, by prioritizing strategic and evidence-based land protection, education, and advocacy.
Visit www.conservationflorida.org and follow on social media @conservationflorida to learn more.
Conservation Florida and Sea & Shoreline Partner to Restore Eelgrass in East Lake Tohopekaliga, Headwaters of Everglades
50-acre planting project in Osceola County strengthens wildlife habitat, improves recreation, and protects a high-priority freshwater lake
ORLANDO, Fla. (May 5, 2026) — Conservation Florida, in partnership with Sea & Shoreline, planted more than 250,000 native eelgrass plants along the the shoreline of East Lake Tohopekaliga in Osceola County to restore one of Florida’s most treasured freshwater systems: the headwaters of the Everglades.
Eelgrass populations are declining throughout Florida, raising significant ecological concerns.
These submerged aquatic grasses play a vital role in maintaining the health of water bodies and the wildlife they support. One single acre of eelgrass can produce up to 50,000 liters of oxygen per day.
This 50-acre restoration project along the northwest shoreline could not only produce 2.5 million liters of oxygen daily but also protect wildlife like the American alligator, snail kite, river otter, softshell turtle, and the trophy Florida strain largemouth bass.
“Conservation Florida is thrilled to collaborate to plant native eel grass in a lake cherished by the community,” said Conservation Florida CEO Traci Deen. “In working alongside Sea & Shoreline, we’re helping ensure East Lake Toho remains healthy and thriving for generations to come.”
"This project is a great example of how we put science into action,” said Carter Henne, CEO of Sea & Shoreline. “In partnership with Conservation Florida, we’re proud to have helped plan and implement the enhancement of 50 acres of native eelgrass in East Lake Toho, increasing critical habitat that supports fish, wildlife, and healthier waterways for the future.”
Shared Waters
“Tohopekaliga” is thought to mean “we will gather together here,” derived from the words tohopke (fenced area or fort) and lika (gathering place). Today, East Lake Tohopekaliga continues to live up to its name as a place where wildlife, recreation, and community come together.
Locally known as East Lake Toho, it provides ample feeding and nesting opportunities for waterfowl, bald eagles, ospreys, and wading birds like snowy egrets and wood storks. The lake also supports an abundant fish population, including largemouth bass and bluegill, which draws anglers to the area.
Sitting just five miles south of the Orlando International Airport, East Lake Toho acts as a sort of ecological hotspot in the rapidly expanding Orlando metro area. The lake spans roughly 12,000 acres with approximately 17.5 miles of shoreline, making it the second-largest lake located entirely within Osceola County.
It is also part of the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes and is classified by the FWC as a high-priority aquatic resource. East Lake Toho has long supported robust native plant communities, but over time, development and altered water levels have created challenges to the long-term health of the lake. This project was designed to bolster the efforts of the local, state, and federal partners.
The Planting Project
In late 2025, Sea & Shoreline installed roughly 250,000 juvenile native Florida eelgrass plants along the northwest shoreline of East Lake Toho using a combination of planting and protection techniques designed to ensure long-term success.
After planting, protective cages known as growSAV devices — steel frames covered with wire mesh — were installed over the young plants to shield them from grazing by fish and turtles.
Once the eelgrass has established strong root systems (typically after 12 months) the growSAV devices are removed.
All eelgrass used in the project was grown at Sea & Shoreline’s Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)-certified aquaculture facility in Ruskin, Florida, and was verified native through a University of Florida genetics lab.
The restoration area is now monitored on a monthly basis, with maintenance continuing through 2026. Informational signage has also been installed on the lakeshore and around the perimeter of the project area to notify boaters and lake users of the restoration effort.
Conservation for All
The benefits of this project extend far beyond the shoreline of East Lake Toho. The data collected will inform best practices for years to come, accelerating habitat recovering statewide.
By restoring native eelgrass, Conservation Florida and Sea & Shoreline are benefiting anglers, boaters, wildlife, and the communities that depend on a thriving lake, ensuring a healthier future for all those who enjoy East Lake Tohopekaliga — above and below the water’s surface.
By restoring native eelgrass, Conservation Florida and Sea & Shoreline are benefiting anglers, boaters, wildlife, and the communities that depend on a thriving lake, ensuring a healthier future for all those who enjoy East Lake Tohopekaliga — above and below the water’s surface.
This project came to life thanks to the collective effort of Sea & Shoreline, funding provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Legislature, and the unwavering support of Conservation Florida's community.
If you are interested in learning more about Conservation Florida’s work to protect the Sunshine State’s water, wildlife and wild places, click HERE. Learn more about our partner, Sea & Shoreline HERE.
For more information, contact:
Sarah Shepard, Communications Director
About Conservation Florida:
Conservation Florida is an accredited, nonprofit land conservancy dedicated to conserving the Sunshine State’s water, wildlife, wild places — the places that make Florida home. Since its founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has saved roughly 45,000 acres, serving all 67 counties in Florida, by prioritizing strategic and evidence-based land protection, education, and advocacy.
About Sea & Shoreline:
Sea & Shoreline, LLC is a privately held, Florida-based aquatic restoration and marine construction firm founded in 2014 that specializes in transforming corrupted aquatic environments into healthy, thriving, and sustainable ecosystems.
Keels Farms and Conservation Florida Debut Cause-Driven 'Scrub Jay Sangria' at Annual Blueberry Festival
Keel Farms is proud to partner with Conservation Florida to unveil the Scrub Jay Sangria, the inaugural release in the “Conservation Collection,” a cause-driven series of charitable wines dedicated to protecting wild Florida.
The inaugural release of the “Conservation Collection" will help Florida's water, wildlife, and wild places with $2 from every bottle sold donated to the cause.
TAMPA, Fla. (April 10, 2026) —Keel Farms is proud to partner with Conservation Florida to unveil the Scrub Jay Sangria, the inaugural release in the “Conservation Collection”, a cause-driven series of charitable wines dedicated to protecting wild Florida. The Scrub Jay Sangria will debut on Saturday, April 11th, at the Keel Farms Blueberry Festival in Plant City from 10 am to 3 pm.
Keel Farms will donate $2 from every bottle sold from the Conservation Collection to Conservation Florida, a Florida-local nonprofit dedicated to saving the Sunshine State’s water, wildlife, and wild places.
“This partnership is about more than a single release; it’s about building something lasting,” said Clay Keel, President of Keel Farms. “Together with Conservation Florida, we’re creating a collection that not only celebrates Florida’s beauty but actively contributes to protecting it for generations to come.”
The Scrub Jay Sangria honors one of Florida’s most iconic native species, the Florida Scrub Jay, a bird found only in Florida and is reliant on the conservation of the state’s unique scrub habitat.
“Conservation Florida is proud to partner with Keel Farms to help protect the landscapes that define our state,” said Conservation Florida CEO Traci Deen. “Like us, Keel Farms is a true Florida-grown business with deep roots and a real commitment to this state. Together, every glass of Scrub Jay Sangria raised directly supports the future of wild Florida."
Crafted with Florida-grown ingredients, the Scrub Jay Sangria showcases vibrant Florida blueberries, complemented by notes of peach and delicate honeysuckle, capturing the bright, sun-soaked flavors of the region.
The label artwork, created by Florida artist Rebekah Spence, brings the Florida Scrub Jay to life and highlights the spirit of the species and its habitat.
As part of Earth Month, the launch underscores Keel Farms’ continued dedication to sustainability, conservation, and celebrating Florida’s natural resources, now strengthened through its long-term partnership with Conservation Florida.
To be the first to sip the Scrub Jay Sangria, visit Keel Farms’ annual Blueberry Festival on Saturday, April 11th from 10 am to 3 pm. To learn more about the Conservation Collection and the Scrub Jay Sangria, visit here.
About Keel Farms
Keel Farms is a family-owned farm, winery, and restaurant located in Plant City, Florida, known for producing innovative fruit wines and agrarian ciders using Florida-grown ingredients. Through its products and partnerships, Keel Farms celebrates Florida agriculture, community, and the natural beauty of the Sunshine State.
About Conservation Florida
Conservation Florida is an accredited, nonprofit land conservancy dedicated to conserving the Sunshine State’s water, wildlife, wild places — the places that make Florida home. Since its founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has saved roughly 45,000 acres, serving all 67 counties in Florida, by prioritizing strategic and evidence-based land protection, education, and advocacy.
Visit www.conservationflorida.org and follow on social media @conservationflorida to learn more.
Conservation Florida Launches Inaugural “Tasting on the Trail” at D Ranch Preserve
Conservation Florida has announced the launch of its inaugural “Tasting on the Trail,” a new immersive sip-and-stroll experience on Saturday, April 18 at D Ranch Preserve featuring local vendors.
Local Central Florida Makers Raise a Glass to Conservation During Earth Month
ORLANDO (March 19, 2026) — Conservation Florida, a local nonprofit land conservancy, has announced the launch of its inaugural “Tasting on the Trail,” a new immmersive sip-and-stroll experience on Saturday, April 18 at D Ranch Preserve.
Timed with Earth Month, the event invites visitors to step into the heart of wild Florida, drink in hand, for an unforgettable evening that blends conservation and local flavor.
Set against a scenic sunset backdrop, Tasting on the Trail offers a rare opportunity to sample specialty cocktails, craft beers and creative mocktails from a wide variety of local beverage partners like Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company, Deviant Wolfe Brewing, St. Augustine Distillery and more – all while exploring permanently protected conservation land.
“This is about experiencing Florida in a way some people never get to,” said Conservation Florida’s Sarah Shepard. “You will connect with the land and community in a completely unique way, with every sip and step connecting you to something bigger than yourself.”
D Ranch Preserve
Conserved in 2019 through a generous donation of 476 acres, D Ranch Preserve opened to the public in May 2025 and has quickly become a destination for outdoor recreation, featuring more than 3.5 miles of trails for hiking, birdwatching, and photography. Plans are underway for a community-focused nature center, anticipated in 2027.
Amidst the sipping and strolling, guests may also spot some of the native plants and animals that call D Ranch Preserve home. Gopher tortoises, swallow tail kites, butterflies, and bobcats all rely on permanently protected land like D Ranch Preserve.
Tasting on the Trail directly benefits conservation, with proceeds going back to local nonprofit Conservation Florida’s mission to protect the Sunshine State’s water, wildlife, and wild places.
For information and to purchase tickets, visit this link.
Tasting on the Trail
Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 4 – 7 pm
D Ranch Preserve, 2655 Reed Ellis Rd, Osteen, FL 32764
For more information, contact:
Sarah Shepard, Communications Director
About Conservation Florida:
Conservation Florida is an accredited, nonprofit land conservancy dedicated to conserving the Sunshine State’s water, wildlife, wild places — the places that make Florida home. Since its founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has saved roughly 45,000 acres, serving all 67 counties in Florida, by prioritizing strategic and evidence-based land protection, education, and advocacy.
Governor and Cabinet Approve Funding for Conservation Florida to Protect 1,500 Acres in Highlands County
The Governor and Florida Cabinet approved $6.1 million in funding for Conservation Florida’s Square One Ranch Project which will permanently conserve 1,500 acres of working ranchland in Highlands County through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP).
Photo by Lauren Yoho/Wildpath
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, U.S. Air Force, and Conservation Florida move ranchland closer to permanent conservation
LAKE PLACID, Fla. (Feb. 24, 2026) — Today, the Governor and Florida Cabinet approved $6.1 million in funding for Conservation Florida’s Square One Ranch Project which will permanently conserve 1,500 acres of working ranchland in Highlands County through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP).
The project, known as Square One Ranch, is a family-owned working cattle ranch within the Florida Wildlife Corridor that provides safe haven for native wildlife like the Florida black bear, crested caracara, and wood stork.
Protecting Square One Ranch means preserving agricultural productivity while also protecting wildlife and vast, connected landscapes.
Cattle photo by Lauren Yoho/Wildpath, additional photos by Conservation Florida team
The purchase of the $6.1 million conservation easement is funded through a powerful state and federal partnership: $4.1 million to be provided by RFLPP and $2 million from the United States Air Force (USAF) Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) program. Square One Ranch lies within the federally designated Avon Park Sentinel Landscape, where conservation directly supports military mission readiness at Avon Park Air Force Range.
Conservation Florida, a nonprofit land conservancy that protects land statewide, is working alongside the Hinton family to move Square One Ranch through the conservation approval process.
Owl photo by Lauren Yoho/Wildpath, additional photos by Conservation Florida team
“The funding of Square One Ranch represents the power of partnership in action,” said Conservation Florida CEO Traci Deen. “When landowners, state leaders, federal partners, and conservation organizations come together around a shared vision, we can accomplish extraordinary things for Florida. We are deeply grateful to the Governor, the Florida Cabinet, and our legislative leaders for continuing to prioritize land conservation. Their leadership makes it possible to protect working ranches like Square One. These lands preserve our agricultural heritage, keep our drinking water clean, strengthen national defense, and provide room for wildlife to roam.”
Conservation Florida began working to protect Square One Ranch in 2023 when it partnered with landowner Daphne Hinton. Square One Ranch was identified as a critical missing link in Florida Wildlife Corridor, located just one mile east of Fisheating Creek.
Map of Square One Ranch in Highlands County
“The funding of Square One Ranch represents the power of partnership in action.
When landowners, state leaders, federal partners, and conservation organizations come together around a shared vision, we can accomplish extraordinary things for Florida.”
Once conserved, these 1,500 acres will ensure connection to thousands of protected acres in Highlands County, strengthening a larger system of private and public conservation lands, including the adjacent property AP Ranch, another working cattle operation conserved by Conservation Florida in 2024.
Connectivity is crucial for wildlife like the critically endangered Florida panther, allowing the felines room to roam, safe from busy highways. With only 200 Florida panthers left in the wild, every acre counts.
According to telemetry data from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Square One Ranch provides exactly that. The endangered cats have been documented prowling through this corridor freely and safely.
By working to conserve Square One Ranch, Conservation Florida continues to demonstrate that supporting agriculture and protecting wild places go hand in hand.
To learn more, click here, and join us in protecting these special places by becoming a supporter here.
For more information, contact:
Sarah Shepard, Communications Director
About Conservation Florida:
Conservation Florida is an accredited, nonprofit land conservancy dedicated to conserving the Sunshine State’s water, wildlife, wild places — the places that make Florida home. Since its founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has saved roughly 45,000 acres, serving all 67 counties in Florida, by prioritizing strategic and evidence-based land protection, education, and advocacy.
Conservation Florida Co-Hosts Fifth Annual Capitol Celebration of Florida Wildlife Corridor
Landscape photo by Lauren Yoho of Wildpath
Partners Toast Five Years Since Passage of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Feb. 18, 2026) — Yesterday, Conservation Florida co-hosted the Florida Wildlife Corridor Reception at the Florida Capitol for the fifth consecutive year, welcoming lawmakers, agency leaders, landowners, conservation partners, and advocates from across the state. The celebration marked five years since the passage of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act and underscored the real and growing momentum behind Florida’s bipartisan commitment to land conservation.
The event was co-hosted with partners Wildpath and the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation and honored the 18 million acre Florida Wildlife Corridor, a connected network of working farms and ranches, forests, wetlands, and wildlife habitat stretching from the Panhandle to the Everglades.
From left to right: Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson; Conservation Florida CEO Traci Deen; Wildpath Founder Carlton Ward Jr.; Senator Jason Brodeur; Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation CEO Mallory Dimmitt; Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis Lambert
Now in its fifth year as co-host, Conservation Florida has helped grow the Legislative Reception into a signature gathering that demonstrates the strength, durability, and broad support behind conservation in the Sunshine State. The packed room reflected that momentum, bringing together state leaders, nonprofits, agencies, landowners, and conservationists united around a shared goal to protect the lands and waters that define Florida.
The event reinforced what has been true since the Corridor Act passed unanimously in 2021. Land conservation remains firmly bipartisan.
Conservation Florida CEO Traci Deen delivered passionate remarks to the full room alongside Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis Lambert, Senator Jason Brodeur, Mallory Dimmitt of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, and Carlton Ward Jr. of Wildpath.
“There’s nothing partisan about clean air, clean water and animals traversing the state where we grow our food.”
“There’s nothing partisan about clean air, clean water and animals traversing the state where we grow our food,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. “It’s too important to the state of Florida for this to be a partisan issue.”
Five years ago, Conservation Florida worked alongside partners and state leaders to advance and pass the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act, which formally recognized the Corridor geography as a statewide conservation priority. Since then, Florida has grown by 2 million residents, intensifying the need for thoughtful planning, strategic land protection, and continued funding for land conservation efforts.
“Florida is changing rapidly before our eyes. The pressure on our land, water, wildlife, and working landscapes is real, and it is accelerating,” said Conservation Florida CEO Traci Deen to the room.
But Deen made clear that the evening was not centered on pressure. It was about hope and progress.
“In the very same five years that Florida has grown at record pace, our state leaders have demonstrated strong leadership on this. They have prioritized land conservation. They have funded our land protection programs. And together, have approved 463,000 acres for permanent protection.”
That progress reflects sustained legislative investment in our state’s cornerstone programs, the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and Florida Forever.
“Together we have approved 463,000 acres for permanent protection. That is not just a number. Its family farms, freshwater safeguarded, trails opened. It’s our home.”
During her remarks, Deen emphasized that this success is the result of broad collaboration across sectors and communities.
“The many hands and hearts behind this work. The land trusts moving conservation forward every day. The philanthropists investing boldly in Florida’s future. The storytellers who help people see what is at stake. The nonprofits, federal and local partners, corporate leaders, artists, scientists, and community advocates who understand that conservation is not partisan, it is foundational, and it’s Floridian.”
February 17, 2026 was officially recognized as Florida Wildlife Corridor Day on the Senate floor by Senator Jason Brodeur, commemorating the milestone and celebrating the measurable progress achieved since the Act’s passage.
“What makes the Corridor so powerful is not just the acreage but the alignment of public support, legislative leadership, executive action, and private partnerships, all working toward a Florida that grows responsibly and endures,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis Lambert.
As the state continues to experience rapid population growth and development pressure, leaders at the event underscored the importance of maintaining strong and consistent funding for land conservation programs to ensure that Florida’s natural and working lands remain intact for future generations.
Conservation Florida remains committed to turning policy and advocacy into partnerships and permanently protected places. Through science-driven land protection, partnerships with willing landowners, and collaboration with state leaders, the nonprofit continues to conserve priority lands across the state and advance the vision formalized in the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act.
“The last five years have shown what is possible when we work together,” Deen shared. “Imagine what the next five can bring.”
Visit www.conservationflorida.org to learn more.
“Conservation is not partisan, it is foundational, and it’s Floridian.”
For more information, contact:
Sarah Shepard, Communications Director
About Conservation Florida:
Conservation Florida is an accredited, nonprofit land conservancy dedicated to conserving the Sunshine State’s water, wildlife, wild places — the places that make Florida home. Since its founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has saved roughly 45,000 acres, serving all 67 counties in Florida, by prioritizing strategic and evidence-based land protection, education, and advocacy.
Traci Deen Recognized as 40 Under 40 Honoree by News Service of Florida
Tallahassee, Fla. (Feb. 17, 2026) — Conservation Florida is proud to announce that President & CEO Traci Deen has been named a 2026 40 Under 40 honoree by the News Service of Florida. This prestigious recognition celebrates professionals who are shaping the future of the Sunshine State through leadership, innovation and service.
Each year, the News Service of Florida recognizes 40 rising leaders who are bringing fresh energy and forward-thinking solutions to Florida’s most significant industries. Deen’s selection highlights her transformative impact on land conservation and her steadfast commitment to protecting the state’s water, wildlife and wild places — the places that make Florida home.
Since joining Conservation Florida, Deen has led the permanent protection of tens of thousands of acres across the state, from family farms and ranches to critical wildlife corridors and beloved state parks. Under her leadership, the organization has strengthened public-private partnerships, expanded community engagement through an Emmy-award winning docuseries, and championed for millions of dollars in conservation funding in our state’s Capitol.
“Leading this organization is one of the greatest honors of my life,” said Conservation Florida CEO Traci Deen.
“Every single day, I get to wake up and work to protect the place I love most: Florida, our shared home. From pine flatwoods to ranchlands, from springs to shorelines, this state has shaped me. It is a privilege to help safeguard Florida’s natural beauty: her wildlife, her water, and her heritage.”
Conservation Florida congratulates Traci Deen on this well-deserved honor and celebrates the continued momentum of a new generation of leaders dedicated to securing a vibrant future for the Sunshine State.
A note of gratitude from Traci:
Dear Friends,
I am incredibly grateful for the recognition and for the opportunity to represent the work we do together.
While my name may be attached to the award, it truly belongs to this entire community. It belongs to the rockstar, mission-driven team I have the privilege of leading each day. It belongs to our partners, landowners, advocates, and supporters who believe that protecting Florida’s wild and working lands matters not just for today, but for generations to come.
Leading this organization is one of the greatest honors of my life. Every single day, I get to wake up and work to protect the place I love most: Florida, our shared home. From pine flatwoods to ranchlands, from springs to shorelines, this state has shaped me- and I know it’s shaped you, too. It is a privilege to help safeguard Florida’s natural beauty: her wildlife, her water, and her heritage.
Conservation is hopeful work, albeit tough. It is about permanence in a rapidly changing world. It is about ensuring that children growing up today and those not yet born will still know the feeling of open green space, a clean aquamarine spring, a dark night sky, and the quiet magic of wild Florida. To taste food grown here, to chase fireflies at dusk, to fish off a local pier.
To be entrusted with leading that effort alongside such passionate, talented people and supporters fills me with more than joy, it fills me with pride and purpose.
I am thankful to those who nominated me and to the leaders across our state who continue to champion conservation, stewardship, and our community. Most of all, I am grateful to you. Your support makes this work possible. Your belief in our mission fuels every acre protected and every drop of water safeguarded.
Recognition like this is a reminder that conservation is not a niche cause. It is essential to Florida’s future, to our economy, to our quality of life, and to our Floridian identity. I am proud to stand with you in this work.
Thank you for the trust you place in our team. So much important work ahead of us, and I am so grateful to be on this journey with you.
With gratitude,
Traci
For more information about Conservation Florida and its conservation impact, please visit www.conservationflorida.org.
About Conservation Florida:
Conservation Florida is an accredited, nonprofit land conservancy dedicated to conserving the Sunshine State’s water, wildlife, wild places — the places that make Florida home. Since its founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has saved roughly 45,000 acres, serving all 67 counties in Florida, by prioritizing strategic and evidence-based land protection, education, and advocacy.
NHL Florida Panthers Foundation Awards Grant to Conservation Florida
CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM SUPPORTS THEIR NAMESAKE ANIMAL, conservation efforts throughout florida
SUNRISE, Fla. (Oct. 28, 2025) — Conservation Florida, a statewide nonprofit land conservancy, is honored to announce it has been awarded a grant from the NHL Florida Panthers Foundation.
The grant will be used to support Conservation Florida’s work to protect the Sunshine State’s water, wildlife, and wild places — including habitat of the critically-endangered Florida panther.
Panthers Protecting Panthers
The Florida panther, the state’s official animal and the inspiration behind the hockey team’s name, once roamed across the entire Southeast. Today, only about 200 panthers remain in the wild, primarily in South Florida.
Protecting and connecting the lands they depend on is essential to their survival.
With support from the Florida Panthers Foundation, Conservation Florida will work to preserve key wildlife corridors, educate the public about the species, and inspire Floridians to take action to protect the panther’s future.
We're thankful to work with community partners like Conservation Florida who are experts in this field to help us educate Panthers fans about the endangered Florida panther," said VP of Panthers Foundation & Community Relations, John Colombo.
We’re grateful to have the home team, the Florida Panthers Foundation, protecting their own,” said Traci Deen, CEO of Conservation Florida. “Together, we’re conserving the wild places that make Florida home — the places that the endangered Florida panther relies on for survival.”
Conservation Florida’s activation at Panther Conservation Night 2024, featuring panther trivia, conservation education, and prize giveaways!
Panther Conservation Night
Conservation Florida joined the Florida Panthers for Panther Conservation Night on November 1, 2025, when the team took on the Dallas Stars at 6 p.m. at Amerant Bank Arena.
Fans visited Conservation Florida’s interactive activation to learn about the endangered cats and see firsthand how conserving land protects the species from extinction.
Tickets to the November 1 were also available through Conservation Florida HERE, with a portion of proceeds returning directly to the nonprofit’s land conservation mission.
Learn more about Conservation Florida’s work to protect water, wildlife, and wild places at conservationfla.org.
For more information, contact:
Sarah Shepard, Communications Director
About Conservation Florida
Conservation Florida is an accredited, nonprofit land conservancy dedicated to conserving the Sunshine State’s water, wildlife, wild places — the places that make Florida home. Since its founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has saved nearly 45,000 acres, serving all 67 counties in Florida, by prioritizing strategic and evidence-based land protection, education, and advocacy. Learn more at conservationfla.org and follow us on social media @conservationflorida.
Conservation Florida Announces Plans for New Nature Center in Central Florida
Donations to support the project will be doubled by the Big Nova Foundation
ORLANDO, Fla. (Sept. 24, 2025) — Nonprofit Conservation Florida today unveiled plans for a new nature center at its D Ranch Preserve in Volusia County.
With Florida adding more than 1,000 new residents every day — the equivalent of a city the size of Orlando each year — access to wild spaces is dwindling. The D Ranch Nature Center will provide a space for residents, both native and new, to connect with the wild places that make Florida home.
Backed by major funding partners including the Big Nova Foundation and the Volusia County ECHO Program, the multi-million-dollar two-phase project will serve as the next chapter for the 476-acre preserve, transforming it into a hub for conservation, education, and community connection.
Architectural renderings by Borrelli + Partners
Conservation Florida also launched a community fundraising campaign to bring the vision to life. With $400,000 remaining to meet the costs of Phase One of construction, the Big Nova Foundation has announced all gifts made before December 31 will be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling the impact of every contribution.
We’re incredibly honored to give back to our local community by matching gifts to Conservation Florida,” said Sarah Asma, Executive Director of the Big Nova Foundation. “Our family grew up in the lakes, rivers, and springs around here in Florida, so it’s important to us that our kids and grandkids can do that as well.”
A HOME FOR ALL
D Ranch Preserve, located in Osteen on the corner of Reed Ellis Road and SR 415, was permanently protected by Conservation Florida in 2019 and opened to the public in May 2025.
The preserve honors the land’s deep agricultural roots, with cattle still presently grazing the property. D Ranch Preserve is a haven for other wildlife like the gopher tortoise, bobcat, and Florida black bear, as well as rare blooms like the pine lily. Its 3.5 miles of hiking trails welcome Floridians of all ages and offer unique birding, photography, and geocaching opportunities.
"At Conservation Florida, we don't just conserve land; we also connect people with nature in varying ways," said Conservation Florida CEO Traci Deen. "With the incredible support of our community, our generous donors, our partners at Volusia County, and the Big Nova Foundation's matching gift, the D Ranch Nature Center will become a welcoming place for everyone to enjoy and experience wild Florida in a way that speaks to them."
Building Plans
The D Ranch Nature Center, spanning roughly 8,000 square feet across two floors and a wraparound porch, will be built in two phases. While timelines and budgets are subject to change, construction is expected to begin in 2026, with an estimated opening in 2027.
Phase One
Phase One, costing roughly $2.5 million, will focus on laying the foundation: a welcoming nature center building surrounded by a native garden and supported by ADA-accessible parking and entryways.
A wall of windows at the entrance will ensure that, even indoors, guests remain connected to the beauty of wild Florida.
The building’s first floor will stretch roughly 5,000 square feet and feature a:
Classroom
Exhibit Area
Kitchenette
Storage Area
Garage
Wraparound Porch
The second floor will encompass roughly 3,000 square feet and be home to offices and conference spaces.
Phase Two
Phase Two will require additional funding and build upon the Phase One foundation, transforming the completed nature center building into a true hub for learning and exploration.
Plans include:
Interactive Exhibits
Scenic Overlooks
Equestrian Parking
Trail Improvements
“Borrelli + Partners are honored to collaborate with Conservation Florida on the D Ranch Preserve Nature Center,” said Jorge A. Borrelli, President of Borrelli + Partners. “Our goal is to create a nature center that not only embraces the beauty and heritage of Florida’s landscape but also inspires visitors to connect with and protect the wildlife that makes this region so unique. This project is more than a building; it’s a gateway to conservation, education, and community.”
“Volusia County is proud to support Conservation Florida as the recipient of an ECHO grant to establish a nature center at the D Ranch Preserve - one that will inspire future generations through education and a deeper connection to the land,” said Dr. Brad Burbaugh, Community Services Director for Volusia County. “This investment transforms the former site of a working ranch into a place where families can learn, explore, and experience the outdoors together. It’s a meaningful investment in both our community’s history and its future.”
Double Your Impact
To break ground, Conservation Florida is calling on the community to help close the final gap of $400,000. Every dollar given before December 31 will be matched by the Big Nova Foundation, and supporters will be recognized as members of the Seedling Circle with their names digitally displayed inside the future nature center.
To make a gift toward the Nature Center, visit https://conservationfla.org/naturecenter or mail contributions to:
Conservation Florida
1527 E Concord Street
Orlando, Florida 32803
To learn more about Conservation Florida’s mission to protect the Sunshine State’s water, wildlife, and wild places — the places that make Florida home, click here. Join us in protecting these special places by becoming a supporter here.
For more information, contact:
Sarah Shepard, Communications Director
About Conservation Florida
Conservation Florida is an accredited, nonprofit land conservancy dedicated to conserving the Sunshine State’s water, wildlife, wild places — the places that make Florida home. Since its founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has saved nearly 45,000 acres, serving all 67 counties in Florida, by prioritizing strategic and evidence-based land protection, education, and advocacy. Learn more at conservationfla.org and follow us on social media @conservationflorida.