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Conservation Florida and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Expand Priceโs Scrub State Park to 1,000+ Acres
Conservation Florida, in partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), has officially expanded Priceโs Scrub State Park, increasing the parkโs footprint to more than 1,000 acres.
The nonprofit land conservancyโs 68.5-acre addition to the state park builds upon a history of conservation in Priceโs 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) โ Conservation Florida, in partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), has officially expanded Priceโs Scrub State Park, increasing the parkโs footprint to more than 1,000 acres.
The nonprofit land conservancyโs 68.5-acre addition to the state park builds upon a history of conservation in Priceโs Scrub State Park. In 2002, the nonprofit conserved the initial 952 acres of what would eventually become Price's Scrub State Park.
โWe are so happy to announce the addition of Priceโs Scrub, and to continue to collaborate to add to our award-winning state park system,โ said Conservation Florida CEO Traci Deen. โWe are grateful to partner with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, landowner Michelle Reller, and our philanthropic supporters who make this work possible.โ
Floridaโs 176 state parks span more than 800,000 acres and draw visitors from all around the world. In 2025 alone, Floridaโs 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, Priceโs 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 Countyโs highest-ranked sites for biodiversity, and the park protects a rare and endangered scrub habitat found in few places across the state.
Priceโs 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.
Priceโs 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 parkโs 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 regionโs resources and character. Marion County is known as the horse capital of the world, and lands like these ensure that legacy lives on.
โHorse Farms Forever is proud to celebrate Conservation Floridaโs addition to Priceโs Scrub State Park,โ said Horse Farms Forever Director of Conservation Strategies Busy Shires. โThis 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.โ
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.
โI am ever so grateful to Conservation Florida,โ said landowner Michelle Reller. โThey 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.โ
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.
โThis was a truly poignant moment for our organization,โ added Deen.
โAfter 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.โ
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 Floridaโs work to conserve places like Priceโs Scrub State Park, visit conservationfla.org.
For more information, contact:โฏ
Sarah Shepard, Communications Directorโฏ
About Conservation Florida
Conservation Florida is an accredited, nonprofit land conservancy dedicated to conserving the Sunshine Stateโs water, wildlife, wild places โ 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) โ 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 โProtect Our Paradiseโ 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."
โEvery acre we conserve brings us one step closer to a future where the Florida panther thrives in the wild,โ said Conservation Florida CEO Traci Deen. โWeโre grateful to MANG and to Florida for protecting our wild places with us.โ
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.
For more information, contact:โฏ
Sarah Shepard, Communications Directorโฏ
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 Stateโs water, wildlife, wild places โ 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) โ 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 Floridaโs 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.
โConservation Florida is thrilled to collaborate to plant native eel grass in a lake cherished by the community,โ said Conservation Florida CEO Traci Deen. โIn working alongside Sea & Shoreline, weโre helping ensure East Lake Toho remains healthy and thriving for generations to come.โ
"This project is a great example of how we put science into action,โ said Carter Henne, CEO of Sea & Shoreline. โIn partnership with Conservation Florida, weโre 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.โ
Shared Waters
โTohopekaligaโ is thought to mean โwe will gather together here,โ 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 โ steel frames covered with wire mesh โ 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 & Shorelineโs 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 โ above and below the waterโs 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 โ above and below the waterโs 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 Floridaโs work to protect the Sunshine Stateโs 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:โฏ
Conservation Florida is an accredited, nonprofit land conservancy dedicated to conserving the Sunshine Stateโs water, wildlife, wild places โ 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.โฏ
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 โConservation Collection,โ a cause-driven series of charitable wines dedicated to protecting wild Florida.
The inaugural release of the โConservation 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) โKeel Farms is proud to partner with Conservation Florida to unveil the Scrub Jay Sangria, the inaugural release in the โConservation Collectionโ, 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 Stateโs water, wildlife, and wild places.
โThis partnership is about more than a single release; itโs about building something lasting,โ said Clay Keel, President of Keel Farms. โTogether with Conservation Florida, weโre creating a collection that not only celebrates Floridaโs beauty but actively contributes to protecting it for generations to come.โ
The Scrub Jay Sangria honors one of Floridaโs most iconic native species, the Florida Scrub Jay, a bird found only in Florida and is reliant on the conservation of the stateโs unique scrub habitat.
โConservation Florida is proud to partner with Keel Farms to help protect the landscapes that define our state,โ said Conservation Florida CEO Traci Deen. โLike 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 Farmsโ continued dedication to sustainability, conservation, and celebrating Floridaโs natural resources, now strengthened through its long-term partnership with Conservation Florida.
To be the first to sip the Scrub Jay Sangria, visit Keel Farmsโ 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.
For more information, contact:โฏ
Sarah Shepard, Communications Directorโฏ
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 Stateโs water, wildlife, wild places โ 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 โTasting on the Trailโ at D Ranch Preserve
Conservation Florida has announced the launch of its inaugural โTasting on the Trail,โ 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) โ Conservation Florida, a local nonprofit land conservancy, has announced the launch of its inaugural โTasting on the Trail,โ 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 โ all while exploring permanently protected conservation land.
โThis is about experiencing Florida in a way some people never get to,โ said Conservation Floridaโs Sarah Shepard. โYou will connect with the land and community in a completely unique way, with every sip and step connecting you to something bigger than yourself.โ
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 Floridaโs mission to protect the Sunshine Stateโs water, wildlife, and wild places.
For information and to purchase tickets, visit this link.
Tasting on the Trail
Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 4 โ 7 pm
D Ranch Preserve, 2655 Reed Ellis Rd, Osteen, FL 32764
For more information, contact:โฏ
Sarah Shepard, Communications Directorโฏ
About Conservation Florida:โฏ
Conservation Florida is an accredited, nonprofit land conservancy dedicated to conserving the Sunshine Stateโs water, wildlife, wild places โ 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.โฏ
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 Floridaโs 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 Servicesโ 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) โ Today, the Governor and Florida Cabinet approved $6.1 million in funding for Conservation Floridaโs 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 Servicesโ 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
โThe funding of Square One Ranch represents the power of partnership in action,โ said Conservation Florida CEO Traci Deen. โWhen 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.โ
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
โThe 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.โ
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:โฏ
Sarah Shepard, Communications Directorโฏ
About Conservation Florida:โฏ
Conservation Florida is an accredited, nonprofit land conservancy dedicated to conserving the Sunshine Stateโs water, wildlife, wild places โ 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.โฏ
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) โ 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 Floridaโs 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.
โThereโs nothing partisan about clean air, clean water and animals traversing the state where we grow our food.โ
โThereโs nothing partisan about clean air, clean water and animals traversing the state where we grow our food,โ said Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. โItโs too important to the state of Florida for this to be a partisan issue.โ
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.
โFlorida is changing rapidly before our eyes. The pressure on our land, water, wildlife, and working landscapes is real, and it is accelerating,โ 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.
โIn 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.โ
That progress reflects sustained legislative investment in our stateโs cornerstone programs, the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and Florida Forever.
โTogether we have approved 463,000 acres for permanent protection. That is not just a number. Its family farms, freshwater safeguarded, trails opened. Itโs our home.โ
During her remarks, Deen emphasized that this success is the result of broad collaboration across sectors and communities.
โThe many hands and hearts behind this work. The land trusts moving conservation forward every day. The philanthropists investing boldly in Floridaโs 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 itโs Floridian.โ
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 Actโs passage.
โWhat 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,โ 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 Floridaโs 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.
โThe last five years have shown what is possible when we work together,โ Deen shared. โImagine what the next five can bring.โ
Visit www.conservationflorida.org to learn more.
โConservation is not partisan, it is foundational, and itโs Floridian.โ
For more information, contact:โฏ
Sarah Shepard, Communications Directorโฏ
About Conservation Florida:โฏ
Conservation Florida is an accredited, nonprofit land conservancy dedicated to conserving the Sunshine Stateโs water, wildlife, wild places โ 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.โฏ
Traci Deen Recognized as 40 Under 40 Honoree by News Service of Florida
Tallahassee, Fla. (Feb. 17, 2026) โ 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 Floridaโs most significant industries. Deenโs selection highlights her transformative impact on land conservation and her steadfast commitment to protecting the stateโs water, wildlife and wild places โ 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 stateโs Capitol.
โLeading this organization is one of the greatest honors of my life,โ said Conservation Florida CEO Traci Deen.
โEvery 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 Floridaโs natural beauty: her wildlife, her water, and her heritage.โ
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 Floridaโs 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 itโs shaped you, too. It is a privilege to help safeguard Floridaโs 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 Floridaโs 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:โฏ
Conservation Florida is an accredited, nonprofit land conservancy dedicated to conserving the Sunshine Stateโs water, wildlife, wild places โ 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.โฏ
NHL Florida Panthers Foundation Awards Grant to Conservation Florida
CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM SUPPORTS THEIR NAMESAKE ANIMAL, conservation efforts throughout florida
SUNRISE, Fla. (Oct. 28, 2025) โ 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 Floridaโs work to protect the Sunshine Stateโs water, wildlife, and wild places โ including habitat of the critically-endangered Florida panther.
Panthers Protecting Panthers
The Florida panther, the stateโs official animal and the inspiration behind the hockey teamโs 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 pantherโs 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.
Weโre grateful to have the home team, the Florida Panthers Foundation, protecting their own,โ said Traci Deen, CEO of Conservation Florida. โTogether, weโre conserving the wild places that make Florida home โ the places that the endangered Florida panther relies on for survival.โ
Conservation Floridaโs 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 Floridaโs 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 nonprofitโs land conservation mission.
Learn more about Conservation Floridaโs 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 Stateโs water, wildlife, wild places โ 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.โฏ 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) โ 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 โ the equivalent of a city the size of Orlando each year โ 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.
Weโre incredibly honored to give back to our local community by matching gifts to Conservation Florida,โ said Sarah Asma, Executive Director of the Big Nova Foundation. โOur family grew up in the lakes, rivers, and springs around here in Florida, so itโs important to us that our kids and grandkids can do that as well.โ
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 landโs 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 buildingโs 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
โBorrelli + Partners are honored to collaborate with Conservation Florida on the D Ranch Preserve Nature Center,โ said Jorge A. Borrelli, President of Borrelli + Partners. โOur goal is to create a nature center that not only embraces the beauty and heritage of Floridaโs 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; itโs a gateway to conservation, education, and community.โ
โVolusia 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,โ said Dr. Brad Burbaugh, Community Services Director for Volusia County. โThis investment transforms the former site of a working ranch into a place where families can learn, explore, and experience the outdoors together. Itโs a meaningful investment in both our communityโs history and its future.โ
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 Floridaโs mission to protect the Sunshine Stateโs water, wildlife, and wild places โ 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 Stateโs water, wildlife, wild places โ 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.โฏ Learn more at conservationfla.org and follow us on social media @conservationflorida.
Conservation Florida Permanently Protects 2,317 Acres at Eagle Haven Ranch
All photos by Anna Crocitto
Four Miles of Lake Kissimmee Shoreline Saved from Resort Development to Conserve Wildlife Habitat and Water Quality
LAKE WALES, Fla. (Sept. 3, 2025) โ Conservation Florida is proud to announce the permanent protection of 2,317 acres at Eagle Haven Ranch, a conservation jewel along the shores of Lake Kissimmee once at risk of becoming a resort development.
This major conservation milestone was made possible through the partnership of conservation buyers Arnie and Lauren Bellini, the U.S. Department of Defenseโs Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (DoD REPI) Program, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Serviceโs Agricultural Land Easement (NRCS ALE) Program, and the generous supporters of Conservation Florida.
"This is a conservation victory for the people, wildlife, and waters of Florida," said Traci Deen, CEO of Conservation Florida. โEagle Haven Ranch is one of the most significant properties in the Northern Everglades Iโve encountered. Its permanent protection is a direct result of bold partnerships, visionary funding programs, and the power of the conservation community.โ
Formerly at risk of development into a luxury resort, Eagle Haven Ranch is now forever protected through the purchase of a conservation easement that ensures its vital habitats, wildlife corridors, and historic ranching heritage are preserved for generations.
Conservation Florida purchased the conservation easement thanks to grant funding, the Bellini Familyโs initiative, and the nonprofitโs philanthropic supporters.
Billboards for planned development still stand at Eagle Haven Ranch, a reminder of what could have been if not for conservation intervention.
A home for many
Eagle Haven Ranch, once known as Lost Oak and Shady Oaks, is a landscape of stunning biodiversity. With over four miles of shoreline on Lake Kissimmee, it is a home to nearly 200 species, including bald eagles, alligators, and the endemic, endangered Florida scrub-jay.
The Florida Scrub Jay, a protected and endemic species, is found on Eagle Haven Ranch. Earlier in 2025, volunteers came out to complete a census project, surveying the population on-site.
It sits within the Northern Everglades, a region home to 38 federally listed species and over 160 state-listed threatened and endangered species, including the endangered Florida panther and the Florida grasshopper sparrow. The swamps and marshes on Eagle Haven Ranch filter water for the Kissimmee River and help secure clean water supplies downstream into the greater Everglades system.
Eagle Haven Ranch is located in Polk County and comprised of 2,317 acres of Lake Kissimmee coastline within the Northern Everglades.
The land also lies within the Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape, a federally designated area where conservation and military readiness goals align. The DoDโs REPI program contributed funding to protect this important buffer area, ensuring uninterrupted military flight operations while enhancing environmental resilience.
โThis collaboration with Conservation Florida and our partners has produced some truly amazing outcomes,โ said Lt. Col. (Ret.) Buck MacLaughlin. โProtecting Eagle Haven Ranch ranks among the best! It has been a priority for the range for more than a decade, so weโre celebrating a tremendous win for both national defense and Floridaโs wild places. Eagle Haven Ranch is a part of our Sentinel Landscape, helping to ensure our military can train with excellence and our endangered panthers can roam free.โ
The USDA's NRCS Agricultural Land Easement Program provided complementary funding to support working lands conservation, honoring the property and the region's long tradition of being in agriculture while also protecting critical wildlife habitat.
โEagle Haven Ranch shows whatโs possible when conservation and agriculture go hand in hand,โ said Marcus Shorter, acting Florida state Conservationist. โBy working with dedicated partners like Conservation Florida and forward-thinking landowners, weโre putting conservation into action โ right where it matters most.โ
BRINK OF DEVELOPMENT
At one point, Eagle Haven Ranch was protected land. Unfortunately, it was โsurplusedโ by the South Florida Water Management District and sold.
The land was then on the brink of development. Plans called for cabins, restaurants, a marina, and a golf course.
That all changed in 2020, when the land was listed for sale.
Conservation Florida, thanks to a call from partner Carlton Ward Jr., jumped into action to build a plan of action. The nonprofit linked arms with Arnie and Lauren Bellini, who generously stepped in to purchase the property and halt development threats, granting nonprofit Conservation Florida the time to assemble the resources for its true permanent protection.
โWhen Arnie Bellini expressed interest in protecting an important piece of the Florida Wildlife Corridor, the combination of irreplicable natural beauty and the immediate threat of development made this property my first recommendation,โ said Carlton Ward Jr., CEO of Wildpath and founder of the Florida Wildlife Corridor project. โI am grateful to the Bellini Family and Conservation Florida for saving the soul of Lake Kissimmee and setting an example for how decisive private investment can create new possibilities for conservation.โ
โWe bought Eagle Haven Ranch to protect it from development and preserve the heart of Floridaโs wildlife corridor,โ said Arnie and Lauren Bellini. โWorking with Conservation Florida, weโve shown that protecting land can balance Floridaโs economy and ecology for the future of all Florida citizens.โ
โWorking with Conservation Florida, weโve shown that protecting land can balance Floridaโs economy and ecology for the future of all Florida citizens.โ
Arnie and Lauren Bellini
CONSERVATION MEANS FOREVER
Since then, the Bellini Family, with help from professionals like Kissimmee Valley Foresters, has implemented habitat restoration through prescribed fire and stewardship practices to revitalize the landscape.
Eagle Haven Ranch is a key connector piece in the Florida Wildlife Corridor, a statewide effort to protect and connect more than 18 million acres of lands critical for both people and wildlife.
โBy securing Eagle Haven Ranch, weโre not just saving one piece of land, weโre fortifying a broader conservation vision that stretches from the Panhandle to the Everglades,โ said Chelsea Wisner, Director of Land Protection for Conservation Florida.
In addition to native wildlife and plants, Eagle Haven Ranch is also home to families of cattle.
With Eagle Haven Ranch permanently protected, Conservation Florida continues to pursue additional projects in the region that support corridor connectivity, water quality, and working land traditions. The organization encourages continued public and private support to expand the impact.
โThis is conservation at its best: collaborative, strategic, and lasting,โ added Deen. โWe are deeply grateful to the REPI and NRCS ALE programs, our conservation-minded landowners, and the many supporters who made this possible.โ
In 2021, scientists from Archbold Biological Station held a โbioblitzโ at Eagle Haven Ranch, documenting a wide variety of plants and wildlife found on the property. You can explore the full list of species they recorded here.
โThis is conservation at its best: collaborative, strategic, and lasting.โ
Traci Deen, Conservation Florida CEO
For more information, contact:โฏ
Sarah Shepard, Communications Directorโฏ
About Conservation Florida:โฏ
Conservation Florida is an accredited, nonprofit land conservancy dedicated to conserving the Sunshine Stateโs water, wildlife, wild places โ 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.โฏ Learn more at conservationfla.org and follow us on social media @conservationflorida.
Conservation Florida Protects Home of Endangered Florida Panther in Highlands County
All photos by Anna Crocitto
Critically Endangered Panthers Documented on Newly Conserved 1,003-Acre Ranch
LAKE PLACID, Fla. (July 2, 2025) โThe endangered Florida panther now has one more safe place to call home. Conservation Florida, a nonprofit land conservancy dedicated to protecting wild Florida, is proud to announce the permanent protection of AP Ranch, a 1,003-acre property in Highlands County with confirmed documented Florida panther activity.
Thanks to funding from the Department of Defense (DoD), the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Conservation Florida supporters, the nonprofit purchased a conservation easement on this vital stretch of connected wildlife habitat.
As a land conservancy, Conservation Florida is uniquely equipped to hold and care for conservation easements โ ensuring these lands are cared for, protected, and conserved forever.
Just one mile east of Fisheating Creek, AP Ranch provides critical habitat for one of the worldโs most endangered mammals. Trail cameras have captured two GPS-collared panthers and an uncollared individual roaming the property โ a promising sign for the species, which numbers just 120 to 230 in the wild.
โEvery acre we protect is a lifeline for the plants and animals relying on wild Florida,โ said Traci Deen, CEO of Conservation Florida. โPlaces like AP Ranch are vanishing. Saving them is more than conservation โ itโs a promise to future generations that this wild, extraordinary Florida will continue to exist. Weโre proud to stand alongside landowners and partners who understand whatโs at stake, and together, make a lasting impact here at home.โ
AP Ranch is located in Highlands County, adjacent to Archbold Biological Station
A Working Ranch, A Wild Refuge
Across AP Ranch, longleaf pines, open flatwoods, and oak hammocks give wildlife like Florida black bears a safe haven. The property is shaped by winding wetlands that clean the water and help refill the aquifer. In between it all, wide pastures are home to a herd of cattle, showing that ranching and conservation can work side by side.
โAs a landowner, Iโve always believed that taking care of the land means leaving it better than you found it,โ said Gerry Arsenault, landowner of AP Ranch. โPartnering with Conservation Florida ensures this place will stay pristine โ for panthers, bears and other wildlife in perpetuity.โ
AP Ranch is a haven for dozens of imperiled species, including the gopher tortoise, eastern indigo snake, wood stork, tricolored heron, and Arcadian St. Johnโs-wort โ a rare flowering plant growing along the southeastern edge of the property.
The ranch sits next to more than 10,000 acres of already protected land and just south of 32,000 acres of conserved wetlands. That means AP Ranch helps connect the dots โ creating more room for Florida panthers, black bears, snail kites, and crested caracaras to move, hunt, and raise their young.
It also safeguards the water that flows into Fisheating Creek, supporting drinking water, natural flood control, and water quality across the region.
More than 2 million acres of Floridaโs Working Lands Could be lost by 2070.
Thatโs nearly 1/5th of the Sunshine Stateโs rural land.
A Win for Conservation and National Security
AP Ranch also lies within the Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape, a nationally recognized corridor where military readiness, conservation, and agriculture align. The Sentinel Landscape Partnership โ led by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Department of the Interior โ supports projects like this one that protect natural resources and working lands around critical military installations.
"Weโre proud to partner with Conservation Florida to see AP Ranch protected,โ said Lt. Col. (Ret.) Buck MacLaughlin. โThis kind of land protection is good for everyone. It keeps rural Florida intact, gives wildlife the space they need, and helps make sure our military can continue to train effectively.โ
The permanent protection of AP Ranch was made possible through support from the Department of Defenseโs Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) โ two key partners in the Sentinel Landscape effort.
โNRCS is proud to help protect lands like AP Ranch, where agriculture and conservation go hand in hand,โ said Juan Hernandez, State Conservationist for USDA NRCS Florida. โThis is what it looks like when we work together to keep Floridaโs lands productive, connected, and resilient.โ
With the protection of AP Ranch, Conservation Florida furthers its mission to protect the Sunshine Stateโs water, wildlife, and wild places.
To protect wild Florida with us, visit conservationfla.org.
For more information, contact:โฏ
Sarah Shepard, Communications Directorโฏ
About Conservation Florida:โฏ
Conservation Florida is an accredited, nonprofit land conservancy dedicated to conserving the Sunshine Stateโs water, wildlife, wild places โ 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.โฏ Learn more at conservationfla.org and follow us on social media @conservationflorida.