North Florida Land Trust hosted the Salty Soiree on Amelia Island to honor the donation of 388 acres next to Fort Clinch State Park to NFLT by Jack and Kathleen Thornton late last year. NFLT and the Thornton family were joined by nearly 170 supporters to celebrate the preservation of the land and to raise money for the nonprofit.
The Thornton family received a standing ovation for their generous donation of what is now known as the Thornton Family Preserve. The property is adjacent to Fort Clinch and runs about two miles between the state park and Egan’s Creek. The donation helps to protect the state park and ensures this land will remain in its natural state. Before the event, the Thornton family joined NFLT at a newly erected sign inside Fort Clinch State Park that recognizes the family’s contribution to conservation.
The Salty Soiree served as a fundraiser for NFLT. A $15,000 donation match was announced at the event, which was reached within the first hour and a half of the celebration. In total, $70,000 was raised to support NFLT’s conservation work in Northeast Florida at the event, which is expected to become an annual celebration of conservation on Amelia Island.
NFLT would like to extend special thanks to the event committee:
Janyce & Mark Dawkins
Randy & Allison DeFoor
Becky & Tommy Grimes
Pam & Joe Hart
Cynthia Jones-Jackson
Connie & Ken McDaniel
Lyn Pannone & Steve Nadeau
Sally & Tony Perez
About North Florida Land Trust
North Florida Land Trust is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of life by protecting North Florida’s irreplaceable natural environment. Founded in 1999, NFLT has preserved tens of thousands of acres of land through the donation or purchase of land and conservation easements. NFLT is funded largely by private and corporate contributions and works closely with willing landowners, public agencies at all levels of government, not-for-profit partners, and foundations.
