North Florida Land Trust’s (NFLT) rich history is now chronicled in a new book, “Keeping North Florida Wild.” The book, which is now available for purchase, documents the nonprofit land conservation organization’s accomplishments and celebrates its 25 years of protecting North Florida’s natural spaces.
It takes readers on a journey through NFLT’s 25 years of service through compelling essays and images that record the places, people, priorities, and partnerships that have driven the nonprofit’s mission to protect and preserve North Florida’s irreplaceable natural beauty. Readers will learn about how NFLT has protected almost 44,000 acres since its inception in 1999, led restoration projects to bring back natural habitats for wildlife and plant species that depend on them, and safeguarded landscapes including wildlife corridors, wetlands, forests and working lands.
“This book gives people a way to visualize our accomplishments and impact as well as understand the significant role conservation has in Florida. It showcases why we must continue our mission to preserve these important natural spaces, because it truly is now or never,” said Allison DeFoor, NFLT president and CEO. “I think our team did an incredible job, and I especially want to thank Sarah Hande, our communications officer, who took the lead on putting this book together. She really did a wonderful job, and I can’t wait for everyone to read it.”
NFLT brings together private landowners, corporations, government agencies, foundations and other nonprofits to preserve Florida’s natural landscapes for future generations. “Keeping North Florida Wild” is a testament to what collective action can achieve. It showcases NFLT’s growth and reveals how a shared vision and steadfast commitment have made the nonprofit one of Florida’s leading conservation organizations.
NFLT’s milestone acquisitions are highlighted in the book, including an exploration of the Ocala to Osceola (O2O) Wildlife Corridor, where NFLT leads a partnership to preserve public and private lands in the 1.6-million-acres that stretches 100 miles and connects the Ocala and Osceola National Forests, a critical link in the Florida Wildlife Corridor. It features a closer look at Bogey Creek Preserve, the nonprofit’s first public park, and Smith Lake Preserve, which now houses its stewardship department. The book also showcases the preservation of Little NaNa Dune in historic American Beach.
The foreword was written by Clay Henderson, an environmental lawyer and educator who has been an important part of the conservation effort in Florida throughout his long career. He is also an author of several books, including “Forces of Nature: A History of Florida Land Conservation.” The afterword for the book was written by Mark Woods, author of “Lassoing the Sun” and columnist for the Florida Times-Union. NFLT President and CEO Allison DeFoor wrote the book’s closing passage.
“Keeping North Florida Wild,” a historical record of NFLT and an inspiring call to action, is available for purchase on NFLT’s website at nflt.org (https://nflt.org/about/keeping-north-florida-wild/) or https://emh2vw-nz.myshopify.com/collections/all.
On Wednesday, Dec. 10, Story and Song Bookstore will be hosting a conversation about NFLT’s new book from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., which will include a question-and-answer session, snacks and drinks. The bookstore is located at 1430 Park Ave. in Fernandina Beach. The hosts ask that guests RSVP for the event at https://storyandsongarts.org/event/north-florida-land-trust/.
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 as well as conservation easements. NFLT is funded largely by private and corporate contributions and works closely with willing landowners and public agencies at all levels of government, not-for-profit partners, and foundations.
