North Florida Land Trust’s efforts to expand Bogey Creek Preserve have received a boost from Beaches Go Green. The nonprofit organization recently announced it is concluding its operations at the end of April after nine years of service and has donated $60,000 of its remaining funds to NFLT for the purchase of four-acres of land to add to its public preserve.
NFLT must raise $150,000 by June 1 to purchase the land and has raised $29,000 to date. With the addition of the $60,000 donation from Beaches Go Green, NFLT is now asking the community to help secure the remaining $61,000 needed for the additional parcel. The property is owned by Spencer Engineering and Exploration Co., Inc., whose owners are members of the Spencer family, the original landowners of much of NFLT’s Bogey Creek Preserve.
“As we see more development around Bogey Creek Preserve along Cedar Point Rd., it is more important than ever that we raise the money needed to preserve this property,” said Allison DeFoor, president and CEO of NFLT. “We appreciate Beaches Go Green thinking of us for this generous donation. Over the last nine years, they have done a lot to help shape healthier lives and a healthier North Florida.”
Beaches Go Green Founder and Executive Director Anne Marie Moquin said, “Our final act is one of lasting impact— helping to protect the Bogey Creek area will allow our impact to live long after we’re gone. Our team at Beaches Go Green is deeply grateful to the supporters, volunteers, and community who made nine years of meaningful impact possible.”
Donations to help NFLT preserve the four-acres and expand Bogey Creek Preserve can be made online, by mail to NFLT at 843 W. Monroe St., Jacksonville, FL, 32202, or by contacting Lee Anderson Louy at landersonlouy@nflt.org or (904) 479-1967.
It was 20 years ago that NFLT purchased the first six and a half acres from the Spencer family, and in 2017, added 67.5 acres creating Bogey Creek Preserve. The property underwent environmental renovations and opened to the public in 2019. In 2021, additional acres were added to the preserve to bring the total acres to 85.
Bogey Creek Preserve protects nearly one mile of critical marsh front on Clapboard and Bogey Creeks. It contains walking trails that wind through a mix of maritime hammock and mixed pine-oak forest, and along seep-fed cypress swamps. It also includes picnic areas and a kayak landing on Bogey Creek. Bogey Creek Preserve is one of two NFLT properties that are part of the 7 Creeks Recreation Area, a network of parks that include city, state and national parks.
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.
