North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) has acquired and permanently protected 860.55 acres in Bradford County, securing a critical piece of land within both the Ocala‑to‑Osceola (O2O) Wildlife Corridor and the Camp Blanding Army Compatible Use Buffer Zone. The $5.42 million acquisition was funded by the Army National Guard (ARNG) and the Department of Defense’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program, with additional support from the Florida Defense Support Commission.
“This is a significant property for connectivity within the O2O, and strengthens the regional conservation network,” said Allison DeFoor, president and CEO of NFLT. “We’re excited about what this means for wildlife, water resources, and the long-term protection of Camp Blanding’s mission. Camp Blanding has been an outstanding conservation partner, helping ensure these lands remain protected in their natural state forever. The time to protect Florida’s natural lands is now.”
The property was previously owned by Rayonier Forest Resources, LP, which managed the land for timber production. The 860-acre tract lies adjacent to and south of NFLT’s Triangle Preserve and the Suwannee River Management Santa Fe Swamp Conservation Area. Its location expands a growing network of conserved lands that support wildlife movement, protect water quality, and strengthen climate resilience across Northeast Florida.
The land includes significant floodplain storage and provides natural buffers to wetlands associated with Prevatt Creek, a tributary that contributes to the headwaters of the Santa Fe River. Protecting this property helps maintain the ecological integrity of the watershed. The site also supports habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including deer, turkey, and black bear, all of which are well documented in the area. NFLT will own and manage the land, which has future potential for public access, including hiking trails and passive recreation opportunities.
The O2O Corridor is a 1.6-million-acre network of public and private lands connecting the Ocala and Osceola National Forests. The acquisition strengthens one of Florida’s most important connected landscapes and helps safeguard its ecological health for generations to come.
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.
