Conservation in Nassau County received a major boost with a $1 million anonymous donation to North Florida Land Trust. The nonprofit land conservation organization said the gift is restricted specifically for conservation work in Nassau County, helping advance efforts to protect natural spaces for future generations.
“We are deeply grateful for this generous gift and honored to accept it in support of conservation in Nassau County,” said Allison DeFoor, president and CEO of NFLT. “Partners like this anonymous donor make it possible for us to continue protecting pieces of old Florida. These natural spaces are irreplaceable, and once they are gone, they are gone forever.”
The anonymous donation was made to NFLT in memory of an individual whose identity was not disclosed to the nonprofit. At the donor’s request, the gift will be used for conservation in Nassau County. The $1 million contribution will strengthen NFLT’s ability to move quickly on future preservation projects and help protect important natural lands before opportunities are lost.
The gift comes amid renewed momentum for conservation in Nassau County. Last Tuesday, the Fernandina Beach City Commission unanimously approved a new memorandum of understanding with NFLT, renewing a partnership that expired in 2023. The agreement identifies parcels of mutual interest and commits both parties to contribute funding toward their acquisition. NFLT’s funding will come from the Amelia Forever Fund, while the City’s contribution will come from a similar donor-supported fund. Under the previous agreement, NFLT helped conserve several parcels that were ultimately transferred to City ownership.
Protecting land in Nassau and surrounding counties has been the focus of NFLT’s mission for more than 27 years. All told, NFLT has protected more than 1,247 acres on or immediately adjacent to Amelia Island, and 6,281 acres in Nassau County as a whole. The nonprofit is working to conserve two more properties by year-end that will further community conservation goals on Amelia Island in Nassau County.
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.
