We are dedicated to preserving and enhancing quality of life by protecting North Florida’s irreplaceable landscapes. We conserve agricultural lands, forests, coastal marshes, shorelines, and wildlife habitats because every protected acre benefits the community. Conservation helps safeguard clean air, clean water, productive soil, wildlife habitat, compatible land uses near military installations, and access to natural areas for generations to come.

As a land trust, we help shape the landscapes of our community four ways: acquisition, advocacy, stewardship, and accountability. Through acquisition, we work with willing landowners to buy land outright or secure conservation easements, which allow landowners to retain ownership while permanently limiting future development. Through advocacy, we educate the community about the benefits of land conservation. Through stewardship we care for an restore the land to its natural and native state. Through accountability, we work with partners, community leaders, elected officials, and agencies to encourage the right conservation outcomes for the right land.

Conservation takes time, trust, and negotiation. Our team identifies properties with strong conservation value, builds relationships with landowners, evaluates funding options, and works with partners to move each project from possibility to protection.

Since we began working as a land trust in 1999, NFLT has preserved more than 125,000 acres of land in Florida. Once we find willing landowners and bring a project to closing, the land may be owned by NFLT or by one of our conservation partners. When NFLT owns the property, our stewardship department takes responsibility for caring for the land over the long term.

The lands we care for range from longleaf pine sandhills to hardwood forests to coastal marshes and wetlands. The properties are extremely important ecosystems that help reduce flooding, buffer storm surge, protect clean water, and provide a home to many endangered and threatened species, including the gopher tortoise, red-cockaded woodpecker, indigo snake, West Indian manatee, and the wood stork.

To manage NFLT’s growing portfolio, currently at 16,000 acres, our team creates and implements management plans for the diverse ecosystems on our nature preserves. We restore and maintain habitats using tools such as prescribed fire, large-scale longleaf planting, and the treatment of exotic and invasive species so native plants and wildlife can thrive. We also manage the conservation easements we hold by working with landowners to determine the best ways to care for the land, and we monitor each property to ensure these parcels remain natural for generations to come.

Protecting land is only part of the story. When appropriate, we also look for ways to connect people with these conserved places so they can experience the landscapes, wildlife, and waterways that make North Florida worth protecting. Preserved lands also provide opportunities for public recreation. At Bogey Creek Preserve, visitors can enjoy hiking trails through maritime hammock and pine-oak forests, a kayak landing on Clapboard Creek, a picnic area, and interpretive signs about the surrounding ecology. Visitors can also hike a portion of the Florida Trail through Smith Lake Preserve’s scenic sandhill landscape, where interpretive signs explain local habitats and North Florida conservation efforts. On Amelia Island you can visit Fort Clinch State Park and enjoy expansive views of salt marsh and maritime hammock along Egan’s Creek in our Thornton Family Preserve right next door.

Conservation land trusts operate in all 50 states, each focused on protecting the natural landscapes, resources, and wildlife habitats that define its region. Land trusts share a common purpose: to protect important natural places before they are lost to development. These efforts have a direct impact on our quality of life. In a future post, we’ll explore more of the ways conservation directly benefits you and your community.

You can help protect Florida’s natural spaces now by becoming an NFLT member. Your support directly funds land conservation, habitat care, stewardship, and daily operations, while giving you a closer look at the conservation work happening across North Florida.

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The story begins in the 1950s, when the Spencer family purchased the property and the family matriarch lovingly named it Bugtussle. Her wish was simple: that this beloved place would be protected forever. We are honored to have helped fulfill that wish and to share this remarkable landscape with the community.

Nestled in North Jacksonville off Cedar Point Road, the public preserve is a place of serenity. When you step onto the trails of Bogey Creek Preserve, it is like stepping back into a piece of old Florida. The 85-acre preserve features cypress swamps, salt marshes, pine-oak forests, and maritime hammock, and protects nearly one mile of critical marsh front on Clapboard and Bogey Creeks. It is both a refuge for wildlife and a living testament to the family’s devotion to a place and a community’s belief in the power of conservation.

Twenty years ago, we took the first steps to preserve the property by acquiring 6.5 acres from Robert Spencer. Over time, we nurtured our relationship with the Spencer family and built a trusted partnership. Eleven years later, with funding from the State of Florida and generous community donors, we purchased another 67.5 acres from the family.

In the years that followed, we made environmental improvements to Bogey Creek Preserve and created trails, a kayak landing, and picnic areas. Bogey Creek Preserve officially opened to the public in 2019. In 2021, we expanded the preserve by adding 11.6 acres that we acquired from the neighboring McGehee family. Today, we are close to adding another 4 acres and are expecting to complete the acquisition of the additional parcel from the Spencer family later this month.

This preserve exists because of the generosity and vision of many supporters, including the Edward F. Hicks Family, the Delores Barr Weaver Fund at the Community Foundation of Northeast Florida, the River Branch Foundation, the Chartrand family, an anonymous donation in the name of Robert P. Milam, Jr., the Timucuan Parks Foundation, and several other individuals. The new addition to the preserve is being funded in part by Beaches Go Green. We are grateful to every partner who helped make this public preserve a reality.

In late 2020, Bogey Creek Preserve became a part of a collection of parks and preserves known as the 7 Creeks Recreation Area, a partnership among NFLT, the City of Jacksonville, Florida State Parks, the National Park Service, Timucuan Parks Foundation, and Visit Jacksonville. It was created to showcase the thousands of acres of natural habitat and expansive salt marsh that is home to seven parks and preserves and the seven creeks that run through the area: Bogey Creek, Clapboard Creek, Cedar Point Creek, Edwards Creek, Fitzpatrick Creek, Horseshoe Creek, and Pumpkin Hill Creek.

Bogey Creek Preserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Stop by and take a walk along the Bugtussle Loop trail, where you will wander through diverse ecosystems home to gopher tortoises, frogs, turtles, the eastern indigo snake, and more. Our Bogey Creek Preserve Herpetology Field Guide is available on our website and highlights many of the species you may encounter.

It is a beautiful place to experience nature, restore the mind and body, and connect with a landscape protected for generations to come.

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We are at week 25 in the countdown to our official birthday on December 27 and this week we want to feature a significant partner and program in our conservation work, one that has had a transformative impact on North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) as an organization and also in keeping Florida green – the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and their Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). NFLT has achieved significant milestones through its partnership with the USDA’s NRCS and their RCPP and this collaboration has been pivotal in advancing conservation efforts within the Ocala to Osceola (O2O) Wildlife Corridor, one of Florida’s most critical ecological linkages.

Spanning 1.6 million acres, the O2O Wildlife Corridor is a 100-mile-long network of public and private lands that bridges two of Florida’s largest forests—the Ocala and the Osceola National Forests. This corridor is essential for preserving biodiversity, supporting regional water systems, and maintaining habitat connectivity for Florida’s iconic wildlife, such as the black bear, red-cockaded woodpecker, eastern indigo snake, and gopher tortoise.

NFLT first partnered with the RCPP in 2018, securing $3.56 million to jumpstart conservation within the O2O Wildlife Corridor. These funds supported initiatives such as land acquisition, conservation easements, and improved management practices on private lands. Recognizing the success of these efforts, the RCPP awarded an additional $9.3 million in 2020 to expand the scope of the project. This funding not only bolstered land conservation but also implemented innovative conservation practices to enhance habitat quality and water resources.

NRCS Chief Matthew Lohr highlighted the importance of the program, stating, “Through collaboration and aligning our resources toward a common goal, we’re making an impact for natural resource conservation that could never have been realized on our own.”

In total, RCPP funding for the O2O initiative has now surpassed $11 million, complemented by over $33 million contributed by partner programs. These investments are critical in addressing pressing environmental challenges, such as habitat loss, declining water quality, and the fragmentation of forest ecosystems.

The corridor’s importance extends beyond its ecological significance. By linking existing conservation areas such as Camp Blanding Joint Training Center and numerous state parks, the initiative ensures that species dependent on large, unfragmented habitats can thrive. Additionally, the conservation of working timberlands and water resources helps sustain local economies while promoting sustainable land-use practices.

Expanding Conservation through the Corridor to Coast Initiative

NFLT’s conservation reach expanded significantly with the launch of the Corridor to Coast (C2C) initiative. Supported by a $15.2 million RCPP award, this project extends the conservation footprint to 5.2 million acres across nine counties in Northeast and Central Florida. The C2C integrates efforts across working farms, forests, wetlands, and buffer lands to protect natural resources while supporting regional economies.

Much like the O2O initiative, the C2C relies on partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as private landowners. Notable partners include the Florida Department of Agriculture, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Trust for Public Land. Together, these organizations bring technical expertise and funding to ensure the success of the initiative.

Both the O2O and C2C initiatives demonstrate the transformative power of public-private partnerships. By addressing natural resource challenges at a landscape scale, these projects not only conserve biodiversity and enhance water quality but also mitigate the impacts of urbanization and climate change. For example, conserved lands within the corridor act as natural buffers, reducing flooding, controlling erosion, and filtering pollutants before they reach water sources. These efforts also strengthen regional resilience against sea-level rise and extreme weather events.

Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, located within the heart of the O2O, has also benefited significantly from NFLT’s conservation efforts. Through the Army Compatible Use Buffer (ACUB) program NFLT works to protect land surrounding the training center, ensuring the compatibility of military operations with conservation objectives.

The O2O Wildlife Corridor and the Corridor to Coast initiative exemplify how strategic conservation efforts can secure Florida’s natural heritage for future generations. By leveraging resources through the RCPP and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, NFLT is creating a legacy of resilience and sustainability. As Allison DeFoor, President and CEO of NFLT, often says, “It is now or never.” With the stakes higher than ever, these initiatives provide a blueprint for conserving the landscapes that define Florida’s identity and support its communities.

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On this Thanksgiving we want to highlight our best memory ~ the people and partners who make what we do possible. All year long we have been celebrating 25 years of conservation and as we have reflected on the incredible milestones we’ve achieved, top of mind is the knowledge that none of this would have been possible without the support of all of you ~ our donors, our members, and our partners. Your contributions have enabled us to make huge strides in safeguarding Florida’s natural beauty, protecting critical habitats, and enhancing the quality of life for Floridians.

Since our founding in 1999, we have protected more than 40,000 acres of critical landscapes, from the Ocala to Osceola Wildlife Corridor (O2O) to the salt marshes and coastal ecosystems along the Intracoastal Waterway. These achievements represent a shared commitment to preserving North Florida’s irreplaceable natural resources. Every acre we’ve saved is a testament to the dedication and generosity of our supporters.

Donors both big and small have transformed the scope of what we can achieve. Your gifts have strengthened our ability to act decisively in the face of environmental challenges. Your contributions have funded essential initiatives such as prescribed burns, longleaf pine restoration, and habitat preservation for species like the gopher tortoise. Landowners such as the Bull Family and Atlantic Beach Holding Company and Ben and Louann Williams of Wetland Preserve exemplify the profound impact of landowner partnerships and how shared values can lead to meaningful conservation outcomes.

In the year and a half since transitioning to a membership-based organization, we have welcomed close to 400 members who share our vision for conservation. Your participation ensures that we can continue this critical work, providing the resources to respond swiftly to opportunities and challenges. Each membership signifies a personal commitment to the land we protect and serves as a foundation for our future.

We are deeply grateful for the partnerships that amplify our impact. Collaborations with conservation organizations, government agencies, and community leaders have been instrumental in expanding our reach. The more than 26 strong O2O Partnership works together with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and their Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), a collaboration that has enabled exponential growth in the conservation efforts of the O2O Wildlife Corridor. Funding through the Army Compatible Use Buffer program (ACUB) has allowed us to save more land, connect fragmented wildlife corridors, and support community well-being. Groups of passionate and dedicated residents such as the Amelia Forever Committee have been pivotal in helping us act quickly and protect land under threat of development. And of course, the guiding force from our inception through today, the NFLT Board of Directors.

Corporate and community partners, including Lory Doolittle and the Doolittle Family, The Players, Dream Finders Homes, and many others have provided financial support, resources, and advocacy that drive our mission forward. Whether through sponsorships of events like our 25th Anniversary Celebration and our Annual Meeting, or contributions to specific projects, the involvement and support of all our sponsors and funders has been crucial to our success.

As we honor the achievements of the past 25 years, we remain focused on the urgent work ahead. The rapid pace of development in Florida demands bold action, and your continued support is essential. Together, we can protect more vulnerable lands, expand wildlife corridors, and ensure that future generations inherit a landscape rich in natural beauty and biodiversity.

NFLT is not just an organization—it is a community of like-minded individuals, families, businesses, and government agencies and partners united by a passion for conservation. To every donor who has funded our land acquisitions, every member who has joined our growing network, and every partner who has stood with us in this mission: THANK YOU. Your support inspires us, fuels our efforts, and makes our shared vision a reality.

Here’s to the next 25 years of protecting North Florida’s irreplaceable landscapes together!

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An important note ~

We must also take this opportunity to recognize the amazing support and partnership of The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. We are grateful for their guidance and belief in our mission and their support of and for Northeast Florida and its nonprofit community. 

About The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida ~

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, Florida’s oldest and largest community foundation, works to stimulate philanthropy to build a better community. The Foundation helps donors invest their philanthropic gifts wisely, helps nonprofits serve the region effectively, and helps people come together to make the community a better place. Created in 1964, the Foundation has made more than $695 million in grants since its inception, and manages assets that exceeded $630 million at their peak in 2021.

*Little NaNa Dune photo credit: Steve Leimberg 2021

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A New Memory to Celebrate!

We have been wandering through the archives and our rolodex, featuring memories of how NFLT was started, who were some of our first partners and landowners, and highlighting some of our key initiatives. For this week we want to share a new memory, but one that is nonetheless significant and will remain etched in our minds and hearts for many years to come.

This past weekend we recognized our 25 years of conservation with a celebration at Smith Lake Preserve. Close to 100 friends, partners, and donors joined NFLT staff and board members at our flagship property. Everyone enjoyed guided property tours on the Hixon Buggy, had an opportunity to “meet” our new firetruck, Lola D, a custom-built, large capacity firetruck gifted to NFLT by the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund, enjoyed music by the Remedy Tree, ate barbeque from Mission BBQ, and took self-guided hikes through the property. It was a beautiful fall day in Florida and at the end of the event our hearts were full.

Smith Lake Preserve is not open to the public so many have not had a chance to see the progress we have made with restoring the property. It was great fun to be able to showcase the impact of our donors’ and partners’ dollars in real life. The abundance of green, the resurgence of native plants and the little long leaf pine saplings were thrilling to see. (Scroll down for some photos.)

Land restoration can take a long time. Land management plans span years, if not decades, and they are subject to change based on external variables such as climate and weather, progression of growth, and plant viability. To see such a significant change in just three years (we moved into Smith Lake Preserve in spring 2021) not only reinforces the importance of our mission but also inspires all of us and reenergizes our work.

Thank you to all who joined us last Saturday. We often say we cannot do what we do without you, but we say it often because it is true. You are the best part of NFLT.

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Ben and Louann have been a part of the NFLT family for many years, and if you want to know more about the work we do with conservation easements, just ask them. The two got their start in conservation by first working to protect water. They worked in the commercial seafood industry and saw the need to protect the health of the underlying ecosystems that provided their livelihood. That led to their early involvement with the St. Johns Riverkeeper. Ben served for 12 years on the St. Johns Riverkeeper’s board and provided the seafood for the nonprofit’s annual oyster roast. Educating themselves about the importance of conservation, the two realized how important it was to the waterways to protect the land that surrounds it. Then, they decided to buy some land.

The two bought nearly 3,600 acres, which they named Wetland Preserve, and after spending 35 years in the commercial seafood industry, they moved into the timber and land business. Wetland Preserve is adjacent to the Rice Creek Conservation area owned by the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD). It was good timber property, and Ben and Louann saw an opportunity. The land could produce income while also helping them further their conservation goals. They began talking with Ray Bunton, a former NFLT board member who worked with the SJRWMD. When they learned how a conservation easement could protect the land while allowing landowners to continue to use it as a working forest, they started on the conservation easement path. They wanted to make sure the land would be free from development for future generations. The self-proclaimed do-it-yourselfers were trying to figure it out on their own.

“We had been banging our heads trying to figure out how to get a Florida Forever conservation easement on the property,” said Ben. “We were at a St. Johns River Water Management District meeting one day, and Marc Hudson (former NFLT land protection director) had spoken, and I was impressed. I corralled Marc outside the meeting and thought if anyone could make this happen, this young man could.”

That was approximately ten years ago. Ben said Marc’s persistence and intelligence at the meeting helped convince him that he needed to work with NFLT. Our staff then got to work. We identified the property as a perfect fit for a conservation easement in 2015 and served as a landowner advocate for the Williams family throughout the process. In 2017, NFLT helped move them to the top of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program list before it was defunded. We then identified the Florida Forever Program as a funding option for the conservation easement. We assisted the family through the process while helping the state understand the property and execute the due diligence. Ben and Louann also wanted to protect the Florida Trail, which runs through part of Wetland Preserve. We helped them craft the conservation easement to ensure any subsequent owners could not move the trail off the property. We also included protecting old growth on the property outside of the Best Management Practice areas.

In 2020, we helped them finalize the deal and closed on the conservation easement purchased through the Florida Forever program for $2,873,000. When asked what they would do with the money, they asked what the state wanted them to do. The answer was to buy more conservation land, so that is what they are doing. Stay tuned for details as they add to their conservation portfolio.

NFLT continues to work with the Williams to save more land from development, and Ben and Louann continue to support us in many ways. They have been a $10,000 Black Bear Sponsor of our annual meeting for the last few years. Ben recently joined us for the Florida Forestry Association Annual Meeting and Trade Show, where he shared his insight on the conservation easement process and his thoughts on why saving land is so important. Ben and Louann are also frequent hosts at Wetland Preserve, providing educational outreach for groups.

The Williams have received accolades for their work in conservation over the years. They were named Florida Landowners of the Year in 2019 by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The American Tree Farm System recognized them with the Florida 2021 Outstanding Tree Farmer award, and they were also named NFLT’s Advocate of the Year in 2023.

“We would not be able to do all we do without the conservation easement,” said Louann. “We love having the opportunity to be stewards of this land for this little window of time.”

You can learn more about Wetland Preserve and Ben and Louann’s work at benandLouann.com.

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