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.

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The easement, valued at $3,706,000, was purchased through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP), with the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) contributing $1,853,000 toward the total easement value. Delays had threatened to derail the project, but NFLT worked with its federal partners to bring it to completion.

“Sometimes projects like these need a little help from a friend, so I reached out to Congressman Aaron Bean to ask for assistance,” said Allison DeFoor, president and CEO of NFLT. “Congressman Bean and his team were able to help us move this project forward, and now there are 1,685 acres that will remain protected forever. We appreciate Congressman Bean stepping in to help and his commitment to what we do, because it is now or never.”

The property is primarily managed for silviculture, with prescribed burns used to maintain an open understory and promote a rich diversity of native plant species. Wetlands are scattered throughout the landscape, and the land provides an important riparian buffer along Cedar Creek as it winds through the tract. Wildlife management efforts support healthy populations of deer, turkey, dove, and waterfowl, and the property is also actively used for native game hunting.

Protecting the property adds another tract to the O2O, which includes 1.6 million acres of public and privately owned forested land stretching 100 miles from the Ocala National Forest to the Osceola National Forest. NFLT leads the O2O Wildlife Corridor Partnership, a group of like-minded organizations dedicated to preserving land within the O2O.

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.

The post North Florida Land Trust Facilitated the Permanent Preservation of 1,685 Acres in Baker County appeared first on North Florida Land Trust.

The DeerCreek Plantation conservation easement was donated by Ring Power and its owners, Randy and Paula Ringhaver and David and Bree Alban. The property lies within NFLT’s springs, aquifer recharge, and water quality improvement preservation priority area, and is also within the St. Johns River Blueway Florida Forever Project Area. It borders Trout Creek for about two miles along the eastern boundary, helping protect the creek and ultimately the St. Johns River. Several new developments surround the property, and preserving this land through a conservation easement eliminates the possibility of future development and keeps it a pristine piece of natural land.

“This generous donation is a major win for conservation in St. Johns County, which just continues to grow,” said Allison DeFoor, president and CEO of NFLT. “We are grateful to the Ringhaver family for recognizing the importance of saving this natural space because it is now or never. Now their children, grandchildren, and their grandchildren’s grandchildren will be able to enjoy this beautiful property.”

Randy Ringhaver says this property holds profound meaning for him and his family. Over several decades, he and his family gradually acquired parcels from multiple owners, ultimately assembling the more than 1,732 acres that now make up DeerCreek Plantation. As development continued to press in around this natural landscape, the Ringhavers chose to partner with NFLT and place the property under a conservation easement, ensuring that this cherished stretch of wilderness will remain protected forever.

“A close friend once said some things are worth more than they can be sold for, and that is exactly how we feel about DeerCreek,” said Randy Ringhaver, Chairman of Ring Power.

Under the terms of the perpetual conservation easement agreement, Ring Power and the Ringhaver and Alban families may continue to enjoy the property. DeerCreek Plantation is primarily used as a private quail hunting plantation for company outings and business entertainment.

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.

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NFLT was instrumental in facilitating this land into conservation by bringing a majority of those involved in the process to the table and working with former Speaker of the House Paul Renner to secure funding for acquisitions within the O2O. The conservation easements allow Weyerhaeuser and Blackbottom to continue using the land as a working forest while ensuring it remains free from development forever.

“This historic conservation easement acquisition was something we started working on approximately seven years ago, when we began talks with the Weyerhaeuser Corporation,” said Allison DeFoor, president and CEO of NFLT. “To have played a role in the largest conservation easement acquisition in the state’s history is a wonderful feeling. We have now moved our total acres preserved in the state to 125,555. I congratulate the Governor and the state on bringing this across the finish line and ensuring this part of the O2O remains in its natural state forever. It is now or never.”

The Weyerhaeuser and Blackbottom conservation easements stretch and protect a critical bottleneck in the Florida Wildlife Corridor from the Raiford Wildlife Management Area to the Osceola National Forest. Protecting the land secures a contiguous landscape for a wide range of species, including the Florida black bear, and helps safeguard significant aquifer recharge, wetland habitats and rural forestry economies.

NFLT leads the O2O Wildlife Corridor Partnership, a group of like-minded organizations dedicated to preserving land within the O2O. Approximately 1.6 million acres of public and privately owned forested land stretching 100 miles from the Ocala National Forest to the Osceola National Forest, make up the O2O.

You can read the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s press release on this historic conservation win here.

About North Florida Land Trust

North Florida Land Trust is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing 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.

The post It’s official! More than 76,000 acres are now protected in the O2O and Florida Wildlife Corridors appeared first on North Florida Land Trust.

This year’s keynote speaker is Land Trust Alliance CEO Ashley Demosthenes, who joined the national organization in early 2025. Demosthenes previously worked with The Nature Conservancy and served as the CEO of Lowcountry Land Trust in Charleston, South Carolina, for 10 years. Demosthenes will discuss conservation on the national level, including trends the organization is seeing across the country. The Land Trust Alliance serves as a voice for the land trust community and supports approximately 1,000 accredited land trusts around the country by serving as a national leader in policy, standards, education, and training. NFLT is one of four accredited land trusts in Florida.

General admission tickets to the annual meeting are $125 for NFLT members and $150 for non-members. Guests can register for the event online at https://nflt.org/2026/01/14/nflt-annual-meeting-sunday-march-22/. Sponsorships are available at levels ranging from the $20,000 Roseate Spoonbill level to the $500 Marsh Rabbit level, and all include event tickets and other benefits. Details can also be found online, or sponsors can contact Lee Anderson Louy at LAndersonLouy@NFLT.org or Brenda Lynch at BLynch@NFLT.org.

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.

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“It is always a pleasure welcoming new members to our board of directors to help guide our decisions for preserving land in North Florida and beyond,” said Allison DeFoor, president and CEO of NFLT. “New voices and new perspectives really strengthen our mission and help ensure that what we are doing is best for the natural spaces we work hard to protect. Our natural landscapes are precious resources. It is now or never.”

Acree is familiar with the nonprofit sector and has been involved in many community organizations, including serving as board chair of the Pace Center for Girls, board member and volunteer for Hope Floats a non-profit supporting The Donna Foundation, and as an community liaison and Adopt-A-Family coordinator for organizations across the US including local organizations: Daniel’s Kids, The Annie Ruth Foundation, Clara White Mission and The Hubbard House. Acree holds a Master of Science in Management and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of North Florida, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Stetson University. She currently serves as the community relations program manager for The Standard.

Grimes is a seasoned public company executive who spent more than 28 years in the multifamily business before retiring as MAA’s chief operating officer in 2022. He is currently working on a range of civic and industry projects. He is the board chair of the Overton Park Conservancy and the past chair of the Shelby Farms Park Conservancy board of directors, two organizations that support urban parks in Memphis, TN. Grimes earned his bachelor’s degree in history/art history from Emory University and his MBA at the University of Memphis. Grimes and his wife have a home on Amelia Island.

Kurzius, a Jacksonville resident since 2008, is a business executive who served as the executive chair of the board of McCormick & Company until January 2025. He has held many executive roles at the company, including president and chief executive officer. Before joining McCormick in 2003, he was president and CEO of Zatarain’s, where he spent 12 years before McCormick acquired the company. He also served as a marketing executive with the Quaker Oats Company and Mars Inc.’s Uncle Ben’s Company. Kurzius graduated magna cum laude in Economics from Princeton University.

Overton currently serves as the Duval County Tax Collector, a constitutional office he has held since 2018. He previously served as Duval County Property Appraiser from 2003 to 2015 and as a Jacksonville City Council Member in the 1990s, including a term as Council President. Before he began full-time public service, Overton was a business owner in video media and television production systems. Overton has received many awards and accolades for his work, including the Natural Resources Award from Florida Communities Trust and the Conservation Award from The Nature Conservancy. Overton holds a master’s in public administration from the University of North Florida and earned a degree in business administration from Washington and Lee University. He currently serves on several boards, including the Rotary Club of Jacksonville, the Executive Board of the North Florida Council of Boy Scouts, and the BSA Troop 2 Committee, where he has mentored young men for over 20 years.

The inclusion of Acree, Grimes, Kurzius, and Overton brings the NFLT board of directors to its 18-member capacity.

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.

The post North Florida Land Trust Welcomes Four New Members to its Board of Directors appeared first on North Florida Land Trust.

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.

The post North Florida Land Trust Launches its 25th Anniversary Book, “Keeping North Florida Wild” appeared first on North Florida Land Trust.

“I am honored even to be nominated for this prestigious list and am greatly appreciative that Florida Trend has chosen me for inclusion,” said DeFoor. “Conservation in Florida is so important; it is now or never. The greatest threat to conservation in Florida is the rapid and inexorable growth of our state. In two generations, we have grown from smaller than Mississippi to larger than New York. It is Now or Never to conserve what we can. I am proud of our accomplishments and look forward to continuing our work to protect Florida’s natural spaces.”

DeFoor has served as president and CEO of NFLT since 2022 and has always been a staunch advocate for conservation. Under his leadership at NFLT, the nonprofit has conserved approximately 13,000 acres with another 76,000 in the Ocala to Osceola (O2O) wildlife corridor coming in early 2026, when the State will close on a conservation easement that NFLT was instrumental in procuring. His efforts advocating conservation funding in Florida led to the legislature allocating $400 million for conservation.

DeFoor has held many leadership positions throughout his career. He has been a prosecutor, public defender, private lawyer, judge, sheriff, law professor, Lieutenant Governor of Florida candidate, and Episcopal priest. He was appointed to oversee restoration in the Florida Everglades and helped to pass the Florida Water and Land Conservation Initiative, also known as Amendment 1.

DeFoor added, “Over the years, I have been blessed with many opportunities to serve Florida and my town.  It is sweet for this Florida Cracker to wind up where it all began, with the land. Let‘s make sure our grandkids get to see Florida, too.”

Florida 500 is a special publication from Florida Trend that highlights the most influential business leaders in Florida in more than 60 business categories based on a year-long research initiative. Nominees are asked to fill out a questionnaire, and the staff conducts months of research through their extensive contacts in regional business circles and hundreds of interviews to compile the list of the 500 people who play an important role in shaping the state. For a complete look at the list of this year’s Florida 500, visit floridatrend500.com/index/.

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.

The post North Florida Land Trust President and CEO named one of Florida’s 500 Most Influential Business Leaders appeared first on North Florida Land Trust.

“Without the support of our donors, our work to safeguard the salt marshes, pine forests, and waterways that define North Florida would not be possible,” said Allison DeFoor, president and CEO of NFLT. “Our supporters fuel our work to plant, protect and preserve. We hope this $100,000 match will motivate others to donate to this campaign, because it is now or never. The Florida we save today is the Florida we will have tomorrow.”

NFLT depends entirely on community contributions to cover its operating costs. The funds raised through the 2025 year-end campaign will increase the unrestricted mission support funds, allowing NFLT to continue protecting and preserving Florida’s irreplaceable landscapes. To donate, visit NFLT.org, send a check to NFLT at 843 W. Monroe St., Jacksonville, FL, 32202, or contact the nonprofit at (904) 479-1967.

A donation of $45 or more enrolls supporters in NFLT’s membership program, which offers meaningful ways to stay connected and engaged. There are six membership levels, from the $1,000-and-up Champion level to the $45 Friend level. Each level offers unique benefits, including exclusive member events, early access to NFLT news and publications, and access to exclusive NFLT merchandise. For more information on the membership program, visit NFLT.org.

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 as well as facilitating government acquisition of important projects.  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.

The post North Florida Land Trust Announces $100,000 Fundraising Match for End-of-Year Campaign appeared first on North Florida Land Trust.

NFLT has been working with Camp Blanding for nearly a decade to preserve and protect land around Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, which is located within the Ocala to Osceola (O20) critical wildlife corridor. The nonprofit has been able to conserve approximately 9,455 acres within a three-mile buffer around the military installation, enabling aerial and ground military training operations without disturbance. Almost 2,800 of those acres were conserved with a conservation easement and remain privately owned.

“This grant will assist us in continuing our work with Camp Blanding, ensuring these lands remain natural spaces, because it is now or never,” said Allison DeFoor, president and CEO of NFLT. “Camp Blanding is a critical link in the O2O, and conserving the property surrounding the base is both essential for the military and for protecting essential wildlife and plant habitats. We have been able to protect thousands of acres in coordination with Camp Blanding and look forward to conserving even more.”

NFLT’s relationship with Camp Blanding began in 2016, and since 2019, NFLT has had an exclusive cooperative agreement with the military installation to facilitate the acquisition of properties that surround the base. The nonprofit works with the Department of Defense’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) program and the Army Compatible Use Buffer (ACUB) program on funding for the acquisitions. As part of the program, NFLT must provide a 25 percent non-federal match for each transaction. This FDSC grant will help NFLT meet those requirements. The non-federal match can come from any source, including donations to NFLT.

The 80,000-acre Camp Blanding Joint Training Center is central to the O2O wildlife corridor, a 1.6-million-acre network of public and private lands that extends from the Ocala to the Osceola National Forest. Preserving the land surrounding Camp Blanding provides habitats for endangered species, protects the water supply and connects the wildlife corridor. NFLT leads the O2O Partnership, comprised of public and private organizations with a common mission of land and resource conservation in the O2O.

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.

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