“Thomas Dambo’s work creates a powerful connection between art and nature, and many of our staff and supporters are longtime fans,” said Allison DeFoor, NFLT president and CEO. “We took a chance and contacted Dambo and his team about bringing his trolls here, and we are honored that he said yes. Part of the fun is he keeps the exact location secret, inviting visitors to discover the hidden trolls by hiking through natural lands. It will give guests a memorable way to explore one of our preserves and spend time in a piece of Florida that we have been fortunate to protect.”

Created from recycled materials and reclaimed wood, Dambo’s sculpture for NFLT will stand more than 11 feet tall. NFLT will announce the preserve where it will be installed at a later date, but the sculpture’s exact location within the preserve will remain undisclosed. The trolls are expected to remain at the preserve for approximately 10 years.

Contributions to help bring the trolls to an NFLT preserve can be made online. Donors can also send a check to NFLT at 843 W. Monroe St., Jacksonville, FL, 32202, or contact Dr. Lee Louy, Director of Philanthropic Services, at (904) 945-4533 to make a donation over the phone.

Dambo has been a lifelong advocate for upcycling and public engagement. His projects merge the boundaries of art, adventure, and activism. In 2014, he began creating monumental wooden trolls from recycled materials, accompanied by narratives that blend folklore, environmentalism, and community participation. Dambo trolls have been found in more than 20 countries and on five continents, including the USA, China, Brazil, Australia, the UK, Germany, France, South Korea, Chile, and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit thomasdambo.com.

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 Fundraising Campaign to add Dambo Trolls to an NFLT Preserve appeared first on North Florida Land Trust.

NFLT and the City of Fernandina Beach recently renewed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together for conservation. Per the agreement, both parties identify properties of mutual interest for conservation, and each contributes funding towards the acquisition. The funding from NFLT comes from the Amelia Forever Fund, which was established in 2019 to acquire remaining natural spaces on Amelia Island.

“It was great that we could hit the ground running after restarting our partnership with the City of Fernandina Beach to find and protect property for future generations,” said Allison DeFoor, president and CEO of NFLT. “Egans Creek Greenway is an amazing community asset and adding land will increase the ecosystem benefits including providing a wildlife corridor that is uninhibited by development. Now these properties will remain in their natural state forever.”

Sherry Quattlebaum, who had a dual career as a schoolteacher and a real estate professional, had acquired the property in the early 2000s. She decided to donate the land she owned along Egans Creek as part of her estate planning. After some discussions with others about how to proceed, Quattlebaum determined working with NFLT was the best option.

“Over the years, I have seen articles about the land trust’s work and felt that it was advantageous to work with them to donate the land to the city,” said Sherry Quattlebaum. “The land is located within an area that is also a wildlife corridor, and my hope was it would become a continuation of the greenway. The people at NFLT have been wonderful to work with, especially Ramesh (NFLT Director of Conservation Acquisitions). He has been exceptionally cooperative to help this come together.”

The Quattlebaum property is almost entirely wetlands buffering Egans Creek. Ms. Quattlebaum donated the land to the City of Fernandina Beach through NFLT to ensure it remained natural and could be an amenity to the residents of Fernandina Beach.

“We are honored to accept the Quattlebaum Property and grateful to Ms. Quattlebaum for recognizing the importance of preserving this land for our community,” said City Manager Sarah Campbell. “We also appreciate the North Florida Land Trust’s partnership in making this conservation effort possible. Together, these efforts will help protect the natural character of this property, its wetlands and Egans Creek, while creating a lasting legacy for the residents of Fernandina Beach. This is truly a gift that will benefit generations to come.”

With funding from the Amelia Forever Fund, the City of Fernandina Beach, and a large donation from a private funder on Amelia Island, NFLT helped protect the one-acre Pineland Holdings property, which consists of uplands with direct frontage on Sadler Road and connects to Egans Creek Greenway. Its location and characteristics made it a target for development, but the owner chose to protect it for future generations by selling it at a discount for conservation to NFLT and the City of Fernandina Beach.

“We’re very thankful the North Florida Land Trust worked with us to make this happen in such a positive way,” said John Adler, owner of Pineland Holding Company, LLC. “The Land Trust’s care for conservation is so important to keeping the wonderful natural character of Fernandina Beach. We applaud the organization and the people who work for it.”

Ron Sapp Egans Creek Greenway is a protected area of over 300 acres that runs north to south along Egans Creek. It is an ecological and community asset that is open to the public as an undeveloped park for passive recreational use. It includes a network of trails, benches and interpretative displays and supports a wide range of wildlife including alligators, snakes, marsh rabbits, and many birds, which can be enjoyed from a distance.

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 and the City of Fernandina Beach Partner to Extend Egans Creek Greenway appeared first on North Florida Land Trust.

“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.

The post North Florida Land Trust Receives $1 Million Gift for Conservation in Nassau County appeared first on North Florida Land Trust.

The conservation easement was acquired with funds from the state and federal programs, with $1,359,000 from the RFLPP and $1,306,000 from the NRCS/RCPP. PLC represented the state-level funding source and helped the landowner apply to the RFLPP, while NFLT helped bring the federal funding source to the table. Both nonprofit organizations helped guide the landowners through the process to reach the final conservation easement, which is held by the RFLPP.

“This is an example of a true partnership as we all came together to ensure this beautiful piece of property remains conserved land forever,” said Allison DeFoor, president and CEO of NFLT. “The family has been great stewards of the land for generations, and with this conservation easement in place, it ensures it will remain protected for generations to come.”

“This important conservation easement is a great example of the power of partnerships in conserving land,” said Willy the Losen, conservation director of PLC. “There were five partners: two funding sources, two land trusts, and the landowner; each playing an essential role in helping to protect his piece of “old Florida” for agriculture and the Florida Wildlife Corridor in this part of the state.”

Meetinghouse Groves is family-owned land in Southern Putnam County near Crescent City and within the Ocala National Forest to Osceola National Forest (O2O) wildlife corridor. It is east of and adjacent to NFLT’s Welaka Woods Conservation Easement and is between Lake Margaret and Silver Lake. It contains a diverse landscape of citrus groves, forested and non-forested wetlands, upland habitats, and portions of three sandhill lakes. The conservation easement permanently protects the property from future development while allowing the land to remain in agricultural production, helping preserve both rural Florida’s natural resources and the family’s agricultural legacy.

The Padgett family’s connection to the land spans four generations. In the 1930s, the family purchased an 1876 home and 40 surrounding acres, and descendants still live in the original house, which has been updated with modern conveniences. Over the years, the Padgetts expanded their holdings to more than 850 acres. Today, the property includes approximately 100 acres of citrus groves, about 15 acres of magnolia trees used for floral arrangements, and roughly 100 acres of longleaf pine timberland.

The property has historic significance for the region and was once a meeting place for people from the east and west. There was a building on the property that served as a meeting house and schoolhouse for the community. The building is no longer there, but the property’s name reflects the land’s history.

Family spokesman Jim Padgett said they think of their role as more than just owners; they are stewards of the natural value of the land and its woodlands, wetlands, lakes, ponds, open spaces, farmlands, endangered species, and all other wildlife. Padgett said it was important for them to keep the land as is.

“We are proud Floridians and want to see this part of Old Florida preserved, without development, in perpetuity,” stated Jim Padgett. “I would like to give special thanks to Willy the Losen with the Putnam Land Conservancy and Kim Hall with the North Florida Land Trust for guiding and supporting the preservation of this and other valued Florida lands.”

The Meetinghouse Property provides another piece of protected property within the O2O, which spans 1.6 million acres of public and private land stretching 100 miles between the Ocala and Osceola National Forests. Preserving land within the O2O is a core focus of NFLT’s conservation work. The nonprofit leads the O2O Wildlife Corridor Partnership, a coalition of organizations committed to protecting and connecting lands throughout the critical landscape.

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 Conservation Partners Work Together to Preserve More than 816 Acres in Putnam County appeared first on North Florida Land Trust.

NFLT and its partners purchased the conservation easement for $400,000 from the Currie family, who have owned the land for six years and used it for hunting and outdoor recreation. During their ownership, the family improved the land through conservation-minded management practices, including prescribed burning, that strengthened its natural communities and wildlife habitat.

“The Currie family have been great stewards of the land, and their dedication to preservation is wonderful to see,” said Allison DeFoor, president and CEO of NFLT. “It has been a pleasure to work with these willing landowners on this conservation agreement. Now this land will be preserved forever, and the Currie children can show their future families what old Florida looks like. Conservation is a collaborative effort and we are deeply grateful to the EJK Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, and the Partnership for Gulf Coast Land Conservation, whose support made this conservation easement possible.”

The Currie conservation easement protects working and recreational land with valuable wetlands and habitat for a variety of wildlife, including the gopher tortoise, an important keystone species in Florida’s ecosystems. The agreement also helps support water quality and preserve the region’s rural landscape.

“Congratulations to NFLT and the Currie family for their foresight in protecting this property, which enhances the natural connections within the regional landscape and safeguards its high-value biodiversity,” said Greg Knecht, Executive Director of The Nature Conservancy in Florida. “The Nature Conservancy is proud to have provided support for this important project.”

“Conserving this property is our family’s way of giving back,” said Tommy Currie. “We have been fortunate to enjoy this land, and we believe it is our responsibility to ensure that its forests, wetlands, and wildlife remain protected for generations to come. We’re honored to partner with the North Florida Land Trust in preserving a small but meaningful part of Florida’s natural heritage.”

NFLT will hold and steward the conservation easement, allowing the Currie family to continue using the land for recreation while ensuring its conservation values remain protected forever. The easement creates a lasting conservation legacy for wildlife, natural resources and future generations of Floridians.

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 and Partners Permanently Preserve 162 Acres in Putnam County appeared first on North Florida Land Trust.

Beaches Go Green, which concluded operations in April, contributed $60,000 of its remaining funds toward the acquisition. Several generous community donors provided the additional support needed to complete the purchase.

“We have been playing a long game in this part of Jacksonville, and this is another piece of the puzzle,” said Allison DeFoor, NFLT president and CEO. “We remain very grateful to the family for this opportunity to acquire an undeveloped parcel. Stay tuned.”

The new land, in the preserve’s northwest section, increases Bogey Creek Preserve to 89 acres. NFLT began assembling the preserve in 2006 with the purchase of 6.5 acres from the Spencer family. It added another 67.5 acres from the Spencer family in 2017, opened the preserve to the public in 2019 and expanded it again in 2021 with land purchased from the neighboring McGehee family. With these additional acres, NFLT is exploring ways to enhance Bogey Creek Preserve, including an outdoor learning center.  The nonprofit will seek community input at a future date.

Located at 5500 Cedar Point Road in North Jacksonville, Bogey Creek Preserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset. It protects nearly one mile of critical marsh front on Clapboard and Bogey creeks and features trails through maritime hammock, mixed pine-oak forest and seep-fed cypress swamps, along with picnic areas and a kayak landing. The preserve is one of two NFLT properties in the 7 Creeks Recreation Area, a network of 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.

The post North Florida Land Trust Expands Bogey Creek Preserve with Four-Acre Acquisition appeared first on North Florida Land Trust.

“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.

The post North Florida Land Trust Preserves More Than 860 Acres in Bradford County appeared first on North Florida Land Trust.

The 518 acres are owned by the Hoffmeister family, who purchased the property in 1968. It is located approximately a mile outside of Crescent City, nestled between Lake George and Crescent Lake. The land is home to an abundance of wildlife, including deer, turkey, gopher tortoises, wading birds and a nesting pair of bald eagles. Ecosystems within the property include oak hammocks, scrub habitat, natural and improved wetlands and two unnamed tributaries that wind toward Lake George. Nearly half of the acreage is freshwater wetlands.

The Hoffmeister family has used the land as a working cattle ranch since its purchase, and it continues to operate in that tradition today. Portions of the land are leased to local cattlemen, reinforcing the family’s commitment to sustaining Florida’s agricultural heritage. Protecting open space and preserving the natural systems that support ranching has long been central to the Hoffmeisters’ stewardship of the land.

“This property is a beautiful place, and we wanted to keep it protected and free of development so future generations of our family could enjoy and appreciate the nature, wildlife and agriculture on the property,” said Bill Hoffmeister. “We love this land and want it to remain natural forever. Placing a conservation easement on the property allows us to do our part to slow the growth of development in the O2O and protect the aquifer and the many fragile ecosystems found here.”

“The Hoffmeister property is a real gem and a critical piece of land to add to the O2O, building on the conservation areas already in place,” said Allison DeFoor, president and CEO of NFLT. “With the purchase of this conservation easement agreement, this land is protected forever and will never be rooftops. The family can continue to use the property as they have been for decades, and a piece of old Florida has been saved forever.”

The O2O spans 1.6 million acres of public and private land stretching 100 miles between the Ocala and Osceola National Forests. NFLT has made the O2O a core focus of its conservation work and, for years, has led the O2O Wildlife Corridor Partnership, a coalition of organizations committed to protecting and connecting lands throughout the critical landscape.

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 and FDEP Preserve More Than 500 Acres in the O2O Wildlife Corridor in Putnam County appeared first on North Florida Land Trust.

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.

The post North Florida Land Trust Kicks Off Bogey Creek Expansion Fundraising with a $60,000 Donation from Beaches Go Green appeared first on North Florida Land Trust.

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.