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	<title>News Archives - North Florida Land Trust</title>
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	<description>In Land We Trust</description>
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	<title>News Archives - North Florida Land Trust</title>
	<link>https://nflt.org/category/news/</link>
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	<item>
		<title>North Florida Land Trust Receives $1 Million Gift for Conservation in Nassau County</title>
		<link>https://nflt.org/2026/09/07/north-florida-land-trust-receives-1-million-gift-for-conservation-in-nassau-county/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=north-florida-land-trust-receives-1-million-gift-for-conservation-in-nassau-county</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kelly White]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 10:13:51 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NassauCounty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Conservation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Donation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MajorGift]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://nflt.org/?p=5015</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>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 &#8230; <a href="https://nflt.org/2026/09/07/north-florida-land-trust-receives-1-million-gift-for-conservation-in-nassau-county/">Continued</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://nflt.org/2026/09/07/north-florida-land-trust-receives-1-million-gift-for-conservation-in-nassau-county/">North Florida Land Trust Receives $1 Million Gift for Conservation in Nassau County</a> appeared first on <a href="https://nflt.org">North Florida Land Trust</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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.</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong>About North Florida Land Trust</strong></p>
<p>North Florida Land Trust is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of life by protecting North Florida&#8217;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.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://nflt.org/2026/09/07/north-florida-land-trust-receives-1-million-gift-for-conservation-in-nassau-county/">North Florida Land Trust Receives $1 Million Gift for Conservation in Nassau County</a> appeared first on <a href="https://nflt.org">North Florida Land Trust</a>.</p>
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		<title>Conservation Partners Work Together to Preserve More than 816 Acres in Putnam County</title>
		<link>https://nflt.org/2026/08/31/conservation-partners-work-together-to-preserve-more-than-816-acres-in-putnam-county/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=conservation-partners-work-together-to-preserve-more-than-816-acres-in-putnam-county</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kelly White]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 31 Aug 2026 16:06:34 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[O2O]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ConservationEasement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PutnamCountyConservation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PutnamLandConservancy]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://nflt.org/?p=5004</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) congratulates its preservation partners on the permanent conservation of 816.46 acres of land in Putnam County. NFLT worked with the Putnam Land Conservancy (PLC), the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family &#8230; <a href="https://nflt.org/2026/08/31/conservation-partners-work-together-to-preserve-more-than-816-acres-in-putnam-county/">Continued</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://nflt.org/2026/08/31/conservation-partners-work-together-to-preserve-more-than-816-acres-in-putnam-county/">Conservation Partners Work Together to Preserve More than 816 Acres in Putnam County</a> appeared first on <a href="https://nflt.org">North Florida Land Trust</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-5007 alignright" src="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Map-Template-Layout2-232x300.jpg" alt="" width="191" height="247" srcset="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Map-Template-Layout2-232x300.jpg 232w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Map-Template-Layout2-791x1024.jpg 791w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Map-Template-Layout2-768x994.jpg 768w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Map-Template-Layout2-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Map-Template-Layout2-1583x2048.jpg 1583w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Map-Template-Layout2-scaled.jpg 1978w" sizes="(max-width: 191px) 100vw, 191px" />North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) congratulates its preservation partners on the permanent conservation of 816.46 acres of land in Putnam County. NFLT worked with the Putnam Land Conservancy (PLC), the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP), and the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service-Regional Conservation Partnership Program (NRCS/RCPP) to purchase a conservation easement for $2,665,000 on a family-owned property named Meetinghouse Groves.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p>&#8220;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.&#8221;</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-5006 alignleft" src="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/690936209-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="188" height="251" srcset="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/690936209-225x300.jpg 225w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/690936209.jpg 240w" sizes="(max-width: 188px) 100vw, 188px" />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&#8217;s natural resources and the family’s agricultural legacy.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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&#8217;s name reflects the land&#8217;s history.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-5011 alignright" src="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/PADGETT3-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="186" height="248" srcset="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/PADGETT3-225x300.jpg 225w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/PADGETT3-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/PADGETT3.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 186px) 100vw, 186px" />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.</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong>About North Florida Land Trust</strong></p>
<p>North Florida Land Trust is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of life by protecting North Florida&#8217;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.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://nflt.org/2026/08/31/conservation-partners-work-together-to-preserve-more-than-816-acres-in-putnam-county/">Conservation Partners Work Together to Preserve More than 816 Acres in Putnam County</a> appeared first on <a href="https://nflt.org">North Florida Land Trust</a>.</p>
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		<title>North Florida Land Trust and Partners Permanently Preserve 162 Acres in Putnam County</title>
		<link>https://nflt.org/2026/07/30/north-florida-land-trust-and-partners-permanently-preserve-162-acres-in-putnam-county/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=north-florida-land-trust-and-partners-permanently-preserve-162-acres-in-putnam-county</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kelly White]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jul 2026 18:00:52 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PartnershipforGulfCoastConservation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PutnamCounty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TheNatureConservancy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[EJKFoundation]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://nflt.org/?p=4958</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>North Florida Land Trust (NFLT), with support from The Nature Conservancy and the EJK Foundation, has purchased a conservation easement on 162.74 acres in Putnam County. Funding for the due diligence associated with the project was provided by the Partnership &#8230; <a href="https://nflt.org/2026/07/30/north-florida-land-trust-and-partners-permanently-preserve-162-acres-in-putnam-county/">Continued</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://nflt.org/2026/07/30/north-florida-land-trust-and-partners-permanently-preserve-162-acres-in-putnam-county/">North Florida Land Trust and Partners Permanently Preserve 162 Acres in Putnam County</a> appeared first on <a href="https://nflt.org">North Florida Land Trust</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-4961 alignright" src="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Maps-for-PGCLC-page-001-232x300.jpg" alt="" width="216" height="279" srcset="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Maps-for-PGCLC-page-001-232x300.jpg 232w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Maps-for-PGCLC-page-001-791x1024.jpg 791w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Maps-for-PGCLC-page-001-768x994.jpg 768w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Maps-for-PGCLC-page-001-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Maps-for-PGCLC-page-001.jpg 1275w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 216px) 100vw, 216px" />North Florida Land Trust (NFLT), with support from The Nature Conservancy and the EJK Foundation, has purchased a conservation easement on 162.74 acres in Putnam County. Funding for the due diligence associated with the project was provided by the Partnership for Gulf Coast Land Conservation. Located within a preservation priority area, the property is surrounded on three sides by the Marjorie Harris Cross Florida Greenway and fills a critical gap in the Etoniah/Cross Florida Greenway Florida Forever Project Area.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-4960 alignleft" src="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Currie-Aerial-Updated-page-001-232x300.jpg" alt="" width="204" height="264" srcset="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Currie-Aerial-Updated-page-001-232x300.jpg 232w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Currie-Aerial-Updated-page-001-791x1024.jpg 791w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Currie-Aerial-Updated-page-001-768x994.jpg 768w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Currie-Aerial-Updated-page-001-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Currie-Aerial-Updated-page-001.jpg 1275w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 204px) 100vw, 204px" />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.</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong>About North Florida Land Trust</strong></p>
<p>North Florida Land Trust is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of life by protecting North Florida&#8217;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.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://nflt.org/2026/07/30/north-florida-land-trust-and-partners-permanently-preserve-162-acres-in-putnam-county/">North Florida Land Trust and Partners Permanently Preserve 162 Acres in Putnam County</a> appeared first on <a href="https://nflt.org">North Florida Land Trust</a>.</p>
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		<title>North Florida Land Trust Expands Bogey Creek Preserve with Four-Acre Acquisition</title>
		<link>https://nflt.org/2026/06/25/north-florida-land-trust-expands-bogey-creek-preserve-with-four-acre-acquisition/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=north-florida-land-trust-expands-bogey-creek-preserve-with-four-acre-acquisition</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kelly White]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 25 Jun 2026 19:35:48 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BogeyCreekPreserve]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BogeyExpansion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aquisition]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://nflt.org/?p=4933</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) has expanded Bogey Creek Preserve with the purchase of four acres from Spencer Engineering and Exploration Co., Inc. The company’s owners are family members of the original landowners who sold much of the existing preserve &#8230; <a href="https://nflt.org/2026/06/25/north-florida-land-trust-expands-bogey-creek-preserve-with-four-acre-acquisition/">Continued</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://nflt.org/2026/06/25/north-florida-land-trust-expands-bogey-creek-preserve-with-four-acre-acquisition/">North Florida Land Trust Expands Bogey Creek Preserve with Four-Acre Acquisition</a> appeared first on <a href="https://nflt.org">North Florida Land Trust</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-4935 alignright" src="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Close-Up-Preserve-and-Addition-Map-page-001-232x300.jpg" alt="" width="180" height="232" srcset="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Close-Up-Preserve-and-Addition-Map-page-001-232x300.jpg 232w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Close-Up-Preserve-and-Addition-Map-page-001-791x1024.jpg 791w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Close-Up-Preserve-and-Addition-Map-page-001-768x994.jpg 768w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Close-Up-Preserve-and-Addition-Map-page-001-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Close-Up-Preserve-and-Addition-Map-page-001-1583x2048.jpg 1583w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Close-Up-Preserve-and-Addition-Map-page-001-scaled.jpg 1978w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px" />North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) has expanded Bogey Creek Preserve with the purchase of four acres from Spencer Engineering and Exploration Co., Inc. The company’s owners are family members of the original landowners who sold much of the existing preserve to NFLT.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-4936 alignleft" src="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Bogey-2-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="204" height="153" srcset="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Bogey-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Bogey-2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Bogey-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Bogey-2.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 204px) 100vw, 204px" />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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong>About </strong><strong>North Florida Land Trust</strong></p>
<p>North Florida Land Trust is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of life by protecting North Florida&#8217;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.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://nflt.org/2026/06/25/north-florida-land-trust-expands-bogey-creek-preserve-with-four-acre-acquisition/">North Florida Land Trust Expands Bogey Creek Preserve with Four-Acre Acquisition</a> appeared first on <a href="https://nflt.org">North Florida Land Trust</a>.</p>
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		<title>North Florida Land Trust Preserves More Than 860 Acres in Bradford County</title>
		<link>https://nflt.org/2026/06/01/north-florida-land-trust-preserves-more-than-860-acres-in-bradford-county/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=north-florida-land-trust-preserves-more-than-860-acres-in-bradford-county</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kelly White]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 19:01:20 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CampBlanding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[O2O]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Conservation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FloridaDefenseSupportCommision]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[acquisition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ArmyNationalGuard]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DeptofDefense]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[REPI]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://nflt.org/?p=4904</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>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 &#8230; <a href="https://nflt.org/2026/06/01/north-florida-land-trust-preserves-more-than-860-acres-in-bradford-county/">Continued</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://nflt.org/2026/06/01/north-florida-land-trust-preserves-more-than-860-acres-in-bradford-county/">North Florida Land Trust Preserves More Than 860 Acres in Bradford County</a> appeared first on <a href="https://nflt.org">North Florida Land Trust</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-4907 alignright" src="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rayonier-16-2Layout-Property-Locator-232x300.jpg" alt="" width="232" height="300" srcset="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rayonier-16-2Layout-Property-Locator-232x300.jpg 232w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rayonier-16-2Layout-Property-Locator-791x1024.jpg 791w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rayonier-16-2Layout-Property-Locator-768x994.jpg 768w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rayonier-16-2Layout-Property-Locator-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rayonier-16-2Layout-Property-Locator-1583x2048.jpg 1583w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rayonier-16-2Layout-Property-Locator-scaled.jpg 1978w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 232px) 100vw, 232px" />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.</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone  wp-image-4909" src="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rayonier-16-2025-2025-12-16-23-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="338" height="253" srcset="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rayonier-16-2025-2025-12-16-23-300x225.jpg 300w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rayonier-16-2025-2025-12-16-23-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rayonier-16-2025-2025-12-16-23-768x576.jpg 768w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rayonier-16-2025-2025-12-16-23.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 338px) 100vw, 338px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone  wp-image-4908" src="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rayonier-16-2025-2025-12-16-19-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="341" height="256" srcset="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rayonier-16-2025-2025-12-16-19-300x225.jpg 300w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rayonier-16-2025-2025-12-16-19-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rayonier-16-2025-2025-12-16-19-768x576.jpg 768w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rayonier-16-2025-2025-12-16-19.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 341px) 100vw, 341px" /></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-4906" src="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rayonier-16-2Layout-Desk-Review-Series-1_Conservation-Lands-Corridors-232x300.jpg" alt="" width="232" height="300" srcset="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rayonier-16-2Layout-Desk-Review-Series-1_Conservation-Lands-Corridors-232x300.jpg 232w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rayonier-16-2Layout-Desk-Review-Series-1_Conservation-Lands-Corridors-791x1024.jpg 791w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rayonier-16-2Layout-Desk-Review-Series-1_Conservation-Lands-Corridors-768x994.jpg 768w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rayonier-16-2Layout-Desk-Review-Series-1_Conservation-Lands-Corridors-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rayonier-16-2Layout-Desk-Review-Series-1_Conservation-Lands-Corridors-1583x2048.jpg 1583w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rayonier-16-2Layout-Desk-Review-Series-1_Conservation-Lands-Corridors-scaled.jpg 1978w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 232px) 100vw, 232px" /><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-4910" src="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rayonier-16-2Layout-Desk-Review-Series-2_Property-Aerial-232x300.jpg" alt="" width="232" height="300" srcset="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rayonier-16-2Layout-Desk-Review-Series-2_Property-Aerial-232x300.jpg 232w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rayonier-16-2Layout-Desk-Review-Series-2_Property-Aerial-791x1024.jpg 791w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rayonier-16-2Layout-Desk-Review-Series-2_Property-Aerial-768x994.jpg 768w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rayonier-16-2Layout-Desk-Review-Series-2_Property-Aerial-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rayonier-16-2Layout-Desk-Review-Series-2_Property-Aerial-1583x2048.jpg 1583w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rayonier-16-2Layout-Desk-Review-Series-2_Property-Aerial-scaled.jpg 1978w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 232px) 100vw, 232px" /></p>
<p><strong>About North Florida Land Trust</strong></p>
<p>North Florida Land Trust is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of life by protecting North Florida&#8217;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.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://nflt.org/2026/06/01/north-florida-land-trust-preserves-more-than-860-acres-in-bradford-county/">North Florida Land Trust Preserves More Than 860 Acres in Bradford County</a> appeared first on <a href="https://nflt.org">North Florida Land Trust</a>.</p>
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		<title>North Florida Land Trust and FDEP Preserve More Than 500 Acres in the O2O Wildlife Corridor in Putnam County</title>
		<link>https://nflt.org/2026/05/06/north-florida-land-trust-and-fdep-preserve-more-than-500-acres-in-the-o2o-wildlife-corridor-in-putnam-county/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=north-florida-land-trust-and-fdep-preserve-more-than-500-acres-in-the-o2o-wildlife-corridor-in-putnam-county</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kelly White]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 15:43:50 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[O2O]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ConservationEasement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PutnamCounty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FDEP]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://nflt.org/?p=4890</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>North Florida Land Trust (NFLT), in coordination with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), has preserved just over 518 acres in Putnam County through the purchase of a conservation easement. The property is within the Ocala to Osceola (O2O) &#8230; <a href="https://nflt.org/2026/05/06/north-florida-land-trust-and-fdep-preserve-more-than-500-acres-in-the-o2o-wildlife-corridor-in-putnam-county/">Continued</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://nflt.org/2026/05/06/north-florida-land-trust-and-fdep-preserve-more-than-500-acres-in-the-o2o-wildlife-corridor-in-putnam-county/">North Florida Land Trust and FDEP Preserve More Than 500 Acres in the O2O Wildlife Corridor in Putnam County</a> appeared first on <a href="https://nflt.org">North Florida Land Trust</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-4891 alignright" src="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Hoffmeister-Property-Locator-232x300.jpg" alt="" width="232" height="300" srcset="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Hoffmeister-Property-Locator-232x300.jpg 232w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Hoffmeister-Property-Locator-791x1024.jpg 791w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Hoffmeister-Property-Locator-768x994.jpg 768w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Hoffmeister-Property-Locator-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Hoffmeister-Property-Locator.jpg 1545w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 232px) 100vw, 232px" />North Florida Land Trust (NFLT), in coordination with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), has preserved just over 518 acres in Putnam County through the purchase of a conservation easement. The property is within the Ocala to Osceola (O2O) Wildlife Corridor and is surrounded on three sides by the St. Johns River Water Management District&#8217;s Lake George Conservation Area. NFLT helped facilitate the transaction and FEDP purchased the conservation easement for $1.18 million through the Florida Forever Program.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-4895" src="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/LINDA-S-HOFFMEISTER-TRUST-2024-3-29-26-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/LINDA-S-HOFFMEISTER-TRUST-2024-3-29-26-300x225.jpg 300w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/LINDA-S-HOFFMEISTER-TRUST-2024-3-29-26-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/LINDA-S-HOFFMEISTER-TRUST-2024-3-29-26-768x576.jpg 768w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/LINDA-S-HOFFMEISTER-TRUST-2024-3-29-26.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-4894" src="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/LINDA-S-HOFFMEISTER-TRUST-2024-3-29-17-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/LINDA-S-HOFFMEISTER-TRUST-2024-3-29-17-300x225.jpg 300w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/LINDA-S-HOFFMEISTER-TRUST-2024-3-29-17-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/LINDA-S-HOFFMEISTER-TRUST-2024-3-29-17-768x576.jpg 768w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/LINDA-S-HOFFMEISTER-TRUST-2024-3-29-17.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-4893" src="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/LINDA-S-HOFFMEISTER-TRUST-2024-3-29-01-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/LINDA-S-HOFFMEISTER-TRUST-2024-3-29-01-300x225.jpg 300w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/LINDA-S-HOFFMEISTER-TRUST-2024-3-29-01-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/LINDA-S-HOFFMEISTER-TRUST-2024-3-29-01-768x576.jpg 768w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/LINDA-S-HOFFMEISTER-TRUST-2024-3-29-01.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>
<p><strong>About North Florida Land Trust</strong></p>
<p>North Florida Land Trust is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of life by protecting North Florida&#8217;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.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://nflt.org/2026/05/06/north-florida-land-trust-and-fdep-preserve-more-than-500-acres-in-the-o2o-wildlife-corridor-in-putnam-county/">North Florida Land Trust and FDEP Preserve More Than 500 Acres in the O2O Wildlife Corridor in Putnam County</a> appeared first on <a href="https://nflt.org">North Florida Land Trust</a>.</p>
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		<title>North Florida Land Trust Kicks Off Bogey Creek Expansion Fundraising with a $60,000 Donation from Beaches Go Green</title>
		<link>https://nflt.org/2026/04/23/north-florida-land-trust-kicks-off-bogey-creek-expansion-fundraising-with-a-60000-donation-from-beaches-go-green/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=north-florida-land-trust-kicks-off-bogey-creek-expansion-fundraising-with-a-60000-donation-from-beaches-go-green</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kelly White]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:33:25 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BogeyCreekPreserve]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FundraisingCampaign]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Donate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BeachesGoGreen]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://nflt.org/?p=4884</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>North Florida Land Trust’s efforts to expand Bogey Creek Preserve have received a boost from Beaches Go Green. The nonprofit organization recently announced it is concluding its operations at the end of April after nine years of service and has &#8230; <a href="https://nflt.org/2026/04/23/north-florida-land-trust-kicks-off-bogey-creek-expansion-fundraising-with-a-60000-donation-from-beaches-go-green/">Continued</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://nflt.org/2026/04/23/north-florida-land-trust-kicks-off-bogey-creek-expansion-fundraising-with-a-60000-donation-from-beaches-go-green/">North Florida Land Trust Kicks Off Bogey Creek Expansion Fundraising with a $60,000 Donation from Beaches Go Green</a> appeared first on <a href="https://nflt.org">North Florida Land Trust</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-4887 alignright" src="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Close-Up-Preserve-and-Addition-Map-page-001-232x300.jpg" alt="" width="232" height="300" srcset="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Close-Up-Preserve-and-Addition-Map-page-001-232x300.jpg 232w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Close-Up-Preserve-and-Addition-Map-page-001-791x1024.jpg 791w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Close-Up-Preserve-and-Addition-Map-page-001-768x994.jpg 768w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Close-Up-Preserve-and-Addition-Map-page-001-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Close-Up-Preserve-and-Addition-Map-page-001-1583x2048.jpg 1583w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Close-Up-Preserve-and-Addition-Map-page-001-scaled.jpg 1978w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 232px) 100vw, 232px" />North Florida Land Trust’s efforts to expand Bogey Creek Preserve have received a boost from Beaches Go Green. The nonprofit organization recently announced it is concluding its operations at the end of April after nine years of service and has donated $60,000 of its remaining funds to NFLT for the purchase of four-acres of land to add to its public preserve.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p>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.”</p>
<p>Donations to help NFLT preserve the four-acres and expand Bogey Creek Preserve can be made <a href="https://support.nflt.org/default.aspx?tsid=38581">online</a>, by mail to NFLT at 843 W. Monroe St., Jacksonville, FL, 32202, or by contacting Lee Anderson Louy at <a href="mailto:landersonlouy@nflt.org">landersonlouy@nflt.org</a> or (904) 479-1967.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong>About </strong><strong>North Florida Land Trust</strong></p>
<p>North Florida Land Trust is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of life by protecting North Florida&#8217;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.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://nflt.org/2026/04/23/north-florida-land-trust-kicks-off-bogey-creek-expansion-fundraising-with-a-60000-donation-from-beaches-go-green/">North Florida Land Trust Kicks Off Bogey Creek Expansion Fundraising with a $60,000 Donation from Beaches Go Green</a> appeared first on <a href="https://nflt.org">North Florida Land Trust</a>.</p>
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		<title>North Florida Land Trust Facilitated the Permanent Preservation of 1,685 Acres in Baker County</title>
		<link>https://nflt.org/2026/04/07/north-florida-land-trust-facilitated-the-permanent-preservation-of-1685-acres-in-baker-county/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=north-florida-land-trust-facilitated-the-permanent-preservation-of-1685-acres-in-baker-county</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kelly White]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:53:57 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ConservationEasement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[RCPP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ThayendanegeaTimber]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BakerCounty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NRCS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[RFLPP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[RuralandFamilyLandsProtectionProgram]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://nflt.org/?p=4873</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) has played a part in the permanent preservation of approximately 1,685 acres in Baker County. The nonprofit land conservation organization helped bridge funding sources to purchase a conservation easement on the Thayendanegea Timber land, a &#8230; <a href="https://nflt.org/2026/04/07/north-florida-land-trust-facilitated-the-permanent-preservation-of-1685-acres-in-baker-county/">Continued</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://nflt.org/2026/04/07/north-florida-land-trust-facilitated-the-permanent-preservation-of-1685-acres-in-baker-county/">North Florida Land Trust Facilitated the Permanent Preservation of 1,685 Acres in Baker County</a> appeared first on <a href="https://nflt.org">North Florida Land Trust</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) has played a part in the permanent preservation of approximately 1,685 acres in Baker County. The nonprofit land conservation organization helped bridge funding sources to purchase a conservation easement on the Thayendanegea Timber land, a working timber property in the Ocala to Osceola (O2O) Wildlife Corridor.</p>
<p>The easement, valued at $3,706,000, was purchased through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services&#8217; Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP), with the Natural Resources Conservation Service&#8217;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.</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-4874" src="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Layout-Desk-Review-Series-2_Property-Aerial-232x300.jpg" alt="" width="232" height="300" srcset="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Layout-Desk-Review-Series-2_Property-Aerial-232x300.jpg 232w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Layout-Desk-Review-Series-2_Property-Aerial-791x1024.jpg 791w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Layout-Desk-Review-Series-2_Property-Aerial-768x994.jpg 768w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Layout-Desk-Review-Series-2_Property-Aerial-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Layout-Desk-Review-Series-2_Property-Aerial.jpg 1275w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 232px) 100vw, 232px" /><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-4875" src="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Layout-Property-Locator-232x300.jpg" alt="" width="232" height="300" srcset="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Layout-Property-Locator-232x300.jpg 232w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Layout-Property-Locator-791x1024.jpg 791w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Layout-Property-Locator-768x994.jpg 768w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Layout-Property-Locator-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Layout-Property-Locator.jpg 1275w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 232px) 100vw, 232px" /></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-4879" src="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Thayendangea-Timber-LLC-LLC-Thigh-en-denaga-Mohawk-2023-10-18-67-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" srcset="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Thayendangea-Timber-LLC-LLC-Thigh-en-denaga-Mohawk-2023-10-18-67-225x300.jpg 225w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Thayendangea-Timber-LLC-LLC-Thigh-en-denaga-Mohawk-2023-10-18-67-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Thayendangea-Timber-LLC-LLC-Thigh-en-denaga-Mohawk-2023-10-18-67.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-4878" src="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Thayendangea-Timber-LLC-LLC-Thigh-en-denaga-Mohawk-2023-10-18-42-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" srcset="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Thayendangea-Timber-LLC-LLC-Thigh-en-denaga-Mohawk-2023-10-18-42-225x300.jpg 225w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Thayendangea-Timber-LLC-LLC-Thigh-en-denaga-Mohawk-2023-10-18-42-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Thayendangea-Timber-LLC-LLC-Thigh-en-denaga-Mohawk-2023-10-18-42.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-4876" src="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Thayendangea-Timber-LLC-LLC-Thigh-en-denaga-Mohawk-2023-10-18-37-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" srcset="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Thayendangea-Timber-LLC-LLC-Thigh-en-denaga-Mohawk-2023-10-18-37-225x300.jpg 225w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Thayendangea-Timber-LLC-LLC-Thigh-en-denaga-Mohawk-2023-10-18-37-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Thayendangea-Timber-LLC-LLC-Thigh-en-denaga-Mohawk-2023-10-18-37.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" /></p>
<p><strong>About North Florida Land Trust</strong></p>
<p>North Florida Land Trust is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of life by protecting North Florida&#8217;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.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://nflt.org/2026/04/07/north-florida-land-trust-facilitated-the-permanent-preservation-of-1685-acres-in-baker-county/">North Florida Land Trust Facilitated the Permanent Preservation of 1,685 Acres in Baker County</a> appeared first on <a href="https://nflt.org">North Florida Land Trust</a>.</p>
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		<title>North Florida Land Trust Recognizes Conservation Champions and a Year of Preservation Successes</title>
		<link>https://nflt.org/2026/03/24/north-florida-land-trust-recognizes-conservation-champions-and-a-year-of-preservation-successes/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=north-florida-land-trust-recognizes-conservation-champions-and-a-year-of-preservation-successes</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kelly White]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 19:59:47 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AnnualMeeting]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://nflt.org/?p=4896</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) celebrated another year of conservation successes and honored the environmental heroes driving that progress at its Annual Meeting and Celebration. The gathering brought together national conservation advocates, elected officials, and community leaders, offering newcomers and &#8230; <a href="https://nflt.org/2026/03/24/north-florida-land-trust-recognizes-conservation-champions-and-a-year-of-preservation-successes/">Continued</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://nflt.org/2026/03/24/north-florida-land-trust-recognizes-conservation-champions-and-a-year-of-preservation-successes/">North Florida Land Trust Recognizes Conservation Champions and a Year of Preservation Successes</a> appeared first on <a href="https://nflt.org">North Florida Land Trust</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) celebrated another year of conservation successes and honored the environmental heroes driving that progress at its Annual Meeting and Celebration. The gathering brought together national conservation advocates, elected officials, and community leaders, offering newcomers and longtime supporters alike a clear look at the growing movement to protect North Florida’s natural lands.</p>
<p>NFLT was honored to have Land Trust Alliance CEO Ashley Demosthenes as this year’s keynote speaker. The Land Trust Alliance (LTA) is a national land conservation organization that empowers and mobilizes land trusts in communities across America to conserve land for the benefit of all. LTA works with more than one thousand land trusts nationwide to advance private land conservation and ensure that important landscapes are protected for generations to come.</p>
<p>“North Florida Land Trust is doing some excellent work—you are walking the walk and are a voice for land conservation,” said Demosthenes. “We all know the challenges of land conservation and protecting the lands that protect us against things like coastal flooding and storm surge. Input we receive from organizations like North Florida Land Trust helps us as we develop a comprehensive strategic planning initiative that will help us write the next chapter of land conservation in America.”</p>
<p>In 2025, NFLT protected over 18,000 acres of land across North Florida, bringing the total amount of land protected since the nonprofit’s inception in 1999 to more than 125,000. The lands safeguarded wildlife habitats and working lands and further connected the critical Ocala to Osceola (O2O) Wildlife Corridor. The organization grew its membership to more than 750 people, saw over 165 individuals join its volunteer projects, and released “Keeping North Florida Wild,” the organization’s 25th-anniversary book.</p>
<p>One of the properties NFLT was able to conserve was due to the efforts of Congressman Aaron Bean, this year’s recipient of the NFLT Conservation Champion Award. NFLT President and CEO Allison DeFoor reached out to Congressman Bean for assistance when NFLT was facing a deadline. Representative Bean and his team helped NFLT work with federal partners to complete a conservation easement on a 1,683-acre property near Olustee Battlefield Historic Park and adjacent to the Osceola National Forest.</p>
<p>“I texted Representative Bean and said, ‘we need some help’ and he got his team on it right away,” said DeFoor. “I am very appreciative of his commitment to what we do. It has made a big difference.”</p>
<p>“Government sometimes moves slowly, but North Florida Land Trust moves fast, and I am honored to have been a part of the urgency that saved this land,” said Congressman Bean. “All of us share a common vision that brings us together: to protect the swamps, forests, rivers, streams, and coastlines. It is best for the earth and the next generation, and it is definitely worth fighting for.”</p>
<p>This year’s Charlie Commander Land Conservation Award, named in honor of a longtime NFLT supporter and conservationist, was presented to Randy and Paula Ringhaver, the owners of Ring Power. Together, the company and the Ringhaver family donated a 1,732-acre conservation easement in St. Johns County known as DeerCreek Plantation to NFLT.</p>
<p>The Partnership for Gulf Coast Land Conservation received this year’s Partner of the Year Award for its support of NFLT. The organization has helped fund critical due diligence work to advance land protection across the region. The Advocate of the Year Award was given to Guy Marwick, who, through his leadership at the Felburn Foundation, has been a longtime and generous supporter of NFLT.</p>
<p>The NFLT Presidential Award was given to two people this year: Dr. Wayne Wood and Mark Middlebrook. Dr. Wood, a renowned Jacksonville historian, author, and preservationist, was honored for his deep commitment to the community. Dr. Wood helped facilitate one of NFLT’s largest property gifts and has helped preserve the cultural and architectural heritage of our region. Middlebrook, who passed away earlier this year, was honored for his work with the Preservation Project Jacksonville and the Timucuan Parks Foundation. Middlebrook’s work protected more than 50,000 acres across Jacksonville and built one of the largest urban park systems in the nation.</p>
<p>NFLT’s Salty Soiree Committee was presented with the Volunteers of the Year Award. Janyce Dawkins, Becky Grimes, Pam Hart, Cynthia Jones-Jackson, Connie McDaniel, Lyn Pannone, and Sally Perez put together a fundraiser for NFLT in Amelia Island in October of 2025. The sold-out event at Fort Clinch State Park welcomed more than 150 guests to celebrate conservation and raise money for NFLT. The event will become an annual event with the next Salty Soiree scheduled for October 25, 2026.</p>
<p>NFLT also announced a new fundraising campaign to add four more acres to Bogey Creek Preserve, its public preserve located at 5500 Cedar Point Rd. within the 7 Creeks Recreation Area. The nonprofit must raise $150,000 by June 1 to preserve the property.</p>
<p>NFLT would like to thank the sponsors of the Annual Meeting and Celebration. Black Bear Sponsors included Dream Finders Homes, Eastland, the Lisa Barton Team Ponte Vedra Beach, and Wetland Preserve Conservation Compatible Forestry. Judith Beaubouef, Lory Doolittle, Ann and Keith Holt, and The Players were Bobcat Sponsors. Gratitude is also extended to all Manatee, Gopher Tortoise and Marsh Rabbit Sponsors.</p>

<a href='https://nflt.org/2026/03/24/north-florida-land-trust-recognizes-conservation-champions-and-a-year-of-preservation-successes/dsc_0061/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="199" src="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSC_0061-300x199.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" srcset="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSC_0061-300x199.jpg 300w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSC_0061-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSC_0061-768x511.jpg 768w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSC_0061-1536x1021.jpg 1536w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSC_0061-2048x1362.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>
<a href='https://nflt.org/2026/03/24/north-florida-land-trust-recognizes-conservation-champions-and-a-year-of-preservation-successes/dsc_0136/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="199" src="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSC_0136-300x199.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" srcset="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSC_0136-300x199.jpg 300w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSC_0136-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSC_0136-768x511.jpg 768w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSC_0136-1536x1021.jpg 1536w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSC_0136-2048x1362.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>
<a href='https://nflt.org/2026/03/24/north-florida-land-trust-recognizes-conservation-champions-and-a-year-of-preservation-successes/dsc_0121/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="199" src="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSC_0121-300x199.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" srcset="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSC_0121-300x199.jpg 300w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSC_0121-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSC_0121-768x511.jpg 768w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSC_0121-1536x1021.jpg 1536w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSC_0121-2048x1362.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>
<a href='https://nflt.org/2026/03/24/north-florida-land-trust-recognizes-conservation-champions-and-a-year-of-preservation-successes/dsc_0118/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="199" src="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSC_0118-300x199.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" srcset="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSC_0118-300x199.jpg 300w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSC_0118-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSC_0118-768x511.jpg 768w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSC_0118-1536x1021.jpg 1536w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSC_0118-2048x1362.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>
<a href='https://nflt.org/2026/03/24/north-florida-land-trust-recognizes-conservation-champions-and-a-year-of-preservation-successes/dsc_0116/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="199" src="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSC_0116-300x199.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" srcset="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSC_0116-300x199.jpg 300w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSC_0116-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSC_0116-768x511.jpg 768w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSC_0116-1536x1021.jpg 1536w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSC_0116-2048x1362.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>

<p><strong>About North Florida Land Trust</strong></p>
<p>North Florida Land Trust is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of life by protecting North Florida&#8217;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.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://nflt.org/2026/03/24/north-florida-land-trust-recognizes-conservation-champions-and-a-year-of-preservation-successes/">North Florida Land Trust Recognizes Conservation Champions and a Year of Preservation Successes</a> appeared first on <a href="https://nflt.org">North Florida Land Trust</a>.</p>
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		<title>Ring Power Preserves More Than 1,700 Acres Through Major Gift to North Florida Land Trust</title>
		<link>https://nflt.org/2026/03/23/ring-power-preserves-more-than-1700-acres-through-major-gift-to-north-florida-land-trust/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=ring-power-preserves-more-than-1700-acres-through-major-gift-to-north-florida-land-trust</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kelly White]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 16:45:43 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://nflt.org/?p=4855</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>More than 1,700 acres in St. Johns County will now be permanently protected following Ring Power’s donation of a major conservation easement to North Florida Land Trust (NFLT). The 1,732-acre property, known as DeerCreek Plantation and located east of the &#8230; <a href="https://nflt.org/2026/03/23/ring-power-preserves-more-than-1700-acres-through-major-gift-to-north-florida-land-trust/">Continued</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://nflt.org/2026/03/23/ring-power-preserves-more-than-1700-acres-through-major-gift-to-north-florida-land-trust/">Ring Power Preserves More Than 1,700 Acres Through Major Gift to North Florida Land Trust</a> appeared first on <a href="https://nflt.org">North Florida Land Trust</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-4859 alignright" src="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Property-Aerial-page-001-1-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="171" height="257" srcset="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Property-Aerial-page-001-1-200x300.jpg 200w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Property-Aerial-page-001-1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Property-Aerial-page-001-1-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Property-Aerial-page-001-1-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Property-Aerial-page-001-1-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Property-Aerial-page-001-1-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 171px) 100vw, 171px" />More than 1,700 acres in St. Johns County will now be permanently protected following Ring Power’s donation of a major conservation easement to North Florida Land Trust (NFLT). The 1,732-acre property, known as DeerCreek Plantation and located east of the St. Johns River, will remain protected in perpetuity for future generations under the agreement.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-4857 alignleft" src="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Deer-Creek-Plantation-2025-11-12-66-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="167" height="223" srcset="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Deer-Creek-Plantation-2025-11-12-66-225x300.jpg 225w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Deer-Creek-Plantation-2025-11-12-66-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Deer-Creek-Plantation-2025-11-12-66.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 167px) 100vw, 167px" />“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.”</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-4858 alignright" src="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Deer-Creek-Plantation-2025-11-12-81-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="168" height="224" srcset="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Deer-Creek-Plantation-2025-11-12-81-225x300.jpg 225w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Deer-Creek-Plantation-2025-11-12-81-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Deer-Creek-Plantation-2025-11-12-81.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 168px) 100vw, 168px" />“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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong>About North Florida Land Trust</strong></p>
<p>North Florida Land Trust is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of life by protecting North Florida&#8217;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.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-4860" src="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Property-Locator-page-001-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" srcset="https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Property-Locator-page-001-200x300.jpg 200w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Property-Locator-page-001-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Property-Locator-page-001-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Property-Locator-page-001-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Property-Locator-page-001-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://nflt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Property-Locator-page-001-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px" /></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://nflt.org/2026/03/23/ring-power-preserves-more-than-1700-acres-through-major-gift-to-north-florida-land-trust/">Ring Power Preserves More Than 1,700 Acres Through Major Gift to North Florida Land Trust</a> appeared first on <a href="https://nflt.org">North Florida Land Trust</a>.</p>
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