“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.

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

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

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

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

About North Florida Land Trust

North Florida Land Trust is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of life by protecting North Florida’s irreplaceable natural environment. Founded in 1999, NFLT has preserved tens of thousands of acres of land through the donation or purchase of land and conservation easements. NFLT is funded largely by private and corporate contributions and works closely with willing landowners, public agencies at all levels of government, not-for-profit partners, and foundations.

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