NFLT and the Putnam Land Conservancy were working with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to fund the acquisition through the Florida Forever program. The sellers needed the purchase to happen by the close of 2024. The state indicated it could not meet that deadline and asked for help. NFLT contacted The Conservation Fund. The Conservation Fund purchased the property for $3.25 million with approximately 45 days to close and held title to the property until the State could complete the purchase. The State has now closed on the property, and The Conservation Fund officially transferred ownership to the State.

“This acquisition is an example of how entities working together can really make a difference, and now more than 1,000 acres of land in Florida will remain natural forever,” said Allison DeFoor, president and CEO of NFLT. “The Conservation Fund stepped in when needed and quickly secured the land for preservation because they also realized it was now or never. This land will never be rooftops and will remain natural habitats where wildlife and plant species can thrive.”

The property comprises forested wetlands, mixed hardwood, pine Flatwoods, sandhill, scrub, prairies and bogs, and tree plantations. It supports various plant and animal species, including threatened and endangered species like the gopher tortoise, Florida scrub-jay, sand skink, Bachman’s sparrow, eastern indigo snake, and red-cockaded woodpecker. It also provides essential ecosystem services such as air and water filtration, groundwater recharge and carbon sequestration from reforestation. It can also enhance recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and nature studies.

“This is an important addition to the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway and the Florida Wildlife Corridor,” said Willy the Losen, CEO and Conservation Director of the Putnam Land Conservancy. “It conserves the last undeveloped land abutting that portion of the Greenway.  Without partnerships between conservation organizations, this property may have been lost to development.”

“We are proud to have collaborated on this important conservation project,” said Adam Godfrey, Rayonier’s Vice President of Real Estate Operations and Sales. “Rayonier believes in responsible land stewardship and is committed to supporting efforts that protect Florida’s natural resources. The O2O corridor is a critical part of Florida’s ecological landscape, and we are pleased to have contributed to its preservation.”

NFLT leads the O2O Wildlife Corridor Partnership, which is dedicated to preserving land within the O2O corridor. The O2O is a 1.6-million-acre network of public and private lands that stretches 100 miles and connects the Ocala and Osceola National Forests, a critical link in the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

About North Florida Land Trust

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

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FDEP purchased the conservation easement from the O’Connor family for $850,000 with funding from the Florida Forever program. This was the second time NFLT facilitated a conservation easement purchase from the family in coordination with FDEP. Approximately one year ago, an 855.35-acre conservation easement was purchased from the O’Connors on property east of this location and within the O2O, also through the Florida Forever program.

“It was a pleasure working with the O’Connor family once again to ensure their land is protected from the threat of development and will remain natural forever. It is now or never,” said Allison DeFoor, president and CEO of NFLT. “We brought the property to the attention of FDEP, who helped make the preservation possible. This is another example of a willing landowner, a nonprofit, and a government entity working together to preserve a piece of old Florida for generations to enjoy.”

The preservation of the property provides natural resource protection and recreational opportunities. Comprised of four parcels of land, it is a mix of uplands, wetlands, and over two miles of creek frontage along the Little Orange and Orange Creek, which feed into the Rodman Reservoir. The land plays an important role in water quality protection, supports aquifer recharge, and is vital for landscape-scale restoration efforts in the region. Preserving this land is also critical for plants and wildlife, including the Florida black bear.

“Preserving the land and its natural state is important for us to leave for our children, grandchildren, and generations to come,” said Chuck O’Connor. “Keeping it from future development is key. Everything is growing so fast, and once the natural lands are gone, they are gone forever.”

The O’Connor family has owned property in this region for about 100 years. O’Connor said his great-grandfather originally purchased land for turpentine and once owned approximately 15,000 acres in the area. He said he has fond memories of spending time exploring the land. O’Connor said the property also holds historic significance. It was once part of the Ocklawaha Valley Railroad, which started around 1909 and ran from Silver Springs Junction to Palatka.

The perpetual conservation easement agreement allows the O’Connor family to continue enjoying the land, including hiking, fishing, and hunting. They can also continue existing agricultural practices, maintain a small cattle operation, and build one additional residential structure and corresponding outbuildings if the buildings are outside of designated sensitive natural areas. FDEP will own, manage, and monitor the conservation easement.

About North Florida Land Trust

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

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