Conservation is a team sport, and we want everyone on our team!

We’re all about partnerships. We have formed effective working relationships and formal agreements with federal, state, local, academic, and other nonprofit organizations.

As part of a community of land protection professionals, we cooperate to achieve statewide land conservation goals. Acting together, we can save land on a scale that is big enough to protect Florida's natural and working lands — lands on which we all depend.

Because protecting land means protecting water, wildlife, and our quality of life, Conservation Florida and our partners are moving quickly to save as much land as possible within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. With 8.1 million acres (about twice the area of Connecticut) currently unprotected within the 18-million-acre Florida Wildlife Corridor, we have a lot of work to do!

We are leading a regional initiative in the Northern Everglades called the Headwaters to Okeechobee, or H2O. Here, our goal is to save land that protects water, which means land around rivers, lakes, and streams and lands with strong recharge areas.

We are also actively involved in the Avon Park and the Northwest Florida Sentinel Landscape Partnerships.

Collaboration is one of our core values. It’s also one of the most powerful tools we have to protect Florida’s vulnerable and special lands. But don’t just take our word for it. Read on to meet a few of our conservation partners and learn how we harness the power of partnerships to protect land statewide.

What do the USDA, DOI, and DOD have to do with conservation?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Department of the Interior (DOI), and the Department of Defense (DOD) may not come to mind when you think of land protection, but all three departments have agencies and programs dedicated to conservation. All of these departments of the federal government are great land protection partners!

The USDA’s vision statement covers a wide range of goals from “helping rural America to thrive" to preserving “our Nation's natural resources through conservation, restored forests, improved watersheds, and healthy private working lands.”

We have a similar vision for Florida! That is why we are working closely with two USDA agencies – the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the U.S. Forest Service – to protect cattle ranches in the Northern Everglades and longleaf pine habitat in the Panhandle.

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Our NRCS partners are supplying financial and technical aid to help us conserve agricultural lands, wetlands, and grasslands of special significance in the H2O. Thanks to the NRCS’s Agricultural Conservation Easement Program combined with matching funds from the DOD and other sources, we have placed thousands of acres under contract to be permanently protected.

There is no question in my mind that what we do now is for future generations. I know that they will thank us for engaging in land conservation today.
My favorite activity? I’d say hiking because it allows for intimate time spent with nature. Since moving to Florida, I have had the opportunity to travel much of the state visiting many of NRCS's 33 field offices. Two exciting adventures I’ve had included kayaking on the Santa Fe River and tubing down the Ichetucknee.
I hope to see increased participation in RCPP in the future.
With more than 250,000 acres under easement in Florida already, I see great opportunity to develop partnerships and programs that protect threatened and endangered species.

"NRCS could absolutely not be able to do what it does without partnerships. One of the things I love the most about NRCS is that it prioritizes the establishment of effective partnerships to protect land. Since the Farm Bill became law, over $700 million has been invested in Florida through NRCS's RCPP [Regional Conservation Protection Program]. Even with this huge investment, I believe there is tremendous potential to grow and expand partnerships in Florida.” – Juan Hernandez, Florida State Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service

Department of Defense

We’re also engaged with the DOD’s Office of the Secretary of Defense to buy conservation easements on working ranchlands located near the Avon Park Air Force Range. The Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) program has awarded Conservation Florida millions of dollars for land protection projects in the Avon Park Sentinel Landscape. We are using these funds to buy development rights from landowners who want to take part in the program. The benefits? Landowners get to keep their family land intact, the Air Force sustains critical military mission capabilities, and we get to save vibrant natural areas for fish and wildlife. A triple win!

For me personally, land conservation is about balance. As a career Air Force fighter pilot, I never dreamed I’d have the opportunity to work with partners like Conservation Florida to preserve working lands, protect the environment, and in doing so, promote land uses that are compatible with our mission.
My favorite Florida animal? It’s difficult to name just one particular species, so instead I’d say my favorite individual animal is M34, the FL Black Bear that took a 500-mile walk, crossing the range twice. To me, M34’s journey validates APAFR’s internal conservation efforts while highlighting the need to keep Florida’s natural lands connected. I’m sure you are familiar but just in case: https://floridawildlifecorridor.org/about/inspired-by-a-bear/

“Since 2010, Avon Park Air Force Range has been fortunate to have one of the most dynamic and successful Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) programs in the nation. In partnership with local, state, and non-governmental organizations, $23 million has been invested into the landscape surrounding the Range resulting in the protection of 12,000 acres of private lands. Despite the success, one aspect that was lacking has been the opportunity to work with an established land conservancy. The partnership with Conservation Florida changes all that and will no doubt bring even more opportunity to preserve working lands, protect the environment, and sustain the military training mission.” - Buck MacLaughlin, Range Operations Officer, Avon Park Air Force Range

Department of the Interior

Last, but not least, through a partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), a bureau within the DOI, we are restoring habitat for plants and animals at our D Ranch Preserve in Volusia County. USFWS is providing us with funds and technical support to reintroduce fire to our preserve, which will make it a better place to live for rare species like Rugel’s pawpaw plants, gopher tortoises, eastern indigo snakes, longleaf pines, and Florida scrub-jays.

Land conservation allows us to responsibly steward the important natural resources we share as a people, which in many cases, are the foundation of our success as a nation.
My favorite Florida animal is the Sherman’s fox squirrel. Despite the loss of important habitat, these guys continue to hang on and make a living off altered landscapes. They remind me of the need to strive for healthy habitat.

“Partnerships have allowed Florida to consistently remain a national leader in land protection and management. You don’t have to look far to see regions of the state that have benefited from the hard work of diverse partners like Conservation Florida, working together for common goals. I think of the multiple agencies, Florida’s working lands, various nonprofits, private landowners, Florida’s land trusts, and so many others and realize success would not be possible without strong partnerships. At times, it can be easy to fall into a narrow view of one’s conservation goals, but remaining open to the notion of working with others allows for greater success than can be achieved alone. The synergy and end results typically outshine the sum of their parts.” – Chad Allison, Partners for Fish and Wildlife/Coastal Program Coordinator, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Conservation Florida and state agencies: We go way back!

Florida’s government has a long history of protecting land. In fact, it dates back to the 1800s! However, time is running out to save what is left of the wild places we treasure. The population in Florida is growing faster than most other states in the nation. We’re seeing an influx of about 1,000 new residents a day, which equates to a city the size of Orlando moving here every year. Still, Florida is the site of the nation’s first wildlife refuge, Pelican Island, and the first eastern national forest, Ocala National Forest. Over the years the state has enacted several substantial land acquisition programs to save natural areas.

By partnering with state agencies like the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Conservation Florida is able to maximize state funding for land protection. We advocate for meaningful funding for programs like Florida Forever and the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. We also facilitate the acquisition of land and conservation easements to protect high-priority conservation properties by working closely with our agency partners and our incredible state conservation programs.

Partnerships and collaboration are essential for conservation efforts.
Favorite activities? I enjoy boating and fishing in Florida’s near-shore areas and shelling on the beach. Beachcombing has been a natural part of her life for many years.

“Protecting Florida’s natural resources has to be a team effort. We depend on the diversity of viewpoints from our partner agencies, industry representatives, and public stakeholders to ensure that we are able to protect our resources for generations to come. The Florida Forever initiative is a great example of this.” – Callie DeHaven, Florida DEP Division of State Lands Director

Regional water management districts offer added partnership opportunities. The state's five water management districts include the Northwest Florida Water Management District, the Suwannee River Water Management District, the St. Johns River Water Management District, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, and the South Florida Water Management District.

In 2015, Conservation Florida partnered with the St. Johns River Water Management District and the Florida Forest Service to buy the 4,900-acre Silver Springs Forest Conservation Area in Marion County. The Silver Springs Forest serves as a protective, natural buffer for the Silver River and Silver Springs, which originate directly to the south of the conservation area. Conservation Florida negotiated the purchase of the Silver Springs Forest and raised money to close a funding gap, and the St. Johns River Water Management District owns and manages the land in line with its mission to protect and ensure the sustainable use of water resources.

It’s better when we’re together!

Land conservation in Florida has many players, but we're all working towards the same goal. When we work together, we can accomplish more. That's why we work closely with fellow land trusts to protect Florida's remarkable and precious places throughout the state.

Conservation Florida is a proud member of the Alliance for Florida Land Trusts, AFLT, a network of over 22 land trusts working to protect Florida’s environmentally sensitive lands, natural areas, and public health. In fact, our President + CEO, Traci Deen, was elected president of AFLT in early 2021. She has helped the group achieve its shared goals of improving communications among state conservation practitioners, advocating for meaningful conservation funding, and sustainable land protection solutions.

“What an honor to work with the dedicated, passionate thought-leaders of the Alliance of Florida Land Trusts,” said Deen. “This is an exciting and critical moment for land conservation in Florida, and together, we are capable of achieving powerful results for our natural environment.”

It's simple. Together, we can save more land. Our collaborative conservation efforts combine unique resources, expertise, and local knowledge to protect the places that Floridians love throughout the state.

Together, we are saving land in communities, on our coastlines, and in our most wild and special places. To learn more about the Alliance of Florida Land Trusts, click here.

We lend our support to cities and counties that want to protect special places in their local communities.

Local government agencies and citizens who vote for conservation ballot measures play a critical role in protecting our natural resources. Counties like Volusia and Alachua have programs, approved by voters, that supply a dedicated funding source for conservation projects. While cities, like Dunedin, have found innovative ways to combine public and private funding to protect critically endangered scrub habitat in North Pinellas County.

Citizens in cities and counties throughout Florida recognize the value of conservation lands to their quality of life. Conservation Florida supports initiatives that keep beautiful, wild places intact for the public to enjoy.

Conservation Florida is working closely with Polk County to protect habitat for endangered species on Lake Marion. Its location between Tampa and Orlando and its unique natural landscapes (such as the one-of-a-kind Lake Wales Ridge) are driving rapid development and growth in the area. Residents and visitors want to keep the rural character of the area, and Conservation Florida backs the proposed ballot measure that would uplift land protection in Polk County.

Conserving land and water resources is important because it facilitates in maintaining healthy and functioning ecosystems that support plants, wildlife and sustain natural processes, that ultimately benefit people.
My favorite activity outdoors is hiking. It’s a great way to experience the diverse natural habitats, wildlife, and wildflowers of Florida. I love seeing colorful wildflowers blooming during the fall in Florida.
The Polk County Environmental Lands Program is the result of a grassroots effort made by citizens in 1994. Through a referendum the citizens voted to tax themselves to protect and preserve Polk County’s water, wildlife and wilderness. The program has protected more than 26,000 acres with full fee acquisition or conservation easements. The program works closely with private landowners to achieve solutions that meet their needs, while protecting Polk’s water and natural resources. In addition, the program manages Polk’s Nature Discovery Center, where we work to educate students and the community about the natural and water resources around them.

“Partnerships and collaborations have been very important in the conservation of land, water, and natural resources in Florida. Partnerships have led to conservation impacts beyond what a single organization may be able to do. An example is the conservation of the globally endangered system, central Florida uplands made up of scrub and sandhill habitats. Together private entities, nonprofit groups, local, state, and federal government work together to protect and manage a series of conservation areas along the Lake Wales Ridge.” – Candice Knothe Polk County’s Environmental Lands Stewardship Coordinator

In the summer of 2021, Conservation Florida also collaborated with Alachua County and Alachua Conservation Trust to save 236 acres on the Santa Fe River. After years of negotiations, together we reached an agreement with the landowners to protect their cherished family land. This remarkable, pristine habitat will eventually become a public preserve.

A long journey is better with friends by your side.

As a nonprofit, Conservation Florida relies on the generous support of donors to fund our mission. We keep our donors at the heart of everything we do to protect land, water, and wildlife. Stretching our dollars to get the most impact is always top-of-mind.

That’s why combining resources and skills with our nonprofit partners is strategically useful. It’s also fun to collaborate with our friends in the nonprofit sector to achieve common goals.

Well-planned landscape-level conservation coupled with sound land stewardship assures the continuation of our natural heritage for all subsequent generations. Some of my most memorable experiences have occurred in the great outdoors. As a father of two sons, the experience of sharing time with them in the outdoors is invaluable – as is the experience of watching my sons mature and independently begin to share my enthusiasm and conservation ethic. This human perspective, the infinite life experience possibilities is important of course, but perhaps even more important is that the preservation and stewardship of our wildlands is the right thing to do and in our own best interests. The health, quality and integrity of our future depends on it.
Favorite Florida animal? It would have to be a long-tail weasel. You never see them! It’s so elusive it’s kind of like a holy grail.
Favorite outdoor activity? Probably family outings on North Captiva Island. Half of it is a preserve and we spend a whole week immersed in it. I’ve also enjoyed backpacking trips to Ocala and springs and canoeing down in the Everglades.

“I think that partnerships are incredibly important in the environmental arena because we’re all on the same team and we share so many of the same environmental ethics, values, and objectives. The total is greater than the sum of the parts. In any event, we can do so much more together, and we all have different skill sets’. – David Sumpter, Executive Director of Wildlands Conservation

Protecting paradise is our shared story of conservation. It’s what “WE” do!

We believe in our hearts that to know wild Florida is to love her! However, it’s not practical for a population of over 20 million residents to find a meaningful connection with the natural beauty and wonder of our state without a proper introduction to what we have and what’s at stake.

That’s why we are launching a new conservation TV series airing soon on the Discover Florida Channel. The six-episode docuseries is a joint venture between Conservation Florida and Crawford Entertainment.

Crawford Entertainment is a Florida-based company that produces and distributes nationally syndicated specials, documentaries, and original content which air on major U.S. networks and digital streaming platforms worldwide.

“Co-creating “Protect Our Paradise” with Crawford Entertainment is an extraordinary opportunity to raise awareness of the important mission before us all.” – Traci Deen, Conservation Florida’s CEO.

Another storytelling project underway is a short promotional video that highlights our work to protect land, advocate for meaningful conservation funding at the state level, and educate Floridians about our natural resources, which include, springs, rivers, and rare habitats and species. The video will be created by volunteers from around the world who work with GiveVisuals to create impactful visual stories.

GiveVisuals is a nonprofit organization that provides charities with the free opportunity to expand the impact of their good work in service to others by fostering a network of creative people who want to share their visual storytelling talents.

“We love being able to give back in such a meaningful way. Stories have so much power, and we are honored to be able to help tell the story of Conservation Florida.” – Shannon Abitbol with GiveVisuals.

Our academic partners get an A+ for supporting land conservation.

In 2018, Conservation Florida and the University of Central Florida (UCF) teamed up to produce research and offer guidance and a multidisciplinary voice to land and wildlife conservation in the greater Central Florida region. The partnership is between Conservation Florida and both UCF’s Biology Department and UCF Coastal, and it represents teaching, learning, and research opportunities out in the field.

“Our new partnership with Conservation Florida will allow UCF to bring its academic power to the table, and to work with them to expand their efforts to protect Florida’s irreplaceable conservation lands.” – Graham Worthy, Ph.D., chair of UCF’s Biology Department and UCF Coastal’s director.

Landowners and supporters are the real conservation heroes.

Last, and most importantly, we want to thank our most valuable partners – the landowners who work voluntarily with us to protect their land and the supporters who donate time and money to make our mission possible. There are many ways to protect land and all of them require a landowner who is willing to work with a conservancy such as ours to come to an agreement that suits everyone’s unique needs. It takes time and patience, but the reward is an immeasurable gift to the future.

I am a native Floridian, and I have seen a lot of changes in my state over the last 67 years. As the population has swelled from 3 million to over 20 million, I have gained a greater appreciation for our magnificent and wonderful native species. I admire our wildlife from the perspective of a wildlife veterinarian, a founder and former director of a wildlife rescue group, and an outdoorsman and fisherman. Florida’s environment, natural beauty, and natural resources are in peril, and it is important that we conserve and protect them.
I ask you to please consider joining me in making an investment in Florida’s conservation future by supporting Conservation Florida. Together, let’s save Florida, for nature, for people, forever.

As soon as we had the means to do so, my wife Marybeth and I wanted to invest in land conservation. We considered our purchase of a 136-acre tract just north of White Springs to be an investment in our values – an investment in Florida’s future. We named our property Nayfield Acres and worked with Conservation Florida to place a conservation easement on the land. – KC Nayfield

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About Conservation Florida

Conservation Florida is a statewide, accredited land conservancy protecting Florida’s natural and agricultural landscapes with a primary focus on saving land within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. We’re grounded by a deep love for Florida and a history of impactful boots-on-the-ground land conservation. Our conservation projects support Florida’s native plants and wildlife, fresh water, conservation corridors, family farms and ranches, the economy and nature-based recreation. Since our founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has led the way in strategic and evidence-based land protection and has saved over 30,000 acres of critical habitat through acquisition, facilitation and incubation of conservation projects.

We save land by developing conservation strategies, exploring funding sources and purchasing or accepting donations of land and conservation easements. Our other services include providing expertise to guide landowners through the land protection process, serving as a trusted community partner to support statewide land conservation and promoting land conservation through effective education and advocacy. Our vision is large-scale, and we are 100% committed to conservation in the state of Florida – for nature, for people, forever!

Conservation Florida Harnesses the Power of Partnerships to Save Land and Connect The Florida Wildlife Corridor