Keynote speaker Earl Starnes, who has been involved in the land conservation movement since its early beginnings, recalled stories about some of the first land acquisitions by the state.

CTF Holds 2nd Annual Old Florida Forever BBQ.

April 28, 2003, Micanopy — It was a perfect spring day for a BBQ as members of the Conservation Trust for Florida celebrated the land trust's second year last month.

The event's setting, a historic farm owned by the Carr family, emphasized the non-profit organization's mission to preserve family farms and other rural lands. Children and adults got a taste of farm life as an old-fashioned tractor pulled guests on a hayride through the property.

"Family farms and natural areas are being developed at an alarming rate," said CTF Executive Director Gary Meffe. "The BBQ showcased some of our current projects to reduce the rate of development."

Earl Starnes, former Suwannee River Water Management District Board member who also founded a land trust in Cedar Key, was the keynote speaker.

Starnes was instrumental in leading the District's mission to purchase land along the Suwannee River. The District has protected a large portion of the land along the river.

CTF's current land protection projects — the Orange Lake Overlook and a wildlife corridor from the Ocala National Forest to Osceola National Forest — were on display as well. CTF Project's Coordinator Erik Lewis manned the tent and answered member's questions.

CTF Board Member Kathleen Williams chaired the fundraising committee for the annual CTF auction. Silent auction items included Highwaymen prints donated by Tyson Trading Co., a Peter Carolin painting, native trees and plants donated by Chiappini Farm Native Nursery, a Jeff Ripple photograph, and other great items.

CTF's current projects – the Orange Lake Overlook and a wildlife corridor from the Ocala National Forest to Osceola National Forest – were on display at the information tent. CTF Treasurer Nancy Meffe (in white baseball cap) is pictured

Although the weather was perfect this year, organizers of the BBQ say next year's event may be moved back to the fall instead of the spring. We hope to see you next year!

Thank you to our Sponsors and Auction Donors:
CTF Vice-President David Carr and CTF Advisory Board Member Peggy Carr for allowing CTF to use their farm for the event. Pearl Country Store – slow cooked pork for the BBQ, Florida Heritage Books, Inc., Jean and Ty Tyson of Tyson Trading Co., Glenn and Sherry Firestone of Firestone Sales, Ed Geers and Sally Guthrie, Peter NeSmith and Laura Namm- NeSmith, Ana Varela, David Chiappini of Chiappini Farm Native Nursery, Gail Stern, Steve Nesbitt, Bruce Fraleigh, Susan Trammell, David & Joan Berish, Peter Carolin, Michael Kemp, David T. Warner, John Hintermister, Jeff Ripple, Mark Smith, Sean Dowie, Tobe Terrell of Satori Longevity Foods, Inc., Larry Roberts, CTF President Mike Campbell and Sandy Campbell, CTF Secretary Kathleen Williams, CTF Board Member Judy Greenberg and Gary Greenberg, CTF Project's Coordinator Erik Lewis, and CTF Advisory Board Member Linda Conway Duever.

The silent auction tent was full of wonderful items such as Alyne Harris paintings, Highwaymen prints, and farm baskets filled with fresh baked bread. Pictured are CTF Vice-President David Carr (in white shirt on left) and guest.

CTF members and guests enjoyed a little down home hospitality at the 2nd Annual Old Florida Forever BBQ on March 22, 2003. CTF Secretary Kathleen Williams (in pink shirt) is pictured at the front table.