Conservation Florida and City Permanently Protect 1.5 Acres Along Intracoastal in Palm Beach County

Photo by NOAA.

Generous donation from a local family permanently protects nearly 1.5 acres in Palm Beach County

City of Delray, Fla. (June 20, 2023) — Conservation Florida, a dynamic driver of statewide land conservation, and the City of Delray Beach have permanently protected 1.5 acres thanks to a generous donation from a local family with long ties to protecting natural places. The family wishes to remain anonymous at this time.

After having the land donated to Conservation Florida, the organization decided to, in turn, donate the three parcels to the City of Delray Beach as a green space along the Intracoastal Waterway, the last of its kind in the region along the waterway. This was done to ensure that the vacant, Intracoastal waterway-fronting properties on the north end of Palm Trail to the City of Delray Beach are conserved in their natural state in perpetuity and managed similarly to nearby protected lands just north of the property.

“As a coastal city who has experienced significant growth over the last 10 years, we value each of our open spaces and are excited by Conservation Florida’s land donation," said City of Delray Beach Mayor Shelly Petrolia.

Land in the natural state these parcels are in is quite beneficial to the residents of the City, providing an excellent habitat for wildlife and plants that help maintain a healthy environment for humans.

“Thanks to a generous family donation and our partner in conservation, the City of Delray Beach, our collective goal is for this land to bring joy, green space, and added water protection to the residents and its guests for generations to come,” said Traci Deen, President and CEO of Conservation Florida. 

These properties, located on the Intracoastal Waterway, also provide an excellent habit for mangroves providing a multitude of benefits such as a habitat for marine and avian life, cleaning and filtering water, and removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Lack of development on the properties will also have a positive effect on the immediate neighborhood by preventing additional strain on the drainage network.

"This protected natural environment will bring enjoyment to our residents and visitors and serve to mitigate the effects of flooding and other climate change impacts,” explained Petrolia.

The City of Delray Beach and surrounding communities have undergone significant development in recent years, with new buildings and infrastructure projects sprouting up throughout the area. However, despite the growth, there are still a few wild lots along the waterway that provide a unique and valuable scenic value to residents and visitors alike, such as this one.

These lots, which are becoming increasingly rare as development continues, offer a glimpse of the natural beauty that once characterized the areas, while serving as important habitats for wildlife and help to maintain the delicate ecological balance of the waterway ecosystem.

This protection marks an important development in local wild land conservation, and it's important for local authorities and developers to consider the importance of preserving these natural spaces while continuing to foster growth and development in the area.

This property protection is just one success story of the many conservation projects permanently protected by Conservation Florida. The protection of these 1.5 acres in the City of Delray Beach helps to keep land wild - forever. 

About Conservation Florida

Conservation Florida is a statewide accredited land conservancy working to conserve Florida’s water, wildlife, wild places, and protect the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Our conservation projects support Florida’s native plants and wildlife, fresh water, wildlife corridors, family farms and ranches, the economy, and nature-based recreation. Since its founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has prioritized strategic and evidence-based land protection and has saved over 30,000 acres of critical habitat.

About The City of Delray Beach

The City of Delray Beach is a charming, vibrant city of dynamic and diverse communities. Fostering an authentic and inspiring community that celebrates its history while building toward the future, the city was an All-America City Winner in 1993, 2001 and 2017, the first city in Florida to do so. The city was named the 5th best city for small businesses in the U.S. by Verizon Business and Coastal Living Magazine named the City America’s Happiest Seaside Town and one of the 10 Best Little Beach Towns in Florida. USA TODAY also named Atlantic Avenue one of America’s 10 Great Shopping Streets.