Land Conservation in Florida

It’s easy to feel disconnected from habitat preservation and conservation, as you may not realize how much of an impact land conservation projects have on your daily life. However, land management and habitat restoration don’t just benefit local wildlife. They preserve the natural beauty of our state, the diverse ecosystems of Northeast Florida, and the cleanliness and sustainability of our waterways. Plus, land conservation doesn’t just take place in distant rural areas. It may be much closer to home with urban park restoration and community green space initiatives that improve daily quality of life for you and your family.

Our focus is on land acquisition for conservation, which includes the preservation and restoration of public green space for all to enjoy. Some of our key programs include:

• Revive – Through this initiative, we aim to create and sustain beautiful green spaces in Northeast Florida by collaboratively reviving parks, creeks, and other public green spaces, while taking a balanced approach to ensure the inclusion of those in underserved communities. We are currently working to revive several parks in Jacksonville’s urban core. Through corporate partnerships and collaboration with local stakeholders, we are working to revive these parks to include new playground equipment and improve park access, safety, and usage for the community.
• River Branch Preserve Acquisition – Public Trust for Conservation spearheaded the critical conservation of the River Branch Preserve, 350 acres of wetland and islands along the Intracoastal Waterway.

Johnston Island – The City of Atlantic Beach is currently exploring the purchase of the Johnston Island property, located under the Atlantic Blvd bridge on the Intracoastal Waterway. The Public Trust is coordinating this conservation purchase with interested parties, including the City of Jacksonville. Johnston Island has the potential to become an important recreational resource for boaters, kayakers, and fishermen utilizing the Intracoastal Waterway.

The impact of our work can already be felt throughout Northeast Florida, and it will continue to resonate for generations. One stunning example of our land conservation efforts is the acquisition of the Selva Preserve Property.

The City of Atlantic Beach purchased this property under an agreement that will greatly reduce wetland impacts while still allowing the developer to build 5 single-family homes on the upland portion of the property. This is the type of win-win solution that Public Trust for Conservation strives for. We have also received a private donation to be used for the creation of a greenway through the preserve for the public to enjoy. Selva Preserve is one of the few remaining undeveloped properties left in Atlantic Beach; conserving it will provide vitally needed habitat and stormwater benefits for the surrounding community.

There are many ways to get involved with our land conservation projects. Becoming a member of Public Trust for Conservation is the easiest way to stay in the loop about opportunities to volunteer, attend community events, and take advantage of the recreational opportunities we have facilitated through our efforts. You can also make a donation to empower our organization to continue protecting Florida’s public lands.

If you are a landowner, you might also consider establishing a conservation easement, which is a type of land trust in which you retain ownership of your land but permanently limit the use of the area to protect its conservation values.

Our work directly impacts our surrounding community by ensuring clean water, corporate accountability, public access to green spaces, and a sustainable future for the next generation.

In 2018, the Public Trust was instrumental in coordinating the conservation acquisition of the Selva Preserve Property. The City of Atlantic Beach purchased this property under an agreement that will greatly reduce wetland impacts while still allowing the developer to build 5 single family homes on the upland portion of the property.  This is the type of win-win solution that the Public Trust strives for. We also have received a private donation to be used for the creation of a greenway through the preserve for the public to enjoy. Selva Preserve is one of the few remaining undeveloped properties left in Atlantic Beach; conserving it will provide vitally needed habitat and stormwater benefits for the surrounding community.

Ready to get involved and advance our mission of land conservation in Northeast Florida? Contact us today to learn more about becoming a member of Public Trust for Conservation.

What is land conservation, and why is it important in Florida?

Land conservation involves the protection of natural areas to preserve natural habitats, biodiversity, and clean waterways. Land conservation may take place through direct ownership of land; preservation as a state, regional, or national park; legal action to limit habitat destruction; or stewardship through land trusts to retain the conservation value of private properties. Conservation is critical in Florida, which faces a variety of environmental threats that are already causing the rapid disappearance of natural landscapes.

How does the Florida Forever Program support land conservation?

Florida Forever is a program led by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, which allows the state to acquire environmentally significant lands for the sake of protection and restoration.

What is a wetland acquisition program, and how does it work?

A wetland acquisition program is a land acquisition program focused on purchasing or acquiring easements on wetlands with the goal of protecting these critical ecosystems and improving water quality.

How can I get involved in local creek restoration or urban park revitalization initiatives?

There are many ways to get involved, from monetary donations to volunteer work to class action lawsuits. Becoming a member of Public Trust for Conservation will keep you informed on opportunities to make an impact within your local community.

What are the benefits of community green spaces and public parks?

Community green spaces and public parks allow easy access for everyone to natural areas, promoting more outdoor recreation. Additionally, public green spaces can minimize the impacts of climate change by mitigating the urban heat island effect, reducing flooding through natural stormwater management, and improving air quality.