North Florida Land Trust, Inc.

Hi I'm one of big crowds inhabitant leaving in Mandarin section of big city Jacksonville and my rage of dissappear vast sections of land for homes and commercial offices is going to erupt. In the context of ever changing climate and higher temperatures video of news from around the world shows that similar pictures will show up in our neighborhoods if something preventive won't be done and these pictures from Europe and other parts of world would arrive at our doorstep and please don't say what big business read those conglomerates of big business involved of bringing jobs to this area supposed to do redirect them to save already hurt environment under government support the price to save world is still unprecedented thanks

It was with the help of NFLT that we were able to navigate the opaque and serpentine process of establishing two conservation easements under the Florida's Dept. Of. Environmental Protection managed Florida Forever program. These cover almost 3900 acres, all of which is within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

If it was not for their involvement we doubt that we'd of been able to get the protection properly in place for the creeks & associated bottoms and swamps while still keeping our pine plantations in production. To be able to accomplish conservation and keep land in agriculture is a very big win.

We currently have another 750+/- parcel that NFLT had identified as needing protection which we bought with the proceeds of the first easement working its way through the easement process.

That is how secure we are with the work of NFLT.......we are paying it forward.

Ben & Louann Williams
Wetland Preserve LLC
Palatka, Fl.

We recently had representatives from NFLT speak to our fly fishing club and share information about what they do as well as information on the South Atlantic Salt Marsh Initiative that they are involved in. North Florida Land Trust has a great approach and is doing equally great work to help preserve sensitive ecological environments in North Florida!

The North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) has been instrumental in helping the County navigate the process of developing a land conservation program. The NFLT team are all very professional, detail oriented, easy to work with and experts in the land conservation field.
NFLT President and CEO Allison DeFoor has been deeply supportive of our efforts and lent his experience in navigating both the political and practical aspects of program development.
Ramesh Bush and Heather Nagy worked tirelessly with internal staff, external stakeholders and the public ensuring the development of a vision that has tremendous buy in and support. They made themselves available to assist staff whenever needed, and went beyond their contractual obligation, continuously demonstrating their desire to provide guidance and productive feedback.
In addition, their understanding of the interests in the community was vital to the development of implementation strategies within a conservation program blueprint which will provide focus and guidance into the future. Their experience, dedication, responsiveness, patience and professionalism are deeply appreciated.
We could not have selected a better organization to facilitate a Land Conservation Program for our community and we look forward to working with them again on future projects!
Dodie Selig, AICP
Chief Planner
Clay County, Florida
Dodie.Selig@claycountygov.com

We have been working with the North Florida Land Trust since February and and have been impressed by their hard work and professionalism. We are still working to acquire some property adjacent to the River to Sea Preserve in norther Flagler county but Sarah, Ramesh, Heather and Allison are all smart and experienced and easy to work with. They are working hard to maintain the high quality of life here in North East Florida. Keep up the good work!!!

We found a letter from Uncle Bob to his parents that he wrote in 1952. He had paddled up a creek that I believe was the Wacissa River where he described finding an abandoned Indian camp that clearly no modern man had visited. His story was detailed and enthralling. We spent many days with dad and Uncle Bob exploring Old Florida in the '50s and 60's. But even then, most of the thousands of years old Cypress and hundreds of years old Longleaf had been harvested along with much of the rest of original condition. St Joe Paper Company harvested it's last 500 acre stand of virgin several hundred-year-old Longleaf in the early 1990s. The efforts to save and restore what is left of Florida is an ongoing urgent effort of government, non-profit and private organizations working together to preserve and repair the dwindling inventory of Florida's natural places. The efforts of the North Florida Land Trust have resulted in tens of thousands of acres being preserved and restoration of those jewels is under way. No one organization can accomplish what has been and still needs to be done to meet our collective goals. A great deal has been done with public funds and generous citizens and organizations are frantically doing what government cannot to keep the efforts in full court press. NFLT has a unique role in the Florida partnership. I joined the NFLT Board because I was impressed with its accomplishments over just two decades and saw that this group will have a significant role in preserving what is left. Its founder and subsequent leadership have developed a results-oriented organization that has recruited a team of highly talented professionals that are the best in their fields. NFLT has attracted some of the top business and academic leaders from the region to serve on its board. This combination guarantees the continued success of the NFLT mission. I am just a local River Rat, Gator Environmental Engineer, father of 5 plus grands who are passionate nature lovers, who like everyone I know, want to do save and restore what is left of real Florida. We're in.

I learned of the North Florida Land Trust as they were working to save a large piece of salt marsh in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. As I got to know them, I was very excited about what they were doing and who they were as an organization. After several years of distant observation, I was invited to join the Board of Directors where I was able to observe the inner workings of the team much more closely. This only served to increase my admiration, respect and enthusiasm for the mission.

I've been involved with the North Florida Land Trust for 25 years. This wonderful organization has done an excellent job of putting over 30,000 acres of land in Florida under conservation! While this is a good start, the challenge to our natural resources is daunting. The NFLT is well positioned to take conservation and preservation to the next level right now in the seven NE Florida counties that it serves. The NFLT has been successful working at the county, state and federal level in their efforts to save critical lands.

I found the NFLT when I was looking for an organization that focused on protecting the natural environment in NE Florida. I was alarmed at the intense development pressure and I was concerned that the important role of our tree canopy, marshes and estuaries in protecting our barrier islands and nearby cities was not understood. The NFLT has a strategic view of conservation in NE Florida and has a small dedicated team that are experts in land protection via a variety of vehicles (donations, outright purchase, conservation easements, etc) as well as experts in land stewardship. I was so impressed that I joined the Board! The team is passionate, knowledgeable, responsive, and easy to work with! It's now or never and they are ready to help!

The mission of North Florida Land Trust speaks to the spirit of Florida and its people. The land offers a taste of the wild, incredibly scenic views, and pristine areas filled with native species of flora and fawna. The outdoors serve as a siren song to the approximately 360,000 new residents each year. The irony is that with the tremendous population growth seeking outdoor adventure, we are beginning to significantly alter the landscape and reduce the quality of the experience. North Florida Land Trust serves to protect the lands that are wild, scenic and pristine, as well as the farm and timberlands that are an essential part of Florida's heritage and its wildlife. Being a small part of these efforts brings me great satisfaction that my grandchildren will be able to see Florida as it was, and can still be with the work of North Florida Land Trust.

NFLT is a non-profit that works closely with its community. It is obvious they care deeply about the importance of the work they do and the individuals they work with. NFLT provides a great example for the positive impacts the land trust model can affect.

I have volunteered with and donated to this great organzition. Saving lands in our area is vital and I can't think of a better way to help control flooding than to save our native areas. Saving these lands also provides natural, healthy outdoor options for families.

NFLT is the reason I started volunteering in the first place, i just wanted to be apart of their conversation efforts. They have so many fun volunteering opportunities to get involved with fundraising, outreach programs and fantastic celebrations. Couldn't ask for a better group to get involved with.

As a monthly donor to this organization, I know my funds are leveraged in a smart way that make a tremendous impact on conservation in our state. I'm impressed by the growth and the smart, strategic approach NFLT takes when identifying and pursuing properties to save. This is a great investment in our region, because once the land is gone we can't get it back!

We bought a beautiful 44 acre plot of natural Florida in a very special neighborhood with families who have lived here for 3 generations. We quickly realized how aggressively development is taking over the land around us. I couldn't imagine when we left the farm for the last time a bull dozer would be there to tear down our longleaf, crush our gopher tortoise, leave the hawks, turkey and migrating birds no place to live. NFLT has helped us preserve our small piece of natural Florida. Now we know when we leave our farm NFLT has helped us preserve, NFLT will also be there to help our heirs continue to preserve our piece of heaven.

North Florida Land Trust is a true champion for conservation. I have worked with them as a public relations consultant for nearly six years and have thoroughly enjoyed being able to tell their stories. The work they do to preserve our natural spaces is amazing. All of the staff are incredible people who are great to work with and are also very knowledgable and hard-working. This is a truly wonderful organization!

I visited Amelia Island as a student at the University of Georgia in 1974, with Ian McHarg, the Landscape Architect/designer of the Amelia Island Plantation. His goal was to protect every possible tree, and topography on the site. Amelia Island is unique, in that it is a micro climate hosting plants from tropical Florida and the southeast coast of Georgia. The oaks are some of the most beautiful in the entire South. This is due to it's perfect climate and soil. The remaining natural areas of Amelia Island must be preserved.. Our children and grand-children must get to see this amazing environment in the future. I now live on the Southern tip of Amelia Island, and am fortunate to enjoy it's beauty everyday.

Following the convservation movement in Florida closely, I see North Florida Land Trust appearing more regularly in state-wide media outlets, gaining greater attention for the work they do as their scale and successes steadily grow.

I have volunteered for this worthy non profit to save land, waterways, and estuaries for future generations, for 5 years. Every event they provide highlights their work and accomplishments. They value their volunteers by realizing it takes coordinated efforts to make a difference. They have a passion for their mission while enjoying the natural beauty of our area. I'm impressed by their commitment to our little corner of our world and educating the public about the need for land and water protection. I'm also impressed by their leadership and business acumen. Many thanks to all your staff and their professionalism.

I started volunteering in the NFLT office three years ago because the mission of preserving land is so important to me. I have observed with pride each new acquisition for preservation and conservation. The staff members work so hard to achieve excellence-national accreditation was achieved a year or so ago. I have been treated with courtesy and gratitude, and have been made to feel part of the team. I love NFLT!

Great non-profit whose presence in North Florida has resulted in the saving of thousands of acres of pristine lands and countless wildlife. We should support them as much as we can as citizens of this beautiful state.

NFLT has a sound record of preserving lands throughout NE Florida. Many of the purchases required complex negotiations with land owners who wanted to develop those lands into multiple housing units. Hats off to the whole staff!

Thank you for Saving Fish Island!
Born and raised in St Johns County- 55 years.

My heart breaks for the Flagler County Flagler Beach/Bulow Creek area residents facing the Gardens Developers. I can’t imagine what it will do to the beautiful scenery, Waterway and wildlife. Please help.

I remember when North Florida Land Trust was just two people and an idea to save land for conservation. Now, WOW! The rapid growth of NFLT indicts the desire of the residents of North Florida to have conservation lands and the dedication of those who make this happen. I'm so impressed. Great to have you in the conservation organization mix.

Saving the world one acre at a time. Thank you for all you do to conserve green natural spaces in our area.

They are doing wonderful things to try to save critical land areas

Without the excellent work of the N. FL Land Trust, developers would have their say, and little or no land would be preserved in its natural (or nearly natural, if you allow for trails, sanitary facilities, etc. to make visitors comfortable) state. They don't just ask people to donate land, they assist with conservation easements for tax breaks, allowing current family to remain on the land, and they also purchase parcels at market value. They identify parcels based on a number of criteria, including recreational value as well as ecological importance. They are AMAZING!

I have approached the NFLT with a proposal to buy land for Fort Mose State Park. The CEO was very responsive and reverted to me within a week. Although my proposal was not successful I am very pleased with the role that they have played in the Fish Island Project.

They are very fiscally responsible and dedicated to helping people as well as the environment. Volunteering with them has always been a very rewarding experience, and they offer a wealth of information in return for the time donated.

The NFLT has been doing terrific work in northeast Florida conserving our rapidly diminishing wild areas. They recently negotiated the purchase of 57 acres near St. Augustine, which will be purchased by the State of Florida for conservation and did so in record time. Made it look easy, which is most definitely is not.

As a fifth-generation Floridian, I am totally committed to the goals of the North Florida Land Trust. The important work of preserving and conserving our vital tracts of natural spaces will ensure a great Florida for the next generations.

North Florida Land Trust is the best resource to learn, experience, and secure our vital natural spaces in Florida.

NFLT is making huge strides in North Florida, helping conserve land in the area for future generations. I’m a donor and board member and volunteer.

What a great organization! The NFLT team is a get-it-done group that knows how to find creative solutions to a wide range of land preservation needs and desired outcomes. It has been exciting to see the impact and reach the North Florida Land Trust has in the region continue to grow. Lots of great things ahead!

We are so fortunately to have the North Florida Land Trust in our area. The work they do is amazing. It is so comforting to know this group of dedicated conservationists are looking out for the beautiful, natural Florida land. Our community is 100% behind them and their work. It is a wonderful GOOD NEWS story!! Very much needed today.

I interned for this nonprofit and the experience was great. I gained knowledge on land conservation and the world of nonprofits while also extending my skills in my field. Everyone who worked there was very passionate about the mission and it is exciting to see this nonprofit grow to what it is today.

My wife and I have been volunteering with North Florida Land Trust for more than 2 Years, assisting with various land stewardship projects including invasive plant species control, diamond backed terrapin surveys, highway adoption cleanups, and a variety of public fundraisers. The staff here is so highly motivated, warm and welcoming, and always goes the extra mile to insure all volunteers are recognized and appreciated. In our experience, this is a highly efficient and well managed organization. We hope to continue our involvement with the NFLT moving forward.

A wonderful organization staffed by terrific, capable people who are working hard to preserve environmentally sensitive lands in North and central Florida. Thanks NFLT!!!!

The North Florida Land Trust is a fabulous organization with a great dedicated staff. They are doing as much as anyone in preserving and protecting Florida's diminishing wild lands, family farms, and forests.

I've been volunteering for NFLT's Team Terrapin for 2 seasons now as well as a few events throughout the year. I can tell you, these people really care about what they're doing and they are the nicest people. I've been volunteering with different places since high school and I've never felt so appreciated by an organization like I have with NFLT. They really go out of their way to show you that you are important to them and they appreciate your help whether you've volunteered for years or a few hours. I'll probably continue to work with them until I'm no longer physically able to.

This organization is doing terrific work in Northeast Florida!

I am a volunteer with North Florida Land Trust. I took early retirement from a 33 yr career because I needed to do something meaningful with a lasting impact. North Florida Land Trust preserves the natural beauty and ecological health of our region by protecting lands and ecosystems. This is an important legacy for future generations. These lands provide ecological services such as wildlife habitat, water and air quality, aquifer recharge, flood water buffering, fisheries nurseries and others, as well as proving aesthetic and recreational opportunities. These services are critical to the health of the growing population of North Florida. As a volunteer, I am gratified to be a part of this. And with the encouragement of the Land Trust I became an associate instructor in the Florida Master Naturalist Program, a University of Florida extension service program. The Land Trust provides meeting space, field opportunities and speakers for these classes. I enjoy supporting the Land Trust with my time and with my donations because I think it is one of the most important things we can do for generations to come.

NFLT has a dedicated, resourceful and effective staff that works trust activities aggressively for the 7 counties of NE FLA. NFLT is over 10 years old and every year they are able to improve and improvise ways to organize the people with the beautiful land of NE FLA. Support and sponsorship is what they need to continue to protect the land for all to share.

NFLT is one Northeast Florida's greatest assets when it comes to land conservation and saving public access to "old Florida" and our beautiful marshes and tributaries -- through this organization's commitment and ability to work with private landholders and the creative use of conversation easements, NFLT has been able to preserve lands that otherwise would have been densely developed and forever lost for all to enjoy. Most importantly, this includes preserving environmentally sensitive areas for wildlife habitat and wildlife corridors.