Yokowe Preserve, Nassau/Duval County line, Nassau County, adjacent to the Timucuan Preserve. The North Florida Land Trust, in partnership with Nassau County, applied for a Florida Communities Trust grant this year.
"This parcel would provide a wonderful connection to the Timucuan Preserve, bordering the Nassau River at US 17 and the Nassau/Duval county line," said Walter Fudifio, Director of Growth Management in Nassau County. "The property contains critical watershed marshlands and could, in future years, have a boat access to the river."
North Florida Land Trust received agreements from the landowners, that if the grant application is approved, they will donate ten percent of the project price to the North Florida Land Trust to increase the potential for acquisition by the state. Even though the Land Trust and Nassau County are not required to provide a match, the extra points are important to the process.
Pumpkin Hill, Duval County. Miscellaneous parcels in Timucuan Preserve. The North Florida Land Trust is focused on fundraising to acquire critical watershed properties in Pumpkin Hill, a small area inside the Timucuan Preserve.
Funds raised through events, private and corporate donations will be used to perform the due diligence necessary to secure contracts on private landholdings with focused fund-raising efforts for acquisition to follow. Your contribution is needed to ensure these properties are protected.
"Our emphasis is to protect lands with access to water. These particular parcels are critical to water quality as tributaries to the St. Johns River," said Mark Middlebrook, President of the North Florida Land Trust. "We are conducting private tours of the lands for donors that want to experience the breathtaking beauty that solidifies the importance to Northeast Florida for conserving these lands."
If you would like to schedule a tour, please call 904-827-9870 or email nfltoffice@bellsouth.net.
Bailey Landing, St. Johns County. Looking at a potential kayak/crew facility on Julington Creek.
September 30, 2008 Community Meeting - Julington Creek. 2477 Bishop Estates Road, 7:00 p.m. Public welcome. The North Florida Land Trust is organizing a Community Meeting for Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at 2177 Bishop Estates Road in Julington Creek to discuss possible uses of the riverfront lots located there. The North Florida Land Trust has been in negotiations with the Bailey family for the past six months regarding two lots they currently own on Julington Creek, Bishop Estates Road. Discussions have included possible uses for the land that would benefit residents of St. Johns County. One of the potential uses is a kayak/crew facility that could support the high schools in St. Johns County, and provide a location for summer camp programming. This is an opportunity for you to help design a potential new park in your community. Volunteers are needed to serve on a fundraising committee to make this project a reality. If you are interested in the future use of this property or just want to learn more and provide some input, plan on attending. Please RSVP at 827-9870 or nfltoffice@bellsouth.net
Basala Chico (Delightful Riverbank), St. Mary's River, Nassau County. A conservation easement on 160 acres from a 345 acre parcel with approximately 5,000 feet of frontage on the St. Mary's River, a relatively unspoiled blackwater river forming the boundary between Florida and Georgia and considered to have qualities to be eligible for "Wild and Scenic River" status. This property has ecological importance, with a diverse riparian habitat including relatively mature and pristine floodplain forest with freshwater streams and sloughs. The subject property contains a large floodplain lake and several plant species of special concern including needle palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix), green-fly orchid (Epidendrum conopseum), climbing hydrangea (Decvumaria barbara), and bluff oak (Quercus austrina). The subject property provides natural habitat for the American alligator and wood duck, and potential habitat for Florida black bear.
Strategic planning for the North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) evolved from a candid and realistic assessment of our current situation and critical resources, including an overview of the perception of our strength and the challenges, as well as a realistic appraisal of resources available to accomplish new initiatives and to continue stable, ongoing programs.
While the below project list represents the NFLT's goals and objectives for the short-term, we have a larger vision for the organization. Much of what is described here is a continuation of on-going efforts to strengthen the NFLT's holdings and to position the NFLT as a leader in the field of private land conservation in North Florida.
The timing does represent some interesting challenges for the NFLT. The mission of the NFLT faces a new urgency, given the current economy, the environment, and national demographic trends. Now is the time to move forward on major acquisitions. We are experiencing opportunities never before presented as landowners and developers are looking to divest some of their holdings.
This list of projects is the NFLT's response to all of these challenges. This plan will be a framework for the NFLT's management decisions and initiatives and performance measures for the next few years. Ultimately, our success will be measured by the success of our protection efforts, landowner relationships, and our ability to maintain conservation values on protected properties.
The NFLT Board and staff look forward to the next five years with confidence, energy, optimism, and the belief that the organization can continue its upward trajectory - moving from a good organization to one that is excellent: mission-driven, innovative, dynamic and open to change, partnering with dedicated landowners in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
The North Florida Land Trust has helped to protect almost 600 acres in North Florida. We currently hold one Conservation Easement and are actively fundraising for acquisitions in Duval, St. Johns and Nassau counties.
Be sure and check out the currently protected properties of the North Florida Land Trust.
"A true conservationist is a man who knows that the world is not given by his fathers but borrowed from his children."
- Audubon