On this Thanksgiving we want to highlight our best memory ~ the people and partners who make what we do possible. All year long we have been celebrating 25 years of conservation and as we have reflected on the incredible milestones we’ve achieved, top of mind is the knowledge that none of this would have been possible without the support of all of you ~ our donors, our members, and our partners. Your contributions have enabled us to make huge strides in safeguarding Florida’s natural beauty, protecting critical habitats, and enhancing the quality of life for Floridians.
Since our founding in 1999, we have protected more than 40,000 acres of critical landscapes, from the Ocala to Osceola Wildlife Corridor (O2O) to the salt marshes and coastal ecosystems along the Intracoastal Waterway. These achievements represent a shared commitment to preserving North Florida’s irreplaceable natural resources. Every acre we’ve saved is a testament to the dedication and generosity of our supporters.
Donors both big and small have transformed the scope of what we can achieve. Your gifts have strengthened our ability to act decisively in the face of environmental challenges. Your contributions have funded essential initiatives such as prescribed burns, longleaf pine restoration, and habitat preservation for species like the gopher tortoise. Landowners such as the Bull Family and Atlantic Beach Holding Company and Ben and Louann Williams of Wetland Preserve exemplify the profound impact of landowner partnerships and how shared values can lead to meaningful conservation outcomes.
In the year and a half since transitioning to a membership-based organization, we have welcomed close to 400 members who share our vision for conservation. Your participation ensures that we can continue this critical work, providing the resources to respond swiftly to opportunities and challenges. Each membership signifies a personal commitment to the land we protect and serves as a foundation for our future.
We are deeply grateful for the partnerships that amplify our impact. Collaborations with conservation organizations, government agencies, and community leaders have been instrumental in expanding our reach. The more than 26 strong O2O Partnership works together with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and their Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), a collaboration that has enabled exponential growth in the conservation efforts of the O2O Wildlife Corridor. Funding through the Army Compatible Use Buffer program (ACUB) has allowed us to save more land, connect fragmented wildlife corridors, and support community well-being. Groups of passionate and dedicated residents such as the Amelia Forever Committee have been pivotal in helping us act quickly and protect land under threat of development. And of course, the guiding force from our inception through today, the NFLT Board of Directors.
Corporate and community partners, including Lory Doolittle and the Doolittle Family, The Players, Dream Finders Homes, and many others have provided financial support, resources, and advocacy that drive our mission forward. Whether through sponsorships of events like our 25th Anniversary Celebration and our Annual Meeting, or contributions to specific projects, the involvement and support of all our sponsors and funders has been crucial to our success.
As we honor the achievements of the past 25 years, we remain focused on the urgent work ahead. The rapid pace of development in Florida demands bold action, and your continued support is essential. Together, we can protect more vulnerable lands, expand wildlife corridors, and ensure that future generations inherit a landscape rich in natural beauty and biodiversity.
NFLT is not just an organization—it is a community of like-minded individuals, families, businesses, and government agencies and partners united by a passion for conservation. To every donor who has funded our land acquisitions, every member who has joined our growing network, and every partner who has stood with us in this mission: THANK YOU. Your support inspires us, fuels our efforts, and makes our shared vision a reality.
Here’s to the next 25 years of protecting North Florida’s irreplaceable landscapes together!
