Traci Deen, Esq

CONSERVEFLORIDA.ORG

Springtime in the Forest BOARD OF DIRECTORS By Cyndi Fernandez Lisa Gearen President Celeste Shitama Vice President From the President David Pais There’s nothing like a hike in the atop an old railroad grade, the native the District, led the group. He pointed Secretary woods with friends to ease some of the plant experts among us called out the out the box culverts (aka water can- As I write this, CTF has welcomed to its end. These projects, located all over the Barry Rutenberg stress and worry of our hectic lives. I names of nearby trees. “That’s sweet nons) jetting out of deep trenches on Treasurer team our new executive director, Traci state, will protect thousands of acres of gum,” chimed CTF intern Emily Hes- Jeff Hardesty had the good fortune to spend some either side of the road. Water can gush Deen, and our new director of conserva- Florida's wild and working landscapes terman, “… the one with star shaped Linda Jones time with a few of your fellow CTF through them after a rain event at high tion, Butch Parks, both of whom joined when they are completed, adding to the leaves.” The facts fluttered like a pass- Ed Montgomery supporters earlier this year at the Silver rates. Flow rates of up to 90+ cubic us - or tried to - the week that Irma ap- 5,085 acres we successfully protected KC Nayfield Springs Forest Conservation Area, and ing swallowtail butterfly. It’s kind of a feet per second have been recorded at proached Florida. It was interesting and in 2017. Jane West I remember it like it was yesterday. “weedy tree.” Its amber resin is medici- the State Road 40 bridge in the last heartwarming to work with them as we Appreciation, adaptation and resilience: We couldn’t have wished for a more nal. That’s swamp chestnut oak. “It’s a couple of years. He said that’s “about adapted our plans and tested our or- words to live by as we look ahead. I hope ADVISORY BOARD picture-perfect spring day. Gathered at gorgeous tree with big acorns that are like a first-magnitude spring.” ganizational resilience. An unexpected we have the chance to tell you more at Fay Baird the parking area off SR 326, an enthu- tasty to wildlife.” Naturalists Marcie Clutter and Jim Steve Beeland gift was that they, and Cyndi Fernandez our 2018 Annual Meeting, which will take siastic group of nine huddled over JB We all stopped to inspect a high- Buckner kept the native plant name David Carr (our newly-promoted assistant direc- place in the spring. Until then, as always, Miller’s LIDAR map. After much sci- tech well on the side of the trail. A game going. The diverse hammock Peggy Carr tor), got to learn a lot about each other we are grateful to serve you through our entific chatter about the hydrogeologic solar-powered gizmo on top of the well contained a dizzying array of plants Carol Lippincott in a very short and challenging period work of saving Florida's wild and working characteristics of the property, Guy transmits data to scientists at the St. with fantastical names – ironwood, Anne MacKay of time. They then made their first out- lands forever. Marwick, an ardent environmentalist, Johns River Water Management Dis- dragonwood, crookedwood, devil- Governor Buddy MacKay brought us back to the reason we were trict (District). It is one of many such wood, innocence, resurrection fern, ing together to the Partnership for Gulf Reed Noss all there – “Let’s walk,” he said. wells used to monitor the level of water sparkleberry, deer tongue. Coast Land Conservation’s 8th annual Thank you for your continued Jennifer Springfield With that, we hit the trail. As we in the Floridan Aquifer. When Jim spotted a passerine nest conference in Pensacola, FL. All three support, Hans Tanzler III ambled down a shady dirt road built JB, a land resource specialist with that he determined had been modi- appreciated the opportunity to connect Carlton Ward, Jr. fied by an arboreal golden mouse, I and brainstorm with other conservation Richard White was sure these were either the most Kathleen Williams groups at that meeting. observant naturalists I’d ever met, or Terry Zinn, Esq.

In the year since I last wrote a mes- ~ A group they were totally messing with me. sage for our newsletter, the world and Please feel free to reach me at STAFF explores Either way, it was easy to daydream CTF have experienced tremendous Traci Deen, Esq. the Silver [email protected]. about a time when such an intimate Executive Director Springs For- change. In working with our profession- est Conser- knowledge of nature was integral to We have a very bright future, and we’d Butch Parks al staff over the last couple of weeks, vation Area like you to be an active part of it. Director of Conservation near Ocala, our survival. we have started to weave the con- Cynthia Fernandez Florida. We paused to admire a lovely oak structs of appreciation, adaptation, and Assistant Director branch that crossed the path. We resilience into our thinking and into our marveled at the brilliant green of the new culture. CONTACT INFO spring leaves shimmering overhead. Conservation Trust for Florida, Inc. There are many positive signs on our We walked along the dry creek bed, 1731 NW 6th Street, Suite D and Emily told us everything we ever horizon. As we have successfully been Gainesville, FL 32609 re-accredited this year, we are also re- www.conserveflorida.org wanted to know about frogs. ceiving valuable support from the Land 352-376-4770 We made one final stop to see a huge cypress tree before parting ways. Trust Alliance in the form of enhanced An accredited land trust. It was a wonderful morning. The coaching and support for communi- The mission of the Conservation Trust for Florida is to work with landowners to save Florida’s wild and group’s knowledge, good humor, and cation materials. Our Land Protec- working landscapes for future generations. passion for protecting our natural tion Committee recently approved an world gives me hope for the future. I impressive portfolio of projects, with hope you’ll join us in the future when more proposals to come before year’s CARLTON WARD, JR. we venture out onto other lands that

Photo by CTF has helped protect.

CONSERVATION TRUST for FLORIDA THE POST FALL 2017 | PAGE 1 CONSERVEFLORIDA.ORG

In the year since I last wrote a mes- ~ A group they were totally messing with me. sage for our newsletter, the world and Please feel free to reach me at STAFF explores Either way, it was easy to daydream CTF have experienced tremendous Traci Deen, Esq. the Silver [email protected]. about a time when such an intimate Executive Director Springs For- change. In working with our profession- est Conser- knowledge of nature was integral to We have a very bright future, and we’d Butch Parks al staff over the last couple of weeks, vation Area like you to be an active part of it. Director of Conservation near Ocala, our survival. we have started to weave the con- Cynthia Fernandez Florida. We paused to admire a lovely oak structs of appreciation, adaptation, and Assistant Director branch that crossed the path. We resilience into our thinking and into our marveled at the brilliant green of the new culture. CONTACT INFO spring leaves shimmering overhead. Conservation Trust for Florida, Inc. There are many positive signs on our We walked along the dry creek bed, 1731 NW 6th Street, Suite D and Emily told us everything we ever horizon. As we have successfully been Gainesville, FL 32609 re-accredited this year, we are also re- www.conserveflorida.org wanted to know about frogs. ceiving valuable support from the Land 352-376-4770 We made one final stop to see a huge cypress tree before parting ways. Trust Alliance in the form of enhanced An accredited land trust. It was a wonderful morning. The coaching and support for communi- The mission of the Conservation Trust for Florida is to work with landowners to save Florida’s wild and group’s knowledge, good humor, and cation materials. Our Land Protec- working landscapes for future generations. passion for protecting our natural tion Committee recently approved an world gives me hope for the future. I impressive portfolio of projects, with hope you’ll join us in the future when CARLTON WARD, JR. more proposals to come before year’s CTF STAFF we venture out onto other lands that

Photo by Photo by CTF has helped protect.

CONSERVATION TRUST for FLORIDA THE POST FALL 2017 | PAGE 1 Connecting What Matters 02

Connecting What Matters Landscape-scale connectivity is the future of conservation. Connecting Lands for Wildlife and People Imagine Florida 10, 20, or even 50 years from now. What do you see? Florida is changing fast. Right before our eyes, farmlands are being converted to housing developments. Forests are being razed, and wetlands are being dredged and paved. Growth and change are inevitable, but we can and must make smart decisions about what lands we choose to protect. The Conservation Trust for Florida is looking ahead, and there is a lot to look forward to. We know that there is still time to play a meaningful role in shaping Florida’s conservation future. The wild and rural Florida you love is still out there, and we are working to keep it that way. The key is to continue working at a landscape scale. What is landscape-scale conservation? There are many definitions of this complex conservation trend, but, at its heart, landscape-scale conservation is the practice of thinking big. Projects span entire regions -- connecting large conservation properties together like a vast jigsaw puzzle. The interconnected properties are owned and managed by various people ~ A view from the Silver Springs and agencies that collaborate to achieve specific objectives for that region. We’ve started calling these pro- Forest Conservation Area. CTF helped protect this tected areas “conservation hubs.” 4,900-acre property in 2015.

~ It is now owned and managed Our work focuses on creating, expanding, and linking conservation hubs throughout the state. by the St. Johns River Water This is our best chance to save Florida’s iconic species, protect our drinking water, provide wild Management District. spaces to enjoy nature, and keep working family lands, like ranches and farms, in production for generations to come. CARLTON WARD, JR. Photo by

PAGE 2 | CONSERVATION TRUST for FLORIDA THE POST FALL 2017 | PAGE 3 Connecting What Matters 02

PAGE 2 | CONSERVATION TRUST for FLORIDA THE POST FALL 2017 | PAGE 3 Connecting What Matters Conserving Rural and Family Lands 05

Silver Springs Sandhill adds 465 acres to Central Florida’s Bud Adams Conservation Hub 1926 – 2017: This year, we were thrilled to announce the protection of the 465-acre Silver Springs Sandhill property. In January, the Conservation Trust for Florida finalized negotiations and signed a purchase option with the A pragmatic property’s multiple owners. In September, the purchase was finalized with funding from Florida Forever, the state’s primary conservation land acquisition program. John Rudnianyn, one of the sellers, said, visionary “This was the last large undeveloped property located in Silver Springs and was entitled for over 1,800 homes.” Instead of developing the property, which would have negatively impacted Silver Springs and the Most of us can only imagine “Old Florida” but Bud Silver River, the land is now in the hands of Marion County Parks and Recreation and will be opened to Adams wrote the book on it. In his book “The Old the public. As you can see in the map below, the property connects to Indian Lake State Forest and Marion Florida,” he recounts the details of his life and shares County's Coehadjoe Park. his wisdom. He was a Florida Cattleman through and through. He was also a conservationist. He saw it as his duty to care for his land along with the plants, animals, and people that depended on it. He took special care of employees, treating them like family, “only better.” He bred cattle that thrived in the harsh Florida envi- ronment rather than destroying the land to support the herd. He also led the way in protecting thousands of acres of the Adams Ranch before his passing. }The future of all of us lives in the When it came to conservation, he thought not in conservation of our lands, water, terms of years but in terms of generations. “In 50 or (Protected in 2015) and air. 100 years, we are going to need green space, a clean watershed, clean air, and a food supply. We must act now.” Lisa Gearen remembers a visit she had with Bud in 2015: “A highlight was a ride we took out on the ~ Fort Pierce property, which is also the site of the family homestead. Bud drove us in his pickup truck over

ANDERSON GEOSPATIAL land that he knew so intimately, talking passionately about its history and his stewardship.” We will always be grateful to Bud Adams for his

Map Design by lifelong love of his “Old Florida,” his generous support of CTF, and for working with us to help his ~ The Silver Springs Sandhill project’s benefits include: connections to existing conservation lands, sandy soils that purify drinking water, protection of remnant sandhill habitat, and opportunities for the public to enjoy the property. family place agricultural easements on portions of the Adams Ranch. We mourn his passing.

PAGE 4 | CONSERVATION TRUST for FLORIDA THE POST FALL 2017 | PAGE 5 Connecting What Matters Conserving Rural and Family Lands 05

Silver Springs Sandhill adds 465 acres to Central Florida’s Bud Adams Conservation Hub 1926 – 2017: This year, we were thrilled to announce the protection of the 465-acre Silver Springs Sandhill property. In January, the Conservation Trust for Florida finalized negotiations and signed a purchase option with the A pragmatic property’s multiple owners. In September, the purchase was finalized with funding from Florida Forever, the state’s primary conservation land acquisition program. John Rudnianyn, one of the sellers, said, visionary “This was the last large undeveloped property located in Silver Springs and was entitled for over 1,800 homes.” Instead of developing the property, which would have negatively impacted Silver Springs and the Most of us can only imagine “Old Florida” but Bud Silver River, the land is now in the hands of Marion County Parks and Recreation and will be opened to Adams wrote the book on it. In his book “The Old the public. As you can see in the map below, the property connects to Indian Lake State Forest and Marion Florida,” he recounts the details of his life and shares County's Coehadjoe Park. his wisdom. He was a Florida Cattleman through and through. He was also a conservationist. He saw it as his duty to care for his land along with the plants, animals, RANDY BATISTA and people that depended on it. He took special care of employees, treating them like family, “only better.” Photo by He bred cattle that thrived in the harsh Florida envi- ronment rather than destroying the land to support the herd. He also led the way in protecting thousands of acres of the Adams Ranch before his passing. }The future of all of us lives in the When it came to conservation, he thought not in conservation of our lands, water, terms of years but in terms of generations. “In 50 or (Protected in 2015) and air. 100 years, we are going to need green space, a clean watershed, clean air, and a food supply. We must act now.” Lisa Gearen remembers a visit she had with Bud in 2015: “A highlight was a ride we took out on the ~ Fort Pierce property, which is also the site of the family homestead. Bud drove us in his pickup truck over

ANDERSON GEOSPATIAL land that he knew so intimately, talking passionately about its history and his stewardship.” We will always be grateful to Bud Adams for his

PAGE 4 | CONSERVATION TRUST for FLORIDA THE POST FALL 2017 | PAGE 5 Conserving Rural and Family Lands

}My family has always been committed to ranching and the conservation of this land. I am very grateful to the Conservation Trust for Florida and the Rural and Family Lands Program for helping me establish this legacy for my children and grandchildren. ~ Pelaez & Sons Ranch offers ~ Ralph Pelaez with his refuge for grandson McKinley on their 1,375-acre ranch in wildlife. Okeechobee County

The Conservation Trust for Florida worked with the Pelaez family to place a conservation easement on their 1,375- acre cattle ranch. The easement allows the family keep their land in agricultural production and protects important habitat near the Everglades Headwaters. This project was funded by the Department of Agri- culture and Consumer Services and supported by the Florida Forest Service. Located east of the Kissimmee River and eight miles north of Lake Okeechobee, the property is in a key location for watershed protection. It is adjacent to a federal wetlands reserve program easement and is near South Florida Water Management District conservation lands. The property contains suitable habitat for many species such as the Eastern indigo snake, crested caracara, sandhill crane, gopher tortoise, Sherman’s fox squirrel, bald eagle, Southeastern American kestrel, burrowing owl, wood stork, and Florida grasshopper sparrow. The Pelaez & Sons project exemplifies the relationship between sustainable agriculture and conservation. Funding from Florida's Ru- ral and Family Lands Protection Program has allowed this family to continue ranching while RANDY BATISTA protecting important water resources and wild-

life habitat. Photo by

PAGE 6 | CONSERVATION TRUST for FLORIDA THE POST FALL 2017 | PAGE 7 Conserving Rural and Family Lands

PAGE 6 | CONSERVATION TRUST for FLORIDA THE POST FALL 2017 | PAGE 7 Generous Donors

The Conservation Trust for Florida would like to acknowledge and thank the Thank You following 2016 donors for their contributions.

Foundation Giving 100+ Ken and Heidi Schwiebert Sam Trickey 1-99 Kenneth and Colleen Rand Sharon Jerdeman Alice Reakes Lauren Day and Jason Teisinger Ted and Rachel LaCombe Alyson Flournoy and John Schaible Lauren McFarland Thomas Andresen and Linda Barbara Probert Les and Cindy Smith Tennant Andresen Bob Hersh and Kimberly Sibille Leslie and Louise Rothman Todd and Catherine Snowden Carolyne Freeman Tony Michaud and Sandra Jarrett Catherine Striley PARTNER SPOTLIGHT Marcie Clutter Trish and Mary Louise Johnson Catherine Yach-Gleason Wekiva to Ocala Greenway Partnership Martha Monroe and Tom Harris Molly Whitmire Valerie Anderson and Cathy Algood The Friends of the Wekiva River and CTF are official Paul Lyrene and Irma McLaughlin Jessica Sullivan Cheryl and Paul Doering partners in protecting the Wekiva River basin. The Wekiva Peter and Anne Meylan Vince Lamb David and Diana Castine River is designated a Florida Outstanding Water, a Florida Phoebe Bowers Wes and Brenda Wheeler Delainie McNeil Canoe Trail, an Aquatic Preserve, and a National Wild and Richard and Susan White William Houde and Linda Boyles Dolores and Glenn Bowman Scenic River with over 70,000 acres of state-protected lands Robert Olsen Willy The Losen Douglas Dyer and Susanne Hesse in the basin. We will focus on protecting lands that link Ruth Steiner EarthShare the Ocala National Forest and the extensive state holdings Sally Garcia Ellison and Mary Hardee along the Wekiva River. Sally Ryden Frank Orser Individual Giving 250+ 5,000+

Interested in joining CTF to save Florida’s wild Ways to Give and working landscapes? 1,000+

Whether you’d like to fund a special project, protect an acre, or make a general donation, we appreciate your generosity! Your donations are crucial to our success in protecting the rural lands and wildlife habitat of Florida.

WAYS TO GIVE 500+

Donate Online Donate On facebook workplace matching

text save to donate stocks & donate rewards 50155 mutual funds points

donate by mail donate airline miles donate with paypal

To learn more, visit www.conserveflorida.org or call our office at 352-376-4770.

PAGE 8 | CONSERVATION TRUST for FLORIDA THE POST FALL 2017 | PAGE 9 Generous Donors

The Conservation Trust for Florida would like to acknowledge and thank the Thank You following 2016 donors for their contributions.

Foundation Giving Nancy Peterson and Gerald Culen 100+ 1-99 Dharma Foundation Paul and Virginia Campbell Andy and Molly Barnes Don and Jan Smally Fund Peter Frederick and Carlton and Jean Lynn Jacarlene Foundation Marilyn Spalding Christine Larson and Kosman Foundation Ronald and Betty Broman Matt Matthews Smith Land Trust Alliance Timothy Strauser Lydia B. Stokes Foundation PARTNER SPOTLIGHT Quail Roost Foundation Wekiva to Ocala Greenway Partnership Quinn Family Charitable Foundation, Inc. The Friends of the Wekiva River and CTF are official SJ Edwards Foundation partners in protecting the Wekiva River basin. The Wekiva The AEC Trust River is designated a Florida Outstanding Water, a Florida The Felburn Foundation Canoe Trail, an Aquatic Preserve, and a National Wild and The Kensan Trust Scenic River with over 70,000 acres of state-protected lands The Makowski Trust in the basin. We will focus on protecting lands that link The Spurlino Foundation the Ocala National Forest and the extensive state holdings along the Wekiva River. Individual Giving 5,000+ 250+ Christopher Silver Celeste and Hoch Shitama Julie McPherson Clement Newbold Lisa and Peter Gearen Dan Miller Colin and Anne Phipps Interested in joining CTF to save Florida’s wild Susan Carr and Rick Robbins David and Peggy Carr Deborah Green Ways to Give and working landscapes? Kate and Eric Hellgren Diane Haines 1,000+ Raymond Webber Doug Hornbeck and Sue Mauk Anonymous Michael and Karen Munroe Dwight DeVane and Doria Gordon Barry and Kris Rutenberg Brad and Alice Andrews E.L. Roy Hunt Daniel and Barbara Spiess Whether you’d like to fund a special project, protect an acre, or make a general Steve and Lohse Beeland Edward and Sheila Crapo Ellen Huntley Dubé and Matt Dubé Robert and Kerri Braly Edward and Willa Wolcott donation, we appreciate your generosity! Your donations are crucial to our success Joseph and Lucille Little Bruce and Paula DeLaney Elizabeth Mann K.M. and Sara Eoff in protecting the rural lands and wildlife habitat of Florida. Bob and Lynne Holt Gary and Nancy Meffe Linda Lanier and Randy Batista Randy and Jean Kaufman Gary Borse Randy Batista and Linda Lanier Andy and Julia Kesselring George Ireland Reed and Myra Noss WAYS Buddy and Anne MacKay Gladys Lane TO Robin M. Anderson D.V.M. Cheryl Mall Isabelle Potts GIVE 500+ Jacob McCrea James Hillier Andy and Rachel Knieriem Ed Montgomery Jeff Hardesty and Susan Jacobson Grady and Honor Hartzog Jim and Mary Neal Jessica Hartigan Donate Online Donate On facebook workplace matching Jeannette and Steve Stancyk Jeffrey Roth Jim and Marilyn Clugston Jeff and Sarah Harrison Floyd Thompson and Martha Joe and Ginny Cauthen text save to donate stocks & donate rewards John Fox Campbell Thompson Eleanor and John Thrasher III 50155 mutual funds points Jon and Beverly Sensbach Adam Wendling and John and Katherine Ewel Lawrence Lokken and Mae Clark Linda Le-Wendling Kathleen Wobie donate by mail donate airline miles donate with paypal

To learn more, visit www.conserveflorida.org or call our office at 352-376-4770.

PAGE 8 | CONSERVATION TRUST for FLORIDA THE POST FALL 2017 | PAGE 9 Generous Donors Staff Spotlight

DONOR SPOTLIGHT STAFF SPOTLIGHT The art of Gary Sliffe (1953-2017) New Leadership Will Steer Statewide Conservation Efforts Gary Sliffe was a military veteran and life-long Please help us welcome our new executive director, Traci Deen, Esq. and our new director of conservation, Butch Parks. resident of Hudson, Florida on the Gulf Coast. Living on a property with water on We are also pleased to announce the promotion of Cyndi Fernandez to assistant director. 3 sides that had been in his family since the 1940s, Gary spent a lifetime fishing, raising his food, and taking care of neighbors. He began building fish sculptures in his wood shop based on individual animals that he caught and spent more than a decade refining his techniques, creating a wonderful collection of 20 pieces before his untimely death in 2017. He cared deeply about the natural world of the Gulf Coast, avidly watching birds and participating in manatee protection. }The estate of Gary Sliffe has generously donated his entire collection I} am honored to lead the Conservation Trust for Florida team during to the Conservation Trust for Florida to be sold in support of our this exciting and challenging time for conservation. Protecting Florida’s mission to protect Florida’s treasured lands. wild and working lands has never been more important.

In Honor Of ~– TRACI DEEN

I} look forward to helping CTF conserve the wonders of Florida, and to working with conservation partners throughout the state.

~– BUTCH PARKS

Business Supporters

In Memory Of I} have always believed in the merits of CTF’s mission. I am fortunate to be part of it.

~– CYNDI FERNANDEZ

RESILIENCE From the Keys to the Panhandle, Hurricane Irma was a powerful display of the force of nature. Her impact was felt by every Floridian. We weathered A friend and neighbor, who wishes to this destructive storm together in a show of unity and compassion. remain anonymous, provided funding Irma has reminded us of the critical line of defense that nature provides— To find out more about CTF staff, please visit to help offset the cost of growing our barrier islands, coral reef systems, coastal wetlands and prairies—and how www.conserveflorida.org/aboutus essential it is to protect, restore, and prioritize conservation of these areas. professional staff. This angel invested in or call 352-376-4770. We at CTF pledge to lead meaningful conservation efforts that will CTF because our mission and vision are benefit future generations of Floridians. Conservation lands can become a key to Florida’s conservation future. first line of defense. Join us as we work together to conserve land that is imperative to protecting Florida against future storms of this magnitude.

PAGE 10 | CONSERVATION TRUST for FLORIDA THE POST FALL 2017 | PAGE 11 Generous Donors Staff Spotlight

Gary Edinger DONOR SPOTLIGHT STAFF SPOTLIGHT Gina Early The art of Gary Sliffe (1953-2017) New Leadership Will Steer Statewide Conservation Efforts Howard Wapner Gary Sliffe was a military veteran and life-long Jacquelyne Collett Please help us welcome our new executive director, Traci Deen, Esq. and our new director of conservation, Butch Parks. resident of Hudson, Florida on the Gulf Coast. Living on a property with water on James Howard We are also pleased to announce the promotion of Cyndi Fernandez to assistant director. Janice Dickhaus 3 sides that had been in his family since the 1940s, Gary spent a lifetime fishing, Jezabel Pagan raising his food, and taking care of neighbors. He began building fish sculptures in Joe Hartman and Beth Dovell his wood shop based on individual animals that he caught and spent more than a John and Susan Dunn decade refining his techniques, creating a wonderful collection of 20 pieces before Jonathan and Julia Reiskind his untimely death in 2017. He cared deeply about the natural world of the Gulf Judith Seraphin Coast, avidly watching birds and participating in manatee protection. Justine Vaughen } The estate of Gary Sliffe has generously donated his entire collection I} am honored to lead the Conservation Trust for Florida team during Kahla Gentry to the Conservation Trust for Florida to be sold in support of our this exciting and challenging time for conservation. Protecting Florida’s Kyle and Adrienne Fagan mission to protect Florida’s treasured lands. wild and working lands has never been more important. Laurel and Harry Hendry Laurel Freeman Linda Blondheim and In Honor Of Freda “Freddie” Green by ~– TRACI DEEN Jacqueline Tucker Lisa Gearen’s birthday by Ande Deborah Green, Don and Jan Lisa Burnett and Richard Lister Smally Fund, and Frances Fowler Marie Steinwachs Kathy Cantwell by Julie Thaler Nick and Alexis Posey by Joann Ihas I} look forward to helping CTF conserve the wonders of Florida, and to Marjorie Carr Ben Friday, putting $$ where our Glenn L. Lingle by Pip and working with conservation partners throughout the state. Mark Jacim mouth (heart) is, by Sonya Guidry Phyllis Randall Matthew Williams Jane West Law by Matthew Shaffer Jack Webb by Donald Cavanaugh ~– BUTCH PARKS Michael Forrester Mr. and Mrs. Andy Knieriem's and Edward Blue Nadine Foley wedding anniversary by Nancy Deren Jason and Jessica Schindler Business Supporters Nick Pavey Adams Ranch Inc. Animal Eye Doctors } Patty Crass In Memory Of I have always believed in the merits of CTF’s mission. I am fortunate to Paul and Lynne Lefebvre Walter and Kitty Funderburk by Blue Highway Pizza be part of it. Robert and Candace Hartsell Paul and Mary Ellen Funderburk Jane West Law, P.L. Mike Hagey by Kathleen Williams Pais Realty LLC Susan Chenowith ~– CYNDI FERNANDEZ and Andy Day Rayonier Inc. Round Island Films Wildflowers of Florida RESILIENCE From the Keys to the Panhandle, Hurricane Irma was a powerful display of the force of nature. Her impact was felt by every Floridian. We weathered A friend and neighbor, who wishes to this destructive storm together in a show of unity and compassion. remain anonymous, provided funding Irma has reminded us of the critical line of defense that nature provides— To find out more about CTF staff, please visit to help offset the cost of growing our barrier islands, coral reef systems, coastal wetlands and prairies—and how www.conserveflorida.org/aboutus essential it is to protect, restore, and prioritize conservation of these areas. professional staff. This angel invested in or call 352-376-4770. We at CTF pledge to lead meaningful conservation efforts that will CTF because our mission and vision are benefit future generations of Floridians. Conservation lands can become a key to Florida’s conservation future. first line of defense. Join us as we work together to conserve land that is imperative to protecting Florida against future storms of this magnitude.

PAGE 10 | CONSERVATION TRUST for FLORIDA THE POST FALL 2017 | PAGE 11 PAGE 12 | CONSERVATION TRUST TRUST CONSERVATION selected tobenefitfrom thisprogram. We are honored andgrateful forthisincredible opportunity. Thank you, LTA! in acustomized coachingprogram thatstrengthened inthesoutheastU.S.were ouroperations.Only twolandtrusts recognizes ourpotentialandprovided guidancetohelpusachieve ourgoals.This CTFwithexpert year, we participated The Conservation for Trust Florida iscommitted tocontinuedorganizationaldevelopment. TheLandTrust Alliance LTA speed coaching award benefits CTF operations. Planning for Future the To learnmore abouttheaccreditation process, visitlandtrustaccreditation.org Trust forFlorida’s long-termstability. Trust Accreditation Commission awarded the renewed accreditation, signifyingitsconfidenceintheConservation To achieve acomprehensive this nationaldistinction,we underwent review ofourpoliciesandprocedures. TheLand tion work. proving onceagainthatwe are committedtoprofessional- excellence inourconserva andtomaintainingyour trust – We are proud toannouncethattheConservation Trust forFlorida hassuccessfullyrenewed accreditation itslandtrust National accreditation helps help us landowners. Reaccreditation ANNOUNCEMENTS One daytogiveback Support CTFon#GivingTuesday atconserveflorida.org/givingtuesday more whencombinedwiththegivingpowerofothers. Your gifttoCTF onthisdayisanactofgenerositythatmeanseven #GivingTuesday isthestartofgivingseason. for FLORIDA

11/28/17 PROTECTING OUR WILD AND WORKING LANDS CONSERVATION TRUST conserveflorida.org for FLORIDA PAGE 12 | CONSERVATION TRUST TRUST CONSERVATION selected tobenefitfrom thisprogram. We are honored andgrateful forthisincredible opportunity. Thank you, LTA! in acustomized coachingprogram thatstrengthened inthesoutheastU.S.were ouroperations.Only twolandtrusts recognizes ourpotentialandprovided guidancetohelpusachieve ourgoals.This CTFwithexpert year, we participated The Conservation for Trust Florida iscommitted tocontinuedorganizationaldevelopment. TheLandTrust Alliance LTA speed coaching award benefits CTF operations. Planning for Future the To learnmore abouttheaccreditation process, visitlandtrustaccreditation.org Trust forFlorida’s long-termstability. Trust Accreditation Commission awarded the renewed accreditation, signifyingitsconfidenceintheConservation To achieve acomprehensive thisnational distinction,we underwent review ofourpoliciesandprocedures. TheLand tion work. – proving onceagainthatwe are committedtoprofessional- excellence inourconserva andtomaintainingyour trust We are proud toannouncethattheConservation Trust forFlorida hassuccessfullyrenewed accreditation itslandtrust National accreditation helps help us landowners. Reaccreditation ANNOUNCEMENTS Support CTFon#GivingTuesday atconserveflorida.org/givingtuesday more whencombinedwiththegivingpowerofothers. Your gifttoCTF onthisdayisanactofgenerositythatmeanseven #GivingTuesday isthestartofgivingseason. One daytogiveback for FLORIDA

11/28/17 PROTECTING OUR WILD AND WORKING LANDS CONSERVATION TRUST conserveflorida.org for FLORIDA Conservation Trust for Florida, Inc. NONPROFIT CONSERVATION TRUST for FLORIDA 1731 NW 6th Street, Suite D ORG Gainesville, FL 32609 US Postage PAID ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Gainesville, FL Permit #702

CONSERVEFLORIDA.ORG THEPOST The Conservation Trust for Florida, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit land trust. The mission of the Conservation Trust for Florida is to work with landowners to save Florida’s wild and working landscapes for future generations.

Photo by RANDY BATISTA

~ The Conservation Trust for Florida worked with the Adams Ranch to protect over 5,000 acres of their ranchlands via the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. This includes protecting 3,245 acres in 2017 via a conservation easement held by the State on their Lake Marian Ranch.

THIS IS OUR LAND AND OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO CARE FOR IT. ~ - Alto “Bud” Adams Jr.