The Nature Conservancy in Florida

NATURE The Nature Conservancy in Florida

The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. Founded in the U.S. through grassroots action in 1951, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is now one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than a million members and the dedicated efforts of their diverse staff and over 400 scientists, TNC impacts conservation in 76 countries and territories, 37 by direct conservation impact and 39 through partners.

Here in Florida, the TNC helps protect the lands and waters of the Sunshine State.

Florida’s Conservation Priorities

TNC’s core strategies address the greatest threats to Florida’s nature and people, focusing on areas where they are uniquely positioned to make the most significant contribution to Florida’s future.

• Building a Sustainable Florida. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders across sectors to shift the narrative of development in Florida from built environments that harm and disconnect people from nature to areas that invite nature and promote biodiversity and movement of wildlife. • Transforming Marine Management. In collaboration with stakeholders, TNC strengthens the sustainability of Florida’s fisheries through new and revised policies, modernization of fisheries’ data systems, and pilot projects to encourage fishing best practices for ocean health.

• Conserving Resilient Lands, Oceans and

Waters. Conserving a network of resilient and connected lands, oceans, and waters is critical for carbon sequestration and for preserving biodiversity by creating a connected landscape for wildlife to move and adapt to a changing climate. • Inspiring Climate Action. To limit global warming to less than 1.5 degrees C, we must ensure that ambitious state and federal greenhouse gas emission reduction policies are enacted by broadening support for climate action among Florida’s citizens and policymakers.

Explore TNC’s Nature Preserves in Florida There are four campus preserves under TNC Florida's Center for Conservation Initiatives.

Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve in Bristol, FL, protects some of the rarest habitats. These natural communities include sandhills, slope forests, seepage streams, and massive exposed bluffs along the Apalachicola River. The unusual geologic features present on the preserve provide refuge for rare and imperiled plants and animals, some found nowhere else on Earth, making this region one of five biodiversity hotspots in North America. The preserve also protects longleaf pine sandhill uplands, breathtaking river bluffs, and million-year-old fossils.

The peaceful, barrier island sanctuary known as Blowing Rocks Preserve in Jupiter Island, Hobe Sound, FL, was named for its rocky Anastasia limestone shoreline — the largest on the Atlantic coast. At high tide, when the sea is rough, seas break against the rocks and force plumes of saltwater up to 50 feet skyward. Several endangered plants and animals call this special place home, including rare loggerhead, green, and leatherback sea turtles.

Disney Wilderness Preserve in Kissimmee, FL, is home to more than 1,000 species of plants and animals. The preserve is an essential part of the Everglades ecosystem; it contains 3,500 acres of restored wetlands that act as nature’s “sponges,” capturing rain, filtering out nutrients, and replenishing our groundwater. Although the preserve is not affiliated with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, The Walt Disney Company provided funds for restoration and wildlife monitoring on the preserve and partners on a number of on-site projects today.

Tiger Creek Preserve sits on the eastern edge of Lake Wales Ridge (Babson Park), one of Florida’s ancient islands. Separated from the mainland long ago by a shallow sea, the Ridge is peninsular Florida’s oldest and highest landmass. Named after the pristine blackwater stream that forms its spine, the preserve contains hardwood swamps, hammocks, scrubby flatwoods, pine flatwoods, sandhill, and longleaf pine/wiregrass habitat. It’s a land that must be burned in order to survive, and one where some animals literally swim through ancient white sands.

Get involved with The Nature Conservancy by volunteering, attending live or virtual events, taking direct action and lowering your carbon footprint, or donating at nature.org. j

nature.org

JACKSONVILLE | 904-612-7557

9802 Baymeadows Rd Ste 14, Jacksonville, FL 32256

PONTE VEDRA BEACH | 904-962-4292

880 US Hwy A1A North Ste 6, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082