Nature Conservancy

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Make a Difference Today Tomorrow Forever

Florida


Florida is more wild,

more beautiful, more healthy today, thanks to decades of commitment by The Nature Conservancy and supporters like you.


cover phoTo: © JoHN moRaN PHoToGRaPHy; opposiTe page: © CHaRLToN waRd JR., 2011; This page Top righT: © BaRBaRa E. KUEBLER

a Few of our achievements

With the support of people like you, we have protected Florida waters and 1.2 million acres of land forever. That’s an area the size of Grand Canyon National Park. Plus, we’ve spearheaded some of Florida’s greatest conservation wins: a naTional Marine sancTuary and world showcase

The Nature Conservancy began preserving lands in the Florida Keys in 1971 and quickly expanded to marine conservation. With corals rapidly vanishing, the Conservancy led the effort to create the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, established in 1990. Today, Florida’s unique marine life and coral reefs, within the sanctuary boundaries, are protected and rebounding. The largesT sTaTe land-conservaTion Fund in u.s. hisTory

In 1991, a collaborative effort, with leadership from Conservancy Trustees, resulted in the creation of the largest state landconservation fund in U.S. history, Preservation 2000, and later Florida Forever. Nearly half of state-managed conservation lands in Florida today were preserved under these programs.

would have locked panthers out of the northern portion of their territory. Florida panthers would likely have suffered significant habitat loss. Today, however, panthers have a chance to grow their population and hopefully one day thrive due to the support of people like you. privaTe preserves ThaT proTecT The besT oF Florida

The Nature Conservancy has permanently protected more natural places in private preserves than any other conservation organization worldwide. Since 1951, Conservancy supporters have enabled us to preserve and showcase Florida’s diverse range of natural places. From the shores of Blowing Rocks Preserve, Jupiter Island, to the pine forest and high bluffs of Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve near Tallahassee, nature thrives in Conservancy preserves.

a new naTional wildliFe reFuge in The greaTer everglades

Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area, the first national wildlife refuge in Florida in more than 15 years, was established on property protected and donated by the Conservancy. In the coming decades, together we can preserve significant portions of the Greater Everglades from Central to South Florida.

Today, our field scientists are revitalizing coral reefs, shorelines and forests with innovative approaches they’ve created and perfected over decades. The scope and depth of their work are making Florida’s natural places healthy enough to once again rebuild themselves and thrive. These initiatives are also setting the stage for conservation work that will rejuvenate nature in other states and countries.

a pivoT poinT For Florida panThers

In an 11th-hour rescue, The Nature Conservancy protected one of the single most important pieces of property for the survival of Florida panthers. Without protection of this critical land, panthers would have lost the ability to safely cross a river; this

we will continue to expand protected panther habitat, revitalize oyster and coral reefs, enlarge wildlife refuges and much more. working together, we can make a lasting difference.

Make a difference FroM Top: Conservancy’s

Blowing Rocks Preserve, Jupiter Island, Florida; U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar (second from left) and TNC’s dr. Richard Hilsenbeck look on as a sign is posted, establishing a new national wildlife refuge on property protected by The Nature Conservancy; Threatened staghorn coral in the Conservancy’s underwater nursery.


The silence of nature is very real. It surrounds you.

You can feel it.

— Ted Trueblood

Renewing our oceans and coasts


conservancy staff and volunteers

Oceans seem boundless but they are being strained by our increasing reliance on them. With a multi-level action plan, the Conservancy is leading an effort to revitalize oceans and balance our desire for healthy waterways with our growing needs for food, jobs, energy, recreation and new lifesaving medicines. rebuilding oysTer reeFs — gulF oF Mexico

reviTaliZing coral reeFs

Around Florida, healthy coastlines need oyster reefs to buffer communities from natural and man-made disasters. But, after decades of over-harvesting, poor fishing practices and coastal development, oyster reefs are the most endangered marine habitat in the world—leaving people and marine life vulnerable. The Nature Conservancy is rebuilding oyster beds around the Gulf of Mexico and off the Atlantic coast. We’ve added more than 55 reefs, with thousands of oysters, to the coastline of Volusia County.

Coral reefs are nurseries for marine life, offering food and shelter for fish, turtles, crabs and dolphins. Despite their important functions and beauty, Florida’s reefs are under extreme stress. In the next five years, we will grow enough corals in underwater nurseries to revitalize Florida’s entire reef system with threatened staghorn and elkhorn corals—25,000 new corals stretching from St. Lucie Inlet near Jupiter to Dry Tortugas National Park, 70 miles southwest of Key West. This extensive replanting of corals will return the reef’s ability to renew and sustain itself.

This reef initiative is providing the foundation for Florida’s Gulf of Mexico renewal program and is enabling us to accelerate the pace of conservation. Conservancy scientists are quantifying the reefs’ natural benefits to coastlines and communities. The results of this research will help us engage new partners to further our conservation goals. Working with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and insurance companies, we plan to (1) change insurance policies that currently undervalue nature’s protective powers (2) demonstrate to FEMA that investments in nature protect communities and property (3) ensure that restoration funds from the Gulf oil spill are properly allocated to bringing back the natural resources we lost. With this, massive reef and ocean restoration are possible.

ensuring a healThy FuTure For oceans

Although vast and essential, oceans are not managed cohesively; governments, industries and other users make decisions separately, leaving marine habitats at risk. Conservancy scientists are developing innovative, interactive ocean maps to help leaders consider all uses in the near-shore Atlantic Ocean. These maps can be thought of as a working operations plan that allows fisheries to prosper, whales to migrate safely away from shipping lanes, and people to enjoy healthy ocean waters. with supporters like you, we’ll continue to revitalize coral and oyster reefs and protect oceans for wildlife and people. Make a difference

Preparing the surface to lay oyster mats; Propagating threatened coral in our underwater nursery; Volunteers building one of more than 55 reefs in Volusia County.

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Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. — Margaret Mead

Reconnecting people & wildlife to water


conservancy staff

Thick canopied rivers, crystal-clear springs and a River of Grass. Florida’s waterways are the veins that pump life through the state. Yet rivers are one of our most vulnerable natural places, and droughts and floods are a constant struggle. Reversing past damage to our freshwater resources is essential to Florida’s future, and the solution may be simpler than you think. Today, The nature conservancy is improving the health of Florida’s freshwater resources for people and wildlife. Making FreshwaTer More bounTiFul—The greaTer everglades

They exist nowhere else on Earth but, as mighty as the Greater Everglades seem, only a shadow of the original landscape remains intact. As a result, we’ve lost large supplies of freshwater for people and wildlife. But that loss doesn’t have to be permanent. Today, The Nature Conservancy is returning healthy wetlands to the Greater Everglades to ensure rainwater reaches our water supply. Our staff has restored wetlands on the Conservancy’s Disney Wilderness Preserve, which sits at the head of the Greater Everglades. We’ve also secured permanent protection of more than 350,000 additional acres. Today, these wetlands are providing at least 500 million gallons of water from seasonal rains. Conservancy staff have perfected the process of restoring wetlands over the past 20 years, and that work is providing the foundation for meaningful change in the Everglades. We will continue to build on this success: protecting and revitalizing wetlands that return millions more gallons of water to the system. Plus, we’ll work to expand and create new conservation areas in the Greater Everglades. Working together, we can

give our communities—along with thousands of wading birds, Florida panthers and other wildlife—the water they need to thrive. We will also be protecting a global treasure found nowhere else on Earth. reTurning Fish To rivers

Longtime fishermen know that the quantity and size of their catches have greatly decreased in only a few decades. In many rivers, man-made obstacles, such as dams, prevent fish from migrating from the Gulf of Mexico to their upriver spawning grounds. This has contributed to the decline in some fisheries and fish populations. The Conservancy is removing obstacles and enhancing access to native spawning grounds in 16 Southeastern rivers. This not only makes fish more abundant in Florida rivers and throughout the Southeast, it also strengthens Gulf of Mexico fisheries. The well-being of people in Florida depends on healthy rivers and working wetlands in the Greater Everglades.

why The greaTer everglades is so crucial To Florida

Freshwater from the Greater Everglades is vital to millions of Floridians, whether they know it or not. as rainwater accumulates on the land, it creates wetlands through which water slowly seeps to Florida’s underground aquifers. The aquifers then provides water to much of our state. Expansive wetlands were once prevalent from Central to South Florida— the original range of the Greater Everglades. as wetlands were destroyed to make way for growth, water supplies dwindled. Today, The Nature Conservancy is renewing, protecting and reconnecting the most crucial wetland areas, which is making a lasting difference in the future of Floridians and Florida wildlife.

with support from people like you, we’ll continue our work to reconnect more than 900 river miles for fish and fishermen and to protect expansive sections of the greater everglades.

Make a difference

Restoring wetlands at the Conservancy’s disney wilderness Preserve, south of orlando; Fire enables native grasses to flourish and attract wildlife back to forests.

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The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.

— Jacques Cousteau

Giving Florida wildlife room to roam


conservancy staff

Florida is home to more plants and animals threatened with extinction than many other states. But, the good news is we still have time to save animals that exist nowhere else on Earth. ensuring winTer reFuge For endangered ManaTees

calling birds back To Florida

On the Suwannee and Crystal rivers, the Conservancy is opening lifesaving springs to manatees by removing obstacles that block their passage. Hundreds of endangered manatees basked in warm spring waters only days after we opened Three Sisters Spring on the Crystal River. After completing work in Fanning Springs on the Suwannee River, Fanning Springs State Park reported more manatees using the spring that month than in the history of the park. There is more to do. The Conservancy will open new pathways for manatees and other wildlife so they can thrive in Florida rivers.

More than a quarter-million birds once filled the skies of the Everglades, but as water dried up, the birds vanished. The Conservancy is returning water to wetlands so that rare, iconic and beautiful birds can once again wade in the waters of the Greater Everglades.

saving a place For Florida panThers and black bears

The Conservancy is ensuring Florida panthers have room to roam and raise their young. We are protecting critical lands that connect existing green spaces from South to Central Florida so that panthers and black bears have the expansive range they need to survive and grow.

giving TurTles and people a saFe shore

Around the world, sea turtles seek dark, undeveloped beaches with clear sight of the horizon so hatchlings can find safety in the ocean. Tens of thousands of sea turtles nest every year on Florida’s beaches, and the Conservancy is committed to protecting the ocean waters that bring turtles to our shores. The Conservancy spearheaded the creation of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Today, people all over the world come to enjoy the natural beauty and recreation the sanctuary offers. In the coming years, we’ll work to expand the sanctuary and the protection it offers marine life, like endangered turtles. Plus, we’ll continue to provide safe haven on our preserves throughout the state, including Blowing Rocks Preserve, Jupiter Island, where sea turtles, such as loggerheads, nest each year. Together, we can create healthier habitats in Florida and give our unique and threatened wildlife what they need to survive and hopefully one day thrive again.

Make a difference Creating a nest cavity for red-cockaded woodpeckers; a baby sea turtle after hatching on the beach of Blowing Rocks Preserve; Banding a red-cockaded woodpecker for monitoring.

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Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.

Planting a forest

— Theodore Roosevelt


conservancy staff

Drawn to sand and sun, some overlook Florida’s forests, where tall pines tower over steep ravines, high bluffs and even small canyons. These forests are among the richest in plant and animal life. They are also highly endangered. But longleaf pine trees are tenacious and forests resilient, with a little help. connecTing ForesTs

proTecTing a “hoT spoT” oF planT and aniMal diversiTy

Longleaf pine trees were once coveted for their nearly indestructible wood. Forests were decimated throughout the Southeast. A few strongholds exist in Central Florida and the Panhandle but to be truly healthy, these isolated tracts must be connected. The Nature Conservancy is working to conserve the lands that will connect two significant stretches of longleaf pine forests in Florida.

Healthy longleaf pine forests support a rich diversity of plants and animals: red-cockaded woodpeckers, Florida black bears and the largest concentration of amphibians in the Southeast. These forests are home to 30 animals found nowhere else on Earth and 29 plants and animals that are threatened with extinction. Their survival relies heavily on the open, sandy savannahs under the tall pines. But isolated tracts of forests require active management; otherwise, savannah is quickly choked out by dense shrub.

We’re also working in nine states to strengthen longleaf pine forests across their original range. With your help, we can make forests in Florida and the Southeast healthy again. seeding For The FuTure

Together with our partners, we’re planting up to 130 million new longleaf pine trees throughout the Southeast within five years, including more than 45 million trees in Florida. Longleaf pines live longer than 300 years and reseed often; each tree planted strengthens the forest’s natural ability to regenerate and sustain itself.

The Nature Conservancy is leading the way in management and renewal of longleaf pine and other forests. After decades of hands-on experience on our own preserves, we’ve developed the prototype restoration/management model that is transforming Florida’s forests on public and private lands today. your commitment enables us to continue planting, managing and connecting longleaf pine forests. Together, we will create healthy natural lands for people and wildlife.

Make a difference Volunteers planting longleaf pine seedlings; Staff collecting wiregrass and other seed for planting; Staff igniting a prescribed fire to renew forest ground cover.

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Make a Difference‌ Today Tomorrow Forever working in the field every day

Conservancy staff work hands-on from the Panhandle to Florida’s Dry Tortugas.


BRoadENING ImPaCT THRoUGH parTnerships In conservation, 1 + 1 equals 24. That’s because for every private dollar we’ve raised in Florida we’ve leveraged that with another $24 in public conservation funding. The Nature Conservancy’s leadership and reputation bring all key stakeholders to the table: landowners, government agencies, businesses, other conservation organizations, private citizens and donors. The impact is exponential.

Mission possible–proTecTing Florida panThers

In the 11th hour, The Nature Conservancy orchestrated an emergency rescue to purchase a foreclosure property critical to the survival of endangered Florida panthers. at a price tag of $6.65 million and with little time to raise the money, The Nature Conservancy organized a wide base of supporters in the public and private sectors. Each partner was essential to success, and mission impossible was turned into mission possible. without any one of these partners, this land would have gone unprotected: • Conservation supporters and generous donors, like barbara stiefel, above, who collectively donated $2.2 million. • A publicity-shy conservation buyer (code name: lone ranger) who contributed $1.5 million. • Many federal and state agencies, including the natural resource conservation services, Florida Fish and wildlife conservation commission, and u.s. Fish and wildlife service, which together contributed $3 million.

Conservancy attorney Geoff Rich and director of Real Estate angela Klug putting together the meticulous land deal that brought together private and public partners to save critical panther habitat.

Conservancy director of Government Relations Jenny Conner Nelms, who is a driving force behind federal funding for the Northern Everglades, and U.S. Secretary of agriculture Tom Vilsack celebrate a major announcement of new conservation funds from the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The Conservancy will continue to build on this success for panthers and other wildlife throughout Florida.


Make a difference in the places you love Coastlines, Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean

The Conservancy is committed to ensuring healthy and resilient oceans and coastlines. From Pensacola Bay to the Dry Tortugas, we’re rebuilding the basic infrastructure and working to protect people, property and nature in and around the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. Oyster reefs Coral reefs Ocean Mapping flood risk reduction

Fresh water

Wildlife

The Nature Conservancy is making freshwater more abundant for people and wildlife by restoring and protecting Greater Everglades wetlands so they replenish our underwater aquifers.

From butterflies to bears and piping plovers to panthers, The Nature Conservancy is ensuring stronger habitats for Florida’s unique and varied wildlife. We are protecting the Florida lands and waters critical to the survival of wildlife and people.

Fish

The Nature Conservancy is increasing fish populations in rivers that flow to the Gulf of Mexico. A recent survey found 97 percent of Alabama shad in the Apalachicola River spawned in grounds made accessible to them by a creative dam-opening agreement the Conservancy made with the dam operator. The Conservancy is replicating this project on rivers throughout the Southeast.

Forests

Large and connected forests are critical to the health and future of people and nature, but pine forests from North to Central Florida are isolated. The Nature Conservancy is working to connect and expand these forests in Florida and throughout the Southeast.


OSCEOLA NATIONAL FOREST

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APALACHICOLA NATIONAL FOREST AREA

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LONG LEAF PI N E FOR EST SUWANNEE RIVER

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GULF OF MEXICO

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CRYSTAL RIVER

MOSQUITO LAGOON ORLANDO

Natural System boundaries—TERrestrial Conservancy focus area—TERrestrial

DISNEY WILDERNESS PRESERVE NORTHERN

TAMPA

EVERGLADES

Natural System boundaries—Marine TIGER CREEK PRESERVE

Conservancy Focus Area—Marine

VERO BEACH

EVERGLADES — FISHEATING CREEK

Lake Okeechobee

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CHARLOTTE HARBOR

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Loxahatchee River BLOWING ROCKS PRESERVE PALM BEACH

EVERGLADES — SOUTH FLORIDA

NAPLES

G R E AT E R E V E R G L A D E S MIAMI

ST. LUCIE INLET/ BLOWING ROCKS PRESERVE TO THE FLORIDA KEYS AND DRY TORTUGAS KEY WEST

DRY TORTUGAS


Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has taken direct action based on sound science to protect Earth’s most important natural places, including more than 1.2 million acres in Florida and more than 119 million acres around the world, which is an area larger than the entire U.S. park system. We combine global vision with local expertise and have staff working on the ground every day to make Florida a better place to live, work and play. Our foundation in science and on-theground action uniquely positions the Conservancy to tackle the most critical environmental challenges of our time.

The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.

The Nature Conservancy 222 S. Westmonte Drive, Suite 300 Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 407-389-4835


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