Shoreline Nearly Destroyed — 639 Acres Saved

mai 09, 2024

Hello!

We are thrilled to announce a conservation win YEARS in the making: the successful protection of 639 acres of prime Lake Marion waterfront land— right in the Florida Wildlife Corridor. This unique habitat, once at-risk of destruction for suburban sprawl, is now conserved!

With Polk County named by the U.S. Census Bureau as the fastest growing county in America, protecting special places like this is more important than ever.

This win is all thanks to YOU — our generous partners and supporters, including the Bellini Family, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), Polk County Natural Lands, and the Department of Defense.

Check it Out!

Project details below 👇

📍 Bellini Preserve: Lake Marion, Polk County

🗺️ 639 acres of hardwood forests, scrublands, sandhill, hardwoods, freshwater marshlands and swamplands.

🤝 The Bellini Family, Polk County Natural Lands, Department of Defense, Florida Department of Environmental Protection

#️⃣s 1 land swap, 2 conservation easements, 4 real estate transactions, and collaboration with multiple partners

❓Why is this property important❓

3.5 miles of shoreline means significant water impacts for the Northern Everglades if it were to be lost to development.

Florida rosemary, sand skinks, gopher tortoises, fox squirrels, and other threatened and endangered species all run wild on this Lake Marion property.

Census projections estimate Polk County populations to double by 2028, meaning these critical habitats must be protected — before it’s too late.

This project was a labor of love, requiring dedication, persistence, and unwavering commitment from all involved. We faced numerous challenges along the way, but with your support, we never wavered in our mission to protect this valuable habitat.

With the help of the Bellini Family, we are proud to see this property permanently protected.

Thank you for your continued support of Conservation Florida. Together, we are making a difference for Florida's wild places!

Team Conservation Florida

About Conservation Florida

Conservation Florida is a statewide accredited land conservancy working to conserve Florida’s water, wildlife, wild places, and protect the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The organization’s conservation projects support Florida’s native plants and wildlife, fresh water, wildlife corridors, family farms and ranches, the economy, and nature-based recreation. Since its founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has prioritized strategic and evidence-based land protection and has saved over 32,000 acres of critical habitat.

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