Floridians can now read all about it when it comes to the North Florida Land Trust (NFLT).
The nonprofit environmental conservation organization has only been around since 1999. But in that time, the NFLT has overseen tens of thousands of acres of land preservation in North Florida. Now, a new book, “Keeping North Florida Wild,” is celebrating the group’s quarter century as one of the most influential conservation organizations in the state.
“This book gives people a way to visualize our accomplishments and impact as well as understand the significant role conservation has in Florida. It showcases why we must continue our mission to preserve these important natural spaces, because it truly is now or never,” said Allison DeFoor, NFLT President and CEO.
“I think our team did an incredible job, and I especially want to thank Sarah Hande, our communications officer, who took the lead on putting this book together. She really did a wonderful job, and I can’t wait for everyone to read it.”
The book includes photo essays and additional commentary from Mark Woods, an opinion columnist with The Florida Times-Union newspaper in Jacksonville. “Keeping North Florida Wild” can be bought online and delivered.
The NFLT has had a productive 2025 in terms of land acquisitions. The organization has added thousands of acres to what’s called the Ocala to Osceola wildlife corridor, which runs through several counties.
The organization also picked up some surprise donations in November. The NFLT announced it received an unexpected $100,000 in donations. Much of that money came from Heather and Herve Devos, while two anonymous donors made up for the remaining portion.
The contribution to the NFLT comes at a critical time, as the environmental preservation organization is engaged in its end-of-year fundraising campaign. The nonprofit group is aiming to raise $500,000 in contributions by Dec. 31. The NFLT is also promising to match each dollar up to $100,000 for those donations, “amplifying the power of every gift to protect North Florida’s natural resources.”
The NFLT operates on donations to cover its operating costs. The year-end fundraising campaign helps the organization expand its land acquisition efforts.
