North Florida Land Trust and partners have preserved more than 385 acres in Putnam County

Jacksonville, Fla., June 2, 2025 – North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) have worked together to preserve over 385 acres in Putnam County. The organizations collaborated to purchase a conservation easement on family-owned property adjacent to the Etoniah/Cross Florida Greenway and near Orange Springs. It connects existing conservation lands within the Ocala to Osceola (O2O) critical wildlife corridor.

FDEP purchased the conservation easement from the O’Connor family for $850,000 with funding from the Florida Forever program. This was the second time NFLT facilitated a conservation easement purchase from the family in coordination with FDEP. Approximately one year ago, an 855.35-acre conservation easement was purchased from the O’Connors on property east of this location and within the O2O, also through the Florida Forever program.

“It was a pleasure working with the O’Connor family once again to ensure their land is protected from the threat of development and will remain natural forever. It is now or never,” said Allison DeFoor, president and CEO of NFLT. “We brought the property to the attention of FDEP, who helped make the preservation possible. This is another example of a willing landowner, a nonprofit, and a government entity working together to preserve a piece of old Florida for generations to enjoy.”

The preservation of the property provides natural resource protection and recreational opportunities. Comprised of four parcels of land, it is a mix of uplands, wetlands, and over two miles of creek frontage along the Little Orange and Orange Creek, which feed into the Rodman Reservoir. The land plays an important role in water quality protection, supports aquifer recharge, and is vital for landscape-scale restoration efforts in the region. Preserving this land is also critical for plants and wildlife, including the Florida black bear.

“Preserving the land and its natural state is important for us to leave for our children, grandchildren, and generations to come,” said Chuck O’Connor. “Keeping it from future development is key. Everything is growing so fast, and once the natural lands are gone, they are gone forever.”

The O’Connor family has owned property in this region for about 100 years. O’Connor said his great-grandfather originally purchased land for turpentine and once owned approximately 15,000 acres in the area. He said he has fond memories of spending time exploring the land. O’Connor said the property also holds historic significance. It was once part of the Ocklawaha Valley Railroad, which started around 1909 and ran from Silver Springs Junction to Palatka.

The perpetual conservation easement agreement allows the O’Connor family to continue enjoying the land, including hiking, fishing, and hunting. They can also continue existing agricultural practices, maintain a small cattle operation, and build one additional residential structure and corresponding outbuildings if the buildings are outside of designated sensitive natural areas. FDEP will own, manage, and monitor the conservation easement.

About North Florida Land Trust

North Florida Land Trust is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of life by protecting North Florida's irreplaceable natural environment. Founded in 1999, NFLT has preserved tens of thousands of acres of land through the donation or purchase of land as well as conservation easements. NFLT is funded largely by private and corporate contributions and works closely with willing landowners and public agencies at all levels of government, not-for-profit partners, and foundations. For more information, visit nflt.org.