Photo courtesy of CFGC.

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is nearly halfway toward the goal of raising $1.5 million by June 1 to complete the permanent protection of Orange Hammock Ranch. When the $1.5 million is raised, it will, in turn, bring $19.5 million in Florida Forever dollars to this region, and free up $9 million for other properties that Sarasota County had set aside to purchase Orange Hammock Ranch. This means the community’s contribution will be leveraged 19 times for land conservation. On February 4, the Florida State Cabinet voted to purchase Orange Hammock Ranch contingent upon Conservation Foundation’s pledge to raise $1.5 million from our community. Florida Forever funds will contribute $19.5 million toward the $21 million purchase of the 5,777-acre ranch. Conserving Orange Hammock Ranch has been a major priority for Conservation Foundation for more than 10 years. The Foundation was successful in getting this property added to the Florida Forever list in 2013 and has worked to build public and political support since then. The ranch is located on the north side of Interstate 75 within the City of North Port. It connects RV Griffin Preserve with the Longino Preserve through about six miles of shared boundaries, and increases the 120,000-acre buffer surrounding the Myakka River and strengthens the connection between the Myakka and Peace Rivers. Immense volumes of rainfall collect on the property and feed the Snover Waterway and RV Griffin reservoirs, both of which are critical sources of North Port’s clean drinking water. The property is also nearly pristine, with natural areas in better condition than many public lands. Over 200 wetlands are intermixed with pine flatwood, globally-imperiled dry prairie, and other native habitats. Given this location and exceptional natural condition, the conservation of Orange Hammock Ranch will have sweeping benefits for regional connectivity, water quality, public recreation, and wildlife habitat. 

Photo courtesy of CFGC.

The community may learn more and donate by calling Conservation Foundation at 941-918-2100 or online