CTF has successfully protected approximately 5,000 acres of rural landscapes through publicly funded land conservation programs and conservation easements. CTF has also helped begin the acquisition of a 153,000-acre project, the Camp Blanding to Osceola National Forest Ecological Greenway.

• Barr Hammock

  In 2002, CTF nominated Barr Hammock for acquisition. Using Alachua County Forever funds, the Alachua County Commission purchased this prized property, furthering our commitment to help create a recreational, landscape-level corridor that runs through Alachua and Marion Counties. Barr Hammock connects Payne's Prairie State Preserve to the Ocala National Forest and Goethe State Forest, keeping intact entire ecosystems, wildlife populations and the largest wetlands in Alachua County - Ledwith and Levy Prairies. Barr Hammock and its surrounding uplands are some of the most important ecologically intact examples of prairie/lake ecosystems in north central Florida. Its protection preserves significant prehistoric archaeological sites and will provide the citizens of Florida with a beautiful space for recreational activities such as bird watching and hiking.
  
  Press release announcing the Acquisition of Barr Hammock.pdf
  
  Educational programs at Barr Hammock - Ledwith Prairie Preserve



• Price's Scrub

  
  Working with the state Office of Greenways and Trails, CTF helped protect Price's Scrub a unique 952-acre sand pine and pond pine system with saw palmetto understory. Price's Scrub will undergo ecological restoration and will be open to the public for light recreation such as hiking and horseback riding. CTF is negotiating protective conservation easements with landowners adjacent to Price's Scrub to protect surrounding farmlands. The properties are an important connection in the effort to create a recreational corridor, primarily for horseback riding, from Payne's Prairie Sate Preserve to Goethe State Forest.



• Lochloosa Nature Preserve

  
  CTF nominated the Lochloosa Nature Preserve for acquisition by the Alachua County Forever land conservation program. The project was approved for acquisition in October 2003. The 1,388-acre parcel, surrounded by the Lochloosa Wildlife Conservation Area, boasts some of the best remaining longleaf pine flatwoods and sandhill habitat in the county.

Individual Easements:

CTF holds one easement in the Cross Creek area and a 200-acre easement on a portion of Quail Roost Farm near Citra. One property owner who lives near Price's Scrub is negotiating an easement on his property. The easement will contribute toward a buffer adjacent to the preserve. An additional focus area includes working timberland within the Ocala National Forest to Osceola National Forest Corridor. CTF also plans to collaborate with north Florida landowners on preserving the horse and cattle farms that make this portion of the county unique.