WAYS TO CONSERVE LAND:
There are several ways for a conservancy to obtain land: (1) via a sale and purchase; (2) via acceptance of a land donation; (3) via receipt of a bequest in the estate planning process (such as in a last will and testament) or (4) via an agreement for a conservation easement, which is a way to protect land while keeping it in private ownership, and which are generally placed on large parcels of land or acreage.
Whether you want to keep your land, donate it or sell it, we are willing to explore your conservation opportunities with you.
OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE:
Since our launch in February of 2020, The Environmental Conservancy Of North Port, Inc. has worked to educate citizens of the City on the importance of creating a balance between development and our environment in our residential neighborhoods through the conservation of vacant lots. Currently there are no City-designated conservation areas within our neighborhoods, and none are presently planned.
Thanks to our generous donors, we were able to raise enough funds to purchase two lots from Sarasota County in July 2020 for $5,000.00 each, and a third lot was donated to us free of charge in October 2020. All three lots are in a neighborhood of the City that hosts a population of the Florida Scrub-jay, Gopher Tortoises and Northern Bobwhite Quail within a Scrubby Flatwoods habitat.
North Port has a diverse range of natural communities throughout its residential neighborhoods, often referred to as habitat: scrub, scrubby flatwoods, mesic hammocks, mesic (pine) flatwoods and freshwater wetlands, that are all at risk of being altered or destroyed by development.
Evaluation of habitat for high quality, connectivity and rarity are important considerations in our strategic planning so that we are sure to conserve lots that represent as many of our natural communities and the wildlife that inhabits it as possible.
Conservation of vacant lots amidst those that have been residentially developed preserves wildlife habitat, endangered species and biodiversity; maintains scenic landscape for people; helps reduce flooding; helps filter water/improve water quality; and maintains the tree canopy and native vegetation that serve as filters for our air. Conserving lots increases property values near these greenspaces too. When we conserve land, all living things win. But our mission cannot be accomplished without the collective effort, generosity and giving of many.
Our City's neighborhoods are SO much more than a mass collection of 10,000 square foot vacant lots created by General Development Corporation in the 1960's.
We encourage you to take a walk around your neighborhood and look and listen closely at all you see and hear from ground level all the way to the tree tops.
We have a variety of educational information available to further your awareness. Contact us to learn more!
Research indicates that it is not necessarily how much time is spent in nature, or how much is learned about the environment that fosters love and respect for our wild lands ... it is the having of a positive experience in nature that creates emotional connection. This is how we create a conservation ethic in young and old alike.
Visit us on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube to view current information on our latest mission goals and to learn more about North Port's flora and fauna.
https://www.instagram.com/northportconservancy/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCORtr4Ke4_I1F5Qup819O3Q/
The City's current Future Use Land Map provides for NO conservation land within any of our neighborhoods. The vast majority of the City is zoned for residential development.
Without conservation land to create a balance between development and our environment as our neighborhoods continue to grow, where will our wildlife go? Biodiversity within our natural ecosystems is crucial to the survival of all species, including humans.
Creating a balance development and our environment is the key to co-existing.
Our Board is made up of 5 citizens of North Port with over 30 years of residency and environmental field experience between them.
Barbara is a University of Florida Master Naturalist, a Florida Registered Paralegal and Director of the North Port Nature Stewards on Facebook. The North Port Nature Stewards was created in an effort to provide education that will increase citizen awareness, understanding and respect for North Port's flora and fauna/natural world.
Debbie is a 5th generation Florida native, born in Sarasota and our Land Manager in her individual capacity, having over 20 years of experience managing public lands while employed by Sarasota County, to include the 24,565 acre T. Mabry Carlton Jr. Memorial Reserve
Edie is the Chair of The North Port Friends of Wildlife, a chapter of Friends of Sarasota County Parks. NPFOWL was founded in 2014 by individuals who, in light of North Port's fast paced growth, felt wildlife and wildlife habitat needed protection. Learn more on Facebook or visit www.northportfriendsofwildlife.org.
Alice is the President of People for Trees, Inc. a 501c3 nonprofit corporation that was founded in 1997 in North Port as a grass-roots effort by citizens concerned about the destruction of the City's tree canopy, largely due to development, to promote the importance of protecting and maintaining a healthy, native tree canopy. Learn more on Facebook or visit www.peoplefortrees.com.
Chuck has been a resident of North Port for over 30 years, and brings a strong knowledge base of City growth and development to the Board of Directors table.
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