Families Preserve Legacies by Protecting Over 200 Acres

ALACHUA COUNTY ‒ Alachua County Forever, the county's environmental land acquisition program, recently announced the purchase of three key properties in critical conservation corridors. These acquisitions, made over the past few months.

While the three properties are located in different regions of the county, they share a common purpose: to honor family legacies and protect natural habitats. Each parcel was inherited by its respective landowners, who chose to dedicate these lands to conservation.

In the Watermelon Pond Area, Bif Sheffield collaborated with Alachua County to safeguard a 40-acre property previously owned by his parents, Gail and Felton Sheffield Jr. This land is part of the county’s biodiversity hotspot and is adjacent to the existing Watermelon Pond Preserve. The acquisition expands one of the county's highest-priority conservation projects, protecting rare sandhill habitats, supporting aquifer recharge, and providing a habitat for threatened and endangered species. The property was purchased for $316,736, funded by Wild Spaces and Public Places (WSPP) funds.

To the north of Hawthorne, the Sherouse family partnered with the county to protect 148 acres of diverse forests and wetlands at the headwaters of Little Orange Creek. The land holds special significance for the family, who shared memories of childhood adventures exploring the area. By choosing to conserve the property, the Sherouse family ensured these cherished memories would be preserved for future generations. This acquisition was made possible with $408,779 of WSPP funds.

In the Waldo and Lake Alto area, the Winchester family prioritized conservation over other potential uses for their 41-acre property. Located in a strategic conservation area, this land adds to Alachua County's Lake Alto Preserve and enhances the protected areas within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The property, purchased for $74,281 of WSPP funds, plays a crucial role in supporting the county's efforts to maintain connected habitats, contributing to both local and statewide conservation goals.

Since its inception in 2000, Alachua County Forever has successfully protected 34,506 acres of land through partnerships with willing landowners and the ongoing support of the community. In 2024 alone, the program has facilitated five conservation land acquisitions.

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