GAINESVILLE FL (352today.com) – Conservation is no longer just the work of environmentalists. More and more families are becoming actively involved in preserving nature’s reserves as a testament to their legacy.

Three families in Alachua County have recently decided to commit pieces of their inheritance to Alachua County Forever (ACF), an environmental land acquisition program; a commitment made to help secure the future of the county and the planet.

Land donated by three families in Alachua County for conservation purposes.
Three families in Alachua County have recently decided to commit pieces of their inheritance to Alachua County Forever. Courtesy: Alachua County

Take Bif Sheffield’s story, for instance. Alachua County says that he decided to donate his inherited land in the rich ecosystem of the Watermelon Pond Area to support conservation efforts in memory of his parents, Gail and Felton Sheffield Jr. This 40-acre land purchase is necessary for keeping unique sandhill habitats safe and improving aquifer recharge, while also serving as a refuge for endangered species. The acquisition, which cost $316,736, was funded through Wild Spaces and Public Places (WSPP) funds.

Gail and Felton Sheffield Jr.
Gail and Felton Sheffield Jr., parents of Bill Sheffield who donated his family’s 40-acre property to WSPP. Courtesy: Alachua County

In a different area of the county, Alachua County reports that the Sherouse family has donated their inherited forest land, which spans 148 acres filled with various types of forests and wetlands near the beginning of Little Orange Creek. This land has been preserved for future generations thanks to WSPP funds amounting to $408,779.25.

In the Waldo and Lake Alto region, the Winchester family chose to focus on protecting their land instead of pursuing other opportunities, Alachua County shares. This 41-acre property, which adds to Alachua County’s Lake Alto Preserve, is necessary for the county’s statewide conservation initiatives. The purchase was funded by $74,280.60 from WSPP.

The funds for the acquisitions, amounting to $799,795.85, were made possible due to the WSPP sales tax approved by the voters. Thanks to these collective efforts, 229 acres of environmentally significant land in Alachua County are now protected.

As of 2024, the county says that ACF has successfully protected five areas of conservation land, covering a total of 34,506 acres since it started in 2000.