Conservation Foundation Permanently Protects Felts Audubon Preserve

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast announces the permanent protection of the 29-acre Felts Audubon Preserve in Manatee County. The public preserve is known for its walking trails and bird-watching opportunities throughout the scenic, park-like bird sanctuary.  The owners, Manatee County Audubon Society (MCAS), committed to placing a permanent conservation easement on the land, fulfilling the dream of original landowners, Otis and Anita Felts, who hoped the land would never be developed.

Conservation Foundation worked with Manatee County Audubon Society and the community to raise $50,000 in order to protect this property in perpetuity. “This is a wonderful community collaboration. Manatee County Fish & Game pledged a one-to-one matching grant to challenge the community to donate and the Floyd C. Johnson and Flo Singer Johnson Foundation made a significant donation toward that challenge. Community members stepped up and generously contributed the remainder,” noted Christine Johnson, president of Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast. The foundation holds and will monitor the conservation easement in perpetuity.

“It is gratifying that Felts is now protected forever from development pressures,” stated Ray Jusseaume, MCAS president. “And, we are delighted to partner with Conservation Foundation to ensure that this special place remains an oasis for birds and other wildlife where we can continue to connect our community with nature.”