Conservation Foundation Protects Over 48 Acres in Sarasota County

January 14, 2022 – Sarasota

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast announces the permanent protection of 48.44 acres next to the Celery Fields in Sarasota County. Adjacent to the east of the Celery Fields hill, the conservation of this land helps protect the natural environment and preserve the rural character of the area, enriching the community through its proximity to the Celery Fields, Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary, and Rosaire’s Riding Academy. The protection was made possible thanks to the generous landowner donating a conservation easement. It was completed on December 30. 

“We are very grateful to this landowner for his commitment to conservation,” says Christine P. Johnson, president of Conservation Foundation. “The protection of these 48 acres ensures the scenic vistas viewed from the top of the Celery Fields hill will be enjoyed for generations to come and provides valuable environmental benefits to our entire community.”

The farm fields on the property may provide habitat for birds that need grasslands to survive, such as eastern meadowlark and loggerhead shrike. Additionally, these 48 acres are located within both the Phillippi Creek and Sarasota Bay Watersheds, filtering and storing water to help prevent flooding and improve water quality for our region.

Landowners interested in learning more about how conserving their land can help safeguard the future while potentially giving them tax benefits are encouraged to contact Conservation Foundation’s land protection team by calling 941.918.2100.