The North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) has acquired 577.9 acres of land that protects more than 3 miles of Black Creek shoreline in Clay County.
The land, named Rideout Point Preserve, is located directly across from the Black Creek Ravines Conservation Area. The property is divided by the First Coast Expressway.
NFLT purchased a 26-acre parcel for $150,000. The rest was donated Sandy and Cathryn Sandridge. The St. Johns River Water Management District then purchased a conservation easement over the entire property for $150,000.
“This is an incredibly important piece of property along Black Creek and we look forward to owning and managing this property and are interested in talking with other landowners along Black Creek who would like to donate or sell their property for conservation,” said Jim McCarthy, president of NFLT, in an email to WJCT News.
The property has upland and wetland areas including cypress, pine flatwoods, and mixed upland forest.
McCarthy said preserving the land will have economic benefits by acting as a natural buffer against flooding.
Anyone else in the area interested in selling or donating their property can contact NFLT at (904) 479-1967 or send an email to info@nflt.org.
