Natural Resources

Natural Resource Protection

1000 Friends of Florida has played a key role in two of this state's most signifcant programs to protect natural resources -- supporting state funding for the acqusition of environmentally-sensitive land and establishing this state's nationally recognized system of greenways.

In 1990, in partnership with The Conservation Fund, we took this fledgling greenways concept and nurtured it into a statewide network of protected natural areas, providing important wildlife and recreation corridors throughout the state. In 1996, the greenways program was transferred to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, where it remains housed.

Over the years, 1000 Friends has also been an active supporter of Florida's efforts to acquire environmentally sensitive lands by supporting the establishment of Preservation 2000 and its successor, Florida Forever, protecting over a million acres of land. Florida’s “emerald necklace” of protected lands continues to grow to this day.

Check out 1000 Friends' new Florida Wildlife Planning Manual which includes information on how communities can integrate wildlife habitat protection into their local and regional planning process-- Order here or download at floridahabitat.org.

To find out more:

1000 Friends of Florida
926 East Park Avenue
P.O. Box 5948
Tallahassee, FL 32314-5948
Phone: 850.222.6277
Fax: 850.222.1117

Audubon of Florida

Florida Department of Agriculture/Forestry

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Florida Office of Greenways and Trails

Florida Wildlife Federation

The Nature Conservancy - Florida

Sierra Club - Florida

Florida Green Building Coalition Certifies Sustainable Development

Florida Green Lodging Program

Everglades Radio Network

Exploring Florida - Social Studies Resources for Students and Teachers - USF

Here is some information you might find helpful:

1000 Friends Comments on Second Draft of Rural Land Stewardship Rule -- This August 13, 2008 letter outlines 1000 Friends comments regarding the proposed RLSA rule. August 2008.

Weeki Wachee Closer to Becoming State Park -- Florida Department of Environmental Protection is signing an agreement to purchase this historic natural attraction. February 2007.

Conservation Visioning: Creating an Action Plan for Parks and Land Conservation-- This brochure from the Trust for Public Land addresses the steps in successful land conservation and shares success stories from around the country. 2007

Apalachee Greenways Report -- Prepared by 1000 Friends of Florida and The Conservation Fund, this report outlines the framework for a system of "green infrastructure" in the Apalachee Region of North Florida. 1995.

Broward Urban River Trail Brochure -- With support from 1000 Friends, Broward County established the "New River Loop" to showcase points of historical and environmental interest. 1996.

Creating a Statewide Greenways System -- This report to the Governor, prepared by 1000 Friends of Florida on behalf of the Florida Greenways Commission, laid the foundation for Florida's statewide network of greenways. 1995.

Environmentally Sensitive Areas in Florida -- This map of Florida includes links to many of the environmentally-sensitive areas found across the state.

Land Acquisition -- The State of Florida is nationally recognized for its land acquisition programs, and numerous counties have adopted innovative programs as well. This link includes some of the highlights.

Loxahatchee Greenways Report -- 1000 Friends and The Conservation Fund worked with community leaders and citizens in Martin and Palm Beach County to develop this proposal for a regional greenways system.

Manatee Protection -- 1000 Friends participated in a day-long summit to explore ways to reduce manatee deaths in Florida waters.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas -- 1000 Friends' Nathaniel Reed reminisces about Marjory Stoneman Douglas and her contributions to Florida.

Protecting Florida's Springs: Land Use Planning Strategies and Best Management Practices -- 1000 Friends prepared this manual on behalf of the Florida Department of Community Affairs and Florida Department of Environmental Protection. 2002.

New! Saving Special Places: A Citizen's Guide to Protecting Natural Resources in Florida's Panhandle -- Planning strategies to protect natural resources, and success stories in the Florida Panhandle. 2004.

St. Marks and Wakulla Rivers Resource Assessment and Greenway Protection Plan -- In partnership with the Northwest Florida Water Management District, 1000 Friends and The Conservation Fund prepared this greenways plan. 1994.

Treasure Coast Summary -- Summary of the Treasure Coast community design workshop held in Stuart to discuss a greenway and trail Master Plan for the Treasure Coast region.