D Ranch Preserve promises a slice of paradise
Rapid ongoing growth is spreading to all corners of Volusia County.
Well, almost all.
Residents who prefer scenery to sprawl will soon have a new spot to get away from it all. D Ranch Preserve, covering 476 acres of diverse landscapes and wildlife, is designed as an oasis amid increased development.
Conservation Florida recently announced plans for the preserve’s grand opening to the public in spring 2025. The preserve is at the corner of Reed Ellis Road and State Road 415, bordering the Lake Monroe Conservation Area in the unincorporated community of Osteen.
“We’re excited for the public to explore and enjoy this magical habitat,” said Sarah Shepard, communications director for Conservation Florida, in an email.
Visitors will be able to connect with the beauty of Volusia and appreciate native species, such as the Florida black bear and the pine lily. Recreational opportunities will include hiking trails and bird watching. People who really want to get their hands dirty can do volunteer work at the preserve.
“This vital green space will serve as a safe haven where wildlife can thrive and residents can reconnect with the land,” said Traci Deen, CEO of Conservation Florida, in a news release. “We are proud to offer this natural sanctuary to the public and to contribute to the long-term health and resilience of our communities.”
Conservation Florida, a nonprofit land conservancy headquartered in Orlando, acquired the land from an anonymous donor in 2019. At the time, the property was appraised at $9 million, Ms. Shepard said. The land is permanently protected by Conservation Florida, which maintains and stewards the site.
“In the years since, (we) have been working diligently to enhance its habitats back to their former glory,” Ms. Shepard said, adding a team responsibly manages the land by using methods like prescribed fire and invasive species management.
Conservation Florida is positioning D Ranch Preserve, a former cattle farm, as a rural refuge in the face of urban growth.
Volusia County’s population is projected to reach nearly 700,000 residents by 2070, according to the news release. With growth comes development and the potential loss of wildlands that are critical to climate resiliency.
D Ranch Preserve can safeguard essential ecosystems and potentially enhance the quality of life for the surrounding community, the conservancy stated. Wildlands play a crucial role in protecting the region’s water supply — acting as flood barriers and preventing pollution from entering the St. Johns watershed — and improving water quality for all state residents, according to Conservation Florida.
Beyond function, the preserve also promises fun for outdoor enthusiasts. About 3.5 miles of trails are designed for bird watching, nature photography and hiking for people of all fitness levels. The trails wind through a variety of habitats, including pine flatwoods, wetlands and oak hammocks. Maps will be available to highlight points of interest, scenic overlooks and wildlife areas.
Animal and plant species that have been documented or are likely to be found on the property, include eastern indigo snake, gopher tortoise, Florida mouse, wood stork, sky blue lupine and Florida scrub roseling, according to the organization’s website.
Immersive educational activities, including bioblitzes (biological surveying), speaker series and exhibits, will help visitors discover the significance of land conservation.
“As visitors wind through the preserve, each turn will offer something new to learn about Florida’s unique wildlife and wild places,” Ms. Shepard said.
As part of the ongoing preparation for the public opening, Conservation Florida invites community members to participate in volunteer opportunities. These efforts will focus on trail building, habitat enhancement and other tasks.
“We also host volunteer events in which the public can help care for the habitat,” Ms. Shepard said. “These events not only offer volunteers the chance to get their hands dirty in wild Florida, but also the opportunity to learn about the habitats we’re protecting.”
Conservation Florida did not provide the cost of its preservation efforts. However, it did credit the NextEra Energy Foundation, the charitable arm of Florida Power & Light, with jump-starting the funding to open the preserve.
Conservation Florida is dedicated to connecting a functional Florida Wildlife Corridor, an 18-million-acre network of wild- and working lands that connects critical habitats from the Panhandle to the Keys.
In July, Conservation Florida announced a long-term philanthropic partnership with the MDS Land Conservation Foundation to accelerate the conservation rate of the corridor. The two groups worked together to conserve two properties within the corridor totaling more than 2,400 acres: Patriots Lake in Volusia County and Millpond Swamp in Marion County.
To volunteer, visit conservationfla.org/volunteer. Applications for paid positions are available at conservationfla.org/join-our-team.
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