VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – As Florida continues to add more than 1,000 new residents every day, a new project in Volusia County is working to protect the state’s natural lands from the pressures of development.
Conservation Florida announced plans for a $2.5 million nature center at its D Ranch Preserve in Osteen, a 476-acre property already home to cattle, gopher tortoises and other native wildlife. The land has been protected since 2019.
“We couldn’t be more excited to be offering a $2.5 million investment here to the local community,” said Mark Rizzo, land manager with Conservation Florida. “This new nature center is going to provide opportunities for education, recreation and connection to the outdoors.”
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The center will feature classrooms, exhibits, offices and a wraparound porch overlooking the natural landscape. Organizers say the facility is designed to bring conservation and community together, offering educational programs, volunteer opportunities and family events.
Since opening the property to the public, Rizzo said the preserve has already drawn hikers, birdwatchers, photographers and families eager to enjoy the space.
The project still needs to raise about $400,000. Thanks to a matching campaign, all donations made through the end of the year will be doubled by the Big Nova Foundation.
Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with doors opening to the public in 2027.
More information, including ways to donate, is available at ConservationFla.org/NatureCenter or any of their social media sites.