Wetland Preserve

Wetland Preserve Let us share our love of the outdoors and our commitment to preserving it for the future with you. Sustainable Florida Pine Tree Farm. Wetland Preserve, LLLP

Our 3400 acre Stewardship Forest is adjacent to the Rice Creek Conservation Area, a 5000+ acre project of the St. Johns River Water Management District located in Putnam County, Florida. Most of our land falls under what is considered a "mesic flatwoods" ecosystem designation, with a fair portion of it being mature creek swamps and a smaller area of dry sand hills. Conservation & restoration effor

ts are underway in all these areas. On the drier sand hill sites we have partnered with the US Fish & Wildlife Service for a gopher tortoise enhancement project. The vast majority of the creek swamps are held outside the forestry envelope meaning that baring any sort of natural calamity they are not harvested or disturbed in any way. Suitable areas of the "flatwoods" are being reforested with long leaf pine and the balance of the planted pine stand are under a "long rotation" management regimen. The net effect of all this results in a working forest that produces not just fiber and wood but serves wildlife, protects water resources and benefits native plants.

Calling all native plant lovers!!      🌿If you've been looking for an excuse to add a few more Florida natives to your y...
06/10/2026

Calling all native plant lovers!! 🌿

If you've been looking for an excuse to add a few more Florida natives to your yard (or your pollinator garden), here's your chance!

The UF Native Plant Nursery is hosting its annual Native Plant Sale on June 27-28. The event promotes native landscaping, pollinator habitat, and restoration practices, and features a wide variety of Florida native plants... some you won't find anywhere else! For more information contact Gage LaPierre at [email protected].

We are not affiliated with this event, but we love native plants and know many of our friends do too. Native plants provide important habitat for wildlife and pollinators while helping create more resilient Florida landscapes.

If you attend, we'd love to hear what treasures you bring home!

β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜… Β· Educational institution

06/10/2026

We partnered with FWC through their Trap Share Program to install a hog trap at Wetland Preserve.
Wild hogs are an invasive species that can cause extensive damage to wetlands, native plants, wildlife habitat, and soil. Managing their populations is an important part of responsible land stewardship and helps protect the natural resources we are committed to conserving.
We appreciate FWC's partnership in helping landowners care for Florida's landscapes.

Did you know that nearly half of Florida is forested?Check out this UF/IFAS study - Florida's forest industry supports m...
06/05/2026

Did you know that nearly half of Florida is forested?

Check out this UF/IFAS study - Florida's forest industry supports more than 103,000 jobs and contributes nearly $29 billion to our state's economy! But the benefits don't stop there. Florida's forests also provide critical wildlife habitat, improve water quality, store carbon, reduce erosion, and help recharge our aquifer.

Sustainable forestry is an important conservation tool. When forests remain productive and economically viable, they are less likely to be converted to other land uses, helping to preserve the open spaces and natural landscapes that wildlife and future generations depend on.

At Wetland Preserve, we're grateful for the landowners, foresters, loggers, mill workers, and conservation professionals who help keep Florida's forests healthy, working, and thriving.

https://fred.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/economic-impact-analysis-program/regional-economic-analysis/Florida-Forest-Products/

This innovative pilot program offers financial incentives to landowners who choose conservation over development, creati...
06/02/2026

This innovative pilot program offers financial incentives to landowners who choose conservation over development, creating a new tool to help keep Florida's rural landscapes intact while supporting agriculture, forestry, ranching, and other working lands.

For wildlife, it means more connected habitat and healthier ecosystems. For Florida residents, it means clean water, protected natural resources, and a stronger Florida Wildlife Corridor. And for conservation-minded landowners, it's another voluntary option that rewards good stewardship.
When conservation works for both people and nature, everyone benefits. 🌿🦌🐻

"The Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation teamed with The Balmoral Group to develop the Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) framework. Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) help cover the cost of choosing conservation instead of development, making it easier to keep the Florida Wildlife Corridor connected and keep land use compatible with nature."

*This pilot program is available to landowners in south-central Florida in the vicinity of the Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape. This area includes all or parts of Highlands, Okeechobee, Osceola, and Polk Counties.*

https://www.wildlifecorridorpes-fl.com

Putnam Land Conservancy (PLC) and Burning for Birds Conservation Collaborative are teaming up for a bioblitz where you c...
05/25/2026

Putnam Land Conservancy (PLC) and Burning for Birds Conservation Collaborative are teaming up for a bioblitz where you can help identify and record bird species to collect data on bird population size and movement patterns. All levels of birding expertise are welcome. Bring water and comfortable walking shoes. It will be helpful to use bird ID apps like Merlin or eBird to help identify and record your bird observations. RSVP with PLC . **Please note there are park entry fees that are still required for this event, RSVP to have your entrance fee covered by PLC. Spots are limited to 30 guests! We also recommend bringing water and wearing comfortable walking shoes. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdh19Eqk4OBn4J9TiG0GBWOxj4uVqxiyPl5jBWEeM9yuG2Kxg/viewform?pli=1

Living with wildlife is a reality for many people across Florida, from small farms and hobby livestock owners to large w...
05/23/2026

Living with wildlife is a reality for many people across Florida, from small farms and hobby livestock owners to large working lands. This workshop will explore practical strategies for reducing conflicts with wildlife while protecting pets and livestock. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase from the local 4-H club, with proceeds benefiting the Collier County 4-H Livestock club and Livestock show activities. Free workshop. See link above for details and registration

05/21/2026

Listen to Ben share about the Yellow Jacket Nest he found along one of our roads at Wetland Preserve. SOUND ON

Twin fawns are not uncommon in healthy whitetail deer populations. When does have high-quality nutrition, they are more ...
05/21/2026

Twin fawns are not uncommon in healthy whitetail deer populations. When does have high-quality nutrition, they are more likely to successfully raise twins. Habitat management plays a huge role in that success.
One of the most important tools we use at Wetland Preserve is prescribed fire. Managed burns renew the understory vegetation by stimulating growth and allowing for an increase in plant diversity. New and more diverse growth provides deer with more nutritious forage throughout the year.
Healthier habitat leads to healthier wildlife β€” stronger does, healthier fawns, and improved reproduction rates. Seeing a mother doe with twin fawns is a beautiful reminder of how good stewardship directly benefits the land and the animals.

Address

State Road 100
Palatka, FL
32177

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