How to Support The Environmental Conservancy of North Port, Inc.

Help Save a Home for Wildlife in Harbour Heights

HELP neighborhood GOPHER TORTOISES, FLORIDA SCRUB-JAYS and OTHER WILDLIFE STAY IN THEIR HOMES

HELP THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVANCY OF NORTH PORT AND SURROUNDING AREAS PURCHASE 4 HARBOUR HEIGHTS (Charlotte County) PARCELS! $7,000 is our fundraiser goal, and the deadline to raise the funds is December 1, 2025.

These parcels are providing homes, food sources and places to raise young for Gopher Tortoises, Florida scrub-jays and other wildlife. They also host a population of Florida native plants and trees.

WHERE/WHAT: Lots 10, 11, 12 and 13, Adams Street

Harbour Heights (Charlotte County)

HOW: Donations can be made:

Via This GoFundMe

Via Venmo: Environmental Conservancy NP- @NPconservancy (if using Venmo please note "Harbour Heights” on your donation).

Via PayPal on our website www.ecnorthport.com (please note that your donation is for Harbour Heights).

Checks are also accepted, please make checks payable to The Environmental Conservancy of North Port, Inc. and mail to 3465 Alfred Road, North Port, FL 34286. Please note “Harbour Heights” in the memo section.

WHY:

These parcels host 1 active Gopher Tortoise burrow presently. Gopher Tortoises live throughout Harbour Heights too. They are long-lived reptiles that dig deep burrows for shelter and forage on low-growing plants. They can share their burrows with more than 350 other species and are therefore referred to as a keystone species. Under State law Gopher Tortoises must be relocated before any land clearing or development takes place, and property owners must obtain permits from the FWC before capturing and relocating tortoises. In the majority of cases, the tortoises are taken to other land parcels miles away known as “relocation sites”. Tortoises have a natural “homing device” and will attempt to escape the relocation site for extended periods of time. Some will become depressed; many will eventually fail to thrive. On average currently, the cost of removing 1 tortoise from a neighborhood land parcel is several thousand dollars.

The resident Gopher Tortoise

An Armadillo, presumably making its way home too!

These parcels are in a designated Florida Scrub-jay zone of Harbour Heights and are confirmed present in their vicinity. The Scrub-jay is a federally threatened species that is rapidly losing habitat as our area's human population continues to grow.

While Charlotte County has its very own Scrub-jay Habitat Conservation Plan which requires builders to pay designated fees to clear lots in Scrub-jay zones County-wide, those fees are then used to buy land only in the Eastern part of the County to protect Scrub-jay habitat where the birds also live. It is not spent in Harbour Heights.

As a result, as development continues, Harbour Heights neighborhood natural habitat for the Scrub-jays is being slowly erased, to their detriment. Our land acquisitions provide “stepping stone” habitat pockets in Scrub-jay neighborhoods which is the best way to help ensure they, and other wildlife, will always have a place to call home in Harbour Heights.

Further, upon completion of a residence, few to no local native plants that once grew on the lot are replanted, and even if a local native tree is replanted (live oak, slash pine, sabal palm, scrub oak) it is common that those trees will not survive and grow to maturity. Replanting native trees/plants is something we always recommend, but replanting can never take place of conservation of an untouched natural environment.

Coontie, a native plant

Conserving natural land in our neighborhoods allows for the preservation/protection of, education about, and co-existence with, our local native flora and fauna and tree canopy.

Conservation of natural land amidst residential development preserves wildlife habitat, threatened and/or endangered species and biodiversity; maintains scenic landscape for people; helps reduce flooding; helps filter water/improve water quality; and maintains the tree canopy and native vegetation that serve as filters for our air. Conserving land increases property values near these greenspaces too.

In conclusion, we believe greenspace in our neighborhoods benefits nature and humans alike!

WHO: We are a 501c3 non-profit entity focused on acquiring and permanently conserving undeveloped natural land parcels in neighborhoods of North Port and its Surrounding Areas (Sarasota and Charlotte Counties) to provide greenspace for wildlife/native plants/native trees [aka nature] to continue thriving upon as it has for decades while our population continues to grow at a rapid pace.

QUESTIONS? Contact us at [phone redacted] or [email redacted] or visit our website at www.ecnorthport.com, Facebook at www.facebook.com/ecnorthport or Instagram www.instagram.com/npconservancy

Tax ID Number 84-4132468

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14 supporters

Barbara Lockhart is fundraising

Donate to Protect Englewood Neighborhood Nature

As of 8/19/25 our Englewood fundraiser has received $8,686 across all donation platforms. We're a little over halfway to the $15,000 we need to succeed.

OUR SECOND ENGLEWOOD LAND ACQUISITION FUNDRAISER IS HERE!

You are invited to HELP US purchase and protect a 1/4 acre land parcel (Lot 8, Clearwater Street) in Englewood to permanently protect neighborhood nature!

HOW: RAISE $15,000 by September 5, 2025.

Donations can be made:

Via this GoFundMe

or

Via Venmo: Environmental Conservancy NP - @NPconservancy

or

Via PayPal on our website: www.ecnorthport.com

Checks are also accepted, please make checks payable to The Environmental Conservancy of North Port, Inc. and mail to 3465 Alfred Road, North Port, FL 34286.

WHAT: With this acquisition we would permanently protect 1/4 acre of natural wildlife habitat abundant with native plants and trees in a Charlotte County designated Florida Scrub-jay zone that hosts documented populations of the Scrub-jay, Chuck Will’s Widow, Northern Bobwhite Quail, Gopher Tortoise, annual-nesting Screech Owls, Bobcat and other wildlife.

WHY: As development progresses, Englewood neighborhood natural habitat for wildlife is being slowly erased. Our land acquisitions provide natural "stepping stone” habitat pockets in neighborhoods giving them their own place to call home amidst residential development.

Upon completion of a new residence, few to no local native plants that once grew on a lot are replanted, and when a local native tree is replanted (live oak, slash pine, sabal palm) it is common that it will not survive and grow to maturity. Replanting native trees/plants is always recommended, but replanting can never take place of an untouched natural environment.

While Charlotte County has its own Scrub-jay Habitat Conservation Plan which requires builders to pay designated fees to clear lots in Scrub-jay zones County-wide, those fees are then used to buy land only in the Eastern part of the County to protect Scrub-jay habitat there where the birds also live. Florida Scrub-jays are not relocated; instead they are left to adapt to ever-shrinking habitat amidst development in places not covered by the Habitat Conservation Plan. A fee must also be paid to clear lots that house Gopher Tortoises; they are relocated to other areas of the State under Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission's current program in most cases; only some burrow locations meet the requirements of a “relocation on site” which allows the Gopher Tortoise to remain in the neighborhood.

WHO: We are a 501c3 non-profit that acquires and permanently conserves neighborhood land in North Port AND Surrounding Areas (Charlotte/Sarasota Counties to date) for preservation of, and education and research about, neighborhood wildlife, native plants, trees and soil as our population continues to grow at a rapid pace. In other words, WE SAVE NEIGHBORHOOD NATURE.

Since we began our mission in early 2020 we have acquired and protected 19 parcels in North Port and 28 parcels across Charlotte County for a total of 47 to date.

Visit our website at www.ecnorthport.com, Facebook at The Environmental Conservancy of North Port And Surrounding Areas or Instagram @npconservancy to learn more about us.

Tax ID Number 84-4132468

THE FLORIDA REGISTRATION NO. FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVANCY OF NORTH PORT, INC. IS CH61576.

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES AT 1-800-435-7352 OR ONLINE AT FDACS.gov

REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

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53 supporters

Barbara Lockhart is fundraising

Help Preserve NEIGHBORHOOD NATURE in North Port

You’re invited to help PRESERVE NATURE by donating to the purchase of Lot 23, Armour Terrace in North Port that houses 1 Gopher Tortoise and is in an active Florida Scrub-jay zone, by The Environmental Conservancy of North Port And Surrounding Areas, a 501c3 nonprofit neighborhood land conservancy (www.ecnorthport.com).

The Environmental Conservancy already owns the parcel adjacent (Lot 22) known as the Kathleen Belleville Nature Preserve. Acquiring this parcel would raise the conservation area protected to ½ acre.

We have been trying for the last few years to contract to acquire this parcel; we once had an agreement with the prior owner (a builder) to fundraise to purchase it, but the builder backed out before a contract was signed, choosing to hold on to its inventory instead; we kept periodically trying thereafter without success; the builder ultimately sold to someone else after some unexpected changes within the company occurred; and we were finally able to secure a contract with the current owner instead just now.

SEE MORE PHOTOS BELOW this write up.

HOW: RAISE $15,500 by May 31, 2025

Donations can be made:

Via this GoFundMe

or

Via Venmo: Environmental Conservancy NP - @NPconservancy

or

Via PayPal on our website: www.ecnorthport.com

Or

Via check payable to The Environmental Conservancy of North Port, Inc. and mail to 3465 Alfred Road, North Port, FL 34286.

WHY: As development progresses, North Port neighborhood natural habitat for Florida Scrub-jays, Gopher Tortoises and other wildlife is being slowly erased. Gopher Tortoises are being relocated and Scrub-jays and other wildlife are left to fend for themselves as their habitat shrinks. Our land acquisitions provide natural "stepping stone” habitat pockets in neighborhoods which is the best way to help ensure wildlife (including migrating birds) will always have a place to call home, eat, drink, rest and raise their young and that native plants/trees will remain to help sustain them.

The “woods” in our neighborhoods are just an illusion and will continue to disappear unless we buy or otherwise acquire land and permanently protect it.

Every parcel on every block is owned by someone different be it an individual, investment company, builder, etc. and all are subject to complete clear-cutting for development at any time. There is no City ordinance that can stop this from happening.

WHO: We are a 501c3 non-profit that acquires and permanently conserves neighborhood land in North Port AND Surrounding Areas (Charlotte/Sarasota Counties to date) for preservation of, and education and research about, neighborhood wildlife, native plants, trees and soil as our population continues to grow at a rapid pace. In other words, WE SAVE NEIGHBORHOOD NATURE.

Since we began our mission in early 2020 we have acquired and protected 18 parcels in North Port and 28 parcels across different areas of Charlotte County for a total of 46 to date.

QUESTIONS? Email us at [email redacted]. Visit our website at www.ecnorthport.com Facebook at www.facebook.com/ECnorthport/ or Instagram @npconservancy to learn more about us. Tax ID Number 84-4132468

A view inside the parcel.

Open sandy spots are useful to Scrub-jays who will bury scrub oak acorns here to sustain them during the winter.

The active Gopher Tortoise burrow on the parcel.

With every parcel acquisition we are saving a variety of native plants that get bulldozed for development daily; few to none are planted back.

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31 supporters

Barbara Lockhart is fundraising

Support Our Mission to Preserve Nature

To effectively and more aggressively continue performing our essential role of acquiring and permanently preserving neighborhood land, wildlife, native plants and trees in Sarasota and Charlotte Counties over the next year, The Environmental Conservancy is seeking to raise $25,000 to further fund our general land acquisition reserves.

It’s a critical time for conservation of neighborhood land as our area continues to develop at a rapid pace with clear-cutting and the complete scraping of natural land down to the soil still being the option of choice by developers. Gopher Tortoises are being relocated in high numbers and Florida Scrub-jay and other wildlife habitat is shrinking every day.

Neighborhood developers are winning the land acquisition race as they have deep pockets and plenty of funds on hand to write checks for land purchases at any time, while we have continued to fundraise individually for each contract price, time and time again. With more funds in reserves we could act and purchase land at a faster pace, but acquisition funding is needed to make this happen.

We receive no City, County, State or Federal funding for our land purchases and to date have found no grants that would supply us with monies solely for this purpose. That’s why it’s so important to have your continued support.

Since it began its efforts in early 2020, The Environmental Conservancy of North Port And Surrounding Areas has acquired 43 parcels across North Port and several areas of Charlotte County totaling approximately 14 acres (see the full list on our website at www.ecnorthport.com). Developers are far ahead of us in the land acquisition arena and so without increasing our reserves, the builders can and will continue to close the gap on what natural land and habitat for wildlife remains in our neighborhoods.

Our services are essential in helping preserve neighborhood land. In this critical time for land conservation in Florida, the services we provide have never been more important.

Join us in our efforts to acquire more land by donating today!

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13 supporters

Barbara Lockhart is fundraising

Help Preserve South Gulf Cove's Nature

FUNDRAISER NOTE: GoFundMe is just one avenue we use for fundraising and the total shown here is not indicative of the total raised as a fundraiser progresses. AS OF FEBRUARY 23rd WE HAVE RAISED $6,885 toward our $10,500 goal!

You’re invited to help PRESERVE SOUTH GULF COVE’S NATURE by donating to our purchase of a 1/4 acre neighborhood land parcel on Allentown Avenue (Lot 25)!

HOW: RAISE $10,500 by March 31, 2025 (the total purchase price is $20,500; we have $10,000 in reserves committed to this purchase).

Donations can be made:

Via this GoFundMe:

or

Via Venmo: Environmental Conservancy NP - @NPconservancy

or

Via PayPal on our website: www.ecnorthport.com

Checks are also accepted, please make checks payable to The Environmental Conservancy of North Port, Inc. and mail to 3465 Alfred Road, North Port, FL 34286.

WHAT: With this acquisition we would permanently protect 1/4 acre of natural habitat abundant with native plants and trees just outside a Charlotte County designated Florida Scrub-jay zone. Scrub-jays know no man-made boundaries though as they have been seen in the area by the seller and surrounding neighbors on an ongoing basis.

There is currently one active Gopher Tortoise burrow and one inactive burrow on the parcel. Tortoises are solitary animals that dig and use multiple burrows within their home range; the inactive burrow could become active again. They may even alternate between burrows dug by other tortoises, but only one tortoise will occupy a burrow at a time. (Note: removal of Brazilian pepper and other invasives would be done as a part of our land management plan).

WHY: As development progresses, South Gulf Cove neighborhood natural habitat for the Scrub-jays, Gopher Tortoises and other wildlife, mass amounts of native plants and trees are slowing being removed/erased, lot after lot after lot.

Our land acquisitions provide natural "stepping stone” habitat pockets in neighborhoods which is the best way to help ensure all of nature's inhabitants will always have a place to call home, seek shelter, find food and raise their young in South Gulf Cove. "Stepping Stones" of natural land also preserves biodiversity of native plants and trees amidst development where residential lawns and non-native plants installed by landscapers or purchased from Big Box stores make up human home greenspace in most cases.

Upon completion of a new residence, few to no local native plants that once grew on a lot are replanted, and when a local native tree is replanted (live oak, slash pine, sabal palm) it is common that it will not survive and grow to maturity. Replanting native trees/plants is always recommended, but replanting can never take place of conservation of an untouched natural environment.

The “woods” in our neighborhoods are just an illusion and will continue to disappear unless we buy or otherwise acquire land and permanently protect it.

South Gulf Cove hosts a population of the Florida Scrub-jay and Gopher Tortoise, both are threatened species. While Charlotte County has its own Scrub-jay Habitat Conservation Plan which requires builders to pay designated fees to clear lots in Scrub-jay zones County-wide, those fees are then used to buy land only in the Eastern part of the County to protect Scrub-jay habitat there. Florida Scrub-jays are not relocated. Gopher Tortoises must be removed for a fee prior to commencement of construction; they are relocated to other areas of the State in most cases under Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission's current program.

WHO: We are a 501c3 non-profit that acquires and permanently conserves neighborhood land in North Port AND Surrounding Areas (Charlotte/Sarasota Counties to date) for preservation of, and education and research about, neighborhood wildlife, native plants, trees and soil as our population continues to grow at a rapid pace. In other words, WE SAVE NEIGHBORHOOD NATURE.

Since we began our mission in early 2020 we have acquired and protected 18 parcels in North Port and 25 parcels across different areas of Charlotte County for a total of 43 to date.

This lot was chosen to pursue for acquisition as a result of our land nomination program that is open to the public. The owner nominated it, it was reviewed against our habitat and mission goals scoring matrix and was chosen based on its final score. All citizens are welcome to nominate neighborhood land in Charlotte or Sarasota County they feel might be a possible conservation candidate; visit the Nominate Land tab on our website www.ecnorthport.com to complete the nomination form. No commercial, multi-family, or industrial zoned land will be considered.

Visit our website at www.ecnorthport.com Facebook at www.facebook.com/ECnorthport/ or Instagram @npconservancy to learn more about us.

Tax ID Number 84-4132468

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7 supporters

Barbara Lockhart is fundraising

Let's Preserve Neighborhood Nature in Englewood

HELP SAVE ENGLEWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD NATURE - DEADLINE JULY 31st!

AS OF JULY 31st at 12noon WE"VE RAISED $20,121.46!!

(donations have been made using PayPal, Venmo and check too).

STARTING 7/31/24 WE HAVE ANOTHER MATCHING DONOR who will match all donations received through midnight on July 31st, up to $1,000! If you donate $25, she will donate $25 - if you donate $100, she will donate $100; and so on. $1,000 will then be $2,000!

THIS IS OUR FIRST ENGLEWOOD LAND ACQUISITION FUNDRAISER.

You are invited to HELP US purchase and protect a 1/4 acre land parcel (Lot 20, Huntington Avenue) in Englewood to permanently protect neighborhood nature! SEE PHOTOS AT THE END OF THIS WRITE UP BELOW.

HOW: RAISE $25,000 by July 31, 2024

Donations can be made via this GoFundMe

or

Via Venmo: Environmental Conservancy NP - @NPconservancy

or

Via PayPal on our website www.ecnorthport.com

Checks are also accepted, please make checks payable to The Environmental Conservancy of North Port, Inc. and mail to 3465 Alfred Road, North Port, FL 34286.

WHAT: With this acquisition we would permanently protect 1/4 acre of natural habitat abundant with native plants and trees in a Charlotte County designated Florida Scrub-jay zone. We located one inactive Gopher Tortoise burrow on the parcel; it could return. They are solitary animals that dig and use multiple burrows within their home range. They may even alternate between burrows dug by other tortoises, but only one tortoise will occupy a burrow at a time. On our visit to the parcel to obtain the photographs in this write up, Florida Scrub-jays were heard calling nearby. (Note: removal of Brazilian pepper and other invasives would be a part of our land management plan).

WHY: Englewood hosts a population of the Florida Scrub-jay and Gopher Tortoise, both are threatened species. While Charlotte County has its own Scrub-jay Habitat Conservation Plan which requires builders to pay designated fees to clear lots in Scrub-jay zones County-wide, those fees are then used to buy land only in the Eastern part of the County to protect Scrub-jay habitat there where the birds also live. Florida Scrub-jays are not relocated. Gopher Tortoises must be removed for a fee as well prior to commencement of construction; they are relocated to other areas of the State in most cases under Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission's current program.

As development progresses, Englewood neighborhood natural habitat for the Scrub-jays, Gopher Tortoises and other wildlife is being slowly erased.

Our land acquisitions provide natural "stepping stone” habitat pockets in neighborhoods which is the best way to help ensure wildlife will always have a place to call home in Englewood.

Upon completion of a new residence, few to no local native plants that once grew on a lot are replanted, and when a local native tree is replanted (live oak, slash pine, sabal palm) it is common that it will not survive and grow to maturity. Replanting native trees/plants is always recommended, but replanting can never take place of conservation of an untouched natural environment.

WHO: We are a 501c3 non-profit that acquires and permanently conserves neighborhood land in North Port AND Surrounding Areas (Charlotte/Sarasota Counties to date) for preservation of, and education and research about, neighborhood wildlife, native plants, trees and soil as our population continues to grow at a rapid pace. In other words, WE SAVE NEIGHBORHOOD NATURE.

Since we began our mission in early 2020 we have acquired and protected 18 parcels in North Port and 23 parcels across Charlotte County for a total of 41 to date.

QUESTIONS? Visit our website at www.ecnorthport.com, Facebook at The Environmental Conservancy of North Port And Surrounding Areas or Instagram @npconservancy.

Tax ID Number 84-4132468.

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42 supporters

Barbara Lockhart is fundraising

Protect 12 Gopher Tortoises and Scrub-jay Habitat

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO DECEMBER 15th:

HELP permanently protect 17 Gopher Tortoise burrows (12 tortoises are confirmed active), confirmed habitat for Florida Scrub-jays and other wildlife, native plants and trees - and the only undeveloped parcel left in the immediate neighborhood - by contributing to this 1/2 acre land acquisition fundraiser by The Environmental Conservancy of North Port And Surrounding Areas!

Gopher tortoise burrow locations on the parcel.

Check out this video on our YouTube channel recorded on September 13, 2023 of the Scrub-jays utilizing this parcel as habitat: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ezvqbx-3fOo

WHO: We are a 501c3 non-profit entity focused on acquiring and permanently conserving undeveloped natural land parcels in neighborhoods of North Port and its Surrounding Areas (Sarasota and Charlotte Counties) to provide greenspace for wildlife/native plants/native trees [aka nature] to continue thriving upon as it has for decades as our population continues to grow at a rapid pace.

WHAT: Lots 31 and 32 Barcelos Court/Copiapo Circle, Punta Gorda (Deep Creek) Charlotte County, Florida 33983 (1/2 acre).

HOW: RAISE $40,000 ($20,000 per lot) by December 1, 2023 to reach the purchase price goal. Donations can be made via this GoFundMe. Checks are also accepted, please make checks payable to The Environmental Conservancy of North Port, Inc. and mail to 3465 Alfred Road, North Port, FL 34286. Donations can also be made via PayPal on our website www.ecnorthport.com (please note that your donation is for the Deep Creek GoFundMe).

Deep Creek hosts a population of the Florida Scrub-jay, a threatened species rapidly losing habitat as our area's human population continues to grow. Once a building, earthmoving or tree removal permit is in process, U.S. Fish & Wildlife reviews the proposal and identifies potential negative effects to the birds. If impacts are identified, strategies for avoidance, minimization or mitigation of these impacts is required. In most cases, mitigation is required of the developer and development can then proceed. Examples of mitigation are habitat replacement at a ratio of 2:1 in the form of title to other occupied lands, conservation easements, purchase credit at a scrub-jay conservation bank, or payment to a State scrub-jay land acquisition fund which is used to purchase habitat elsewhere. Florida Scrub-jays are not relocated; instead as development continues, local neighborhood natural habitat for these birds is being slowly erased. Providing “stepping stone” habitat in Scrub-jay neighborhoods in the form of protected natural land parcels is the best way to help ensure they, and other wildlife, will always have a place to call home in Deep Creek.

Florida Scrub-jay - Photo Credit: Jim Rogers

Deep Creek also hosts a population of the Gopher Tortoise, a Florida threatened species. This 1/2 acre parcel has a total of 17 burrows upon it, 12 were confirmed active on last inspection. Gopher tortoises are long-lived reptiles dig deep burrows for shelter and forage on low-growing plants. Gopher tortoises can share their burrows with more than 350 other species, and are therefore referred to as a keystone species. Under State law Gopher Tortoises must be relocated before any land clearing or development takes place, and property owners must obtain permits from the FWC before capturing and relocating tortoises. In the majority of cases, the tortoises are taken to other land parcels miles away known as “relocation sites”. Tortoises have a natural “homing device” and will attempt to escape the relocation site for extended periods of time. Some will become depressed; many will eventually fail to thrive.

Further, upon completion of a residence, few to no local native plants that once grew on the lot are replanted, and even if a local native tree is replanted (live oak, slash pine, sabal palm, scrub oak) it is common that those trees will not survive and grow to maturity. Replanting native trees/plants is something we always recommend, but replanting can never take place of conservation of an untouched natural environment.

Conserving natural land in our neighborhoods allows for the preservation/protection of, education about, and co-existence with, our local native flora and fauna and tree canopy.

Conservation of natural land amidst residential development preserves wildlife habitat, threatened and/or endangered species and biodiversity; maintains scenic landscape for people; helps reduce flooding; helps filter water/improve water quality; and maintains the tree canopy and native vegetation that serve as filters for our air. Conserving land increases property values near these greenspaces too.

In conclusion, protected greenspace in our neighborhoods benefits nature and humans alike!

QUESTIONS? Contact us at [phone redacted] or [email redacted] or visit our website at www.ecnorthport.com, Facebook at www.facebook.com/ecnorthport or Instagram www.instagram.com/npconservancy

Tax ID Number 84-4132468

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40 supporters

Barbara Lockhart is fundraising

Keep 6 Gopher Tortoises In Their Homes

HELP permanently protect 6 Gopher Tortoises and their burrows that provide homes for other wildlife, along with a beautiful collection of native plants and trees, on this ¼ acre parcel in the Cranberry Fields Neighborhood of North Port by contributing to this $14,000 GoFundMe hosted by The Environmental Conservancy of North Port And Surrounding Areas!

WHO: We are a 501c3 non-profit entity focused on acquiring and permanently conserving undeveloped natural land parcels in neighborhoods of North Port and its Surrounding Areas (Sarasota and Charlotte Counties) to provide greenspace for wildlife/native plants/native trees [aka nature] to continue thriving upon as it has for decades while our population continues to grow at a rapid pace.

WHAT: Lot 35, Alfred Road (Cranberry Fields Neighborhood) of North Port (Sarasota County).

HOW: RAISE $14,000 by November 16, 2023 to reach the purchase price goal. The purchase price is $19,000; we are able to contribute $5,000 toward the purchase using funds raised in prior Sarasota County fundraisers.

Donations can be made via this GoFundMe, or via Venmo: Environmental Conservancy NP- @NPconservancy (if using Venmo please note "North Port" on your donation).

Checks are also accepted, please make checks payable to The Environmental Conservancy of North Port, Inc. and mail to 3465 Alfred Road, North Port, FL 34286.

Donations can also be made via PayPal on our website www.ecnorthport.com (please note that your donation is for North Port).

North Port hosts a population of the Gopher Tortoise, a Florida threatened species. This parcel has 6 confirmed active burrows upon it; at least 2 more were noted as in-active at this time. Gopher tortoises are long-lived reptiles that dig deep burrows for shelter and forage on low-growing plants. They can share their burrows with more than 350 other species, and are therefore referred to as a keystone species. Under State law Gopher Tortoises must be relocated before any land clearing or development takes place, and property owners must obtain permits from the FWC before capturing and relocating tortoises. In the majority of cases, the tortoises are taken to other land parcels miles away known as “relocation sites”. Tortoises have a natural “homing device” and will attempt to escape the relocation site for extended periods of time. Some will become depressed; many will eventually fail to thrive.

On average currently, the cost of removing 1 tortoise from a neighborhood land parcel is $7,200.

Further, upon completion of a residence, few to no local native plants that once grew on the lot are replanted, and even if a local native tree is replanted (live oak, slash pine, sabal palm, scrub oak) it is common that those trees will not survive and grow to maturity. Replanting native trees/plants is something we always recommend, but replanting can never take place of conservation of an untouched natural environment.

Conserving natural land in our neighborhoods allows for the preservation/protection of, education about, and co-existence with, our local native flora and fauna and tree canopy.

Conservation of natural land amidst residential development preserves wildlife habitat, threatened and/or endangered species and biodiversity; maintains scenic landscape for people; helps reduce flooding; helps filter water/improve water quality; and maintains the tree canopy and native vegetation that serve as filters for our air. Conserving land increases property values near these greenspaces too.

In conclusion, we believe greenspace in our neighborhoods benefits nature and humans alike!

QUESTIONS? Contact us at [phone redacted] or [email redacted] or visit our website at www.ecnorthport.com, Facebook at www.facebook.com/ecnorthport or Instagram www.instagram.com/npconservancy

Tax ID Number 84-4132468

Removal of excessive native grapevine is needed.

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290 supporters

Barbara Lockhart is fundraising

Fundraiser to Conserve Land for Wildlife-Nature!

HELP The Environmental Conservancy of North Port And Surrounding Areas purchase and protect a double-lot 1/2 acre land parcel (Lot 36-Minardi Street and Lot 1-Jayman Road) in the Meroni Paradise neighborhood of North Port to permanently protect land for wildlife, native plants and trees!

HOW: RAISE $24,000 ($12,000 per lot) by August 17, 2023 by donations via this GoFundMe. Checks are also accepted, please make checks payable to The Environmental Conservancy of North Port, Inc. and mail to 3465 Alfred Road, North Port, FL 34286.

WHO: We are a 501c3 non-profit entity focused on acquiring and permanently conserving undeveloped natural land parcels in neighborhoods of North Port and its Surrounding Areas (Sarasota and Charlotte Counties) to provide greenspace for wildlife/native plants/native trees [aka nature] to continue thriving upon as it has for decades as our population continues to grow at a rapid pace.

WHAT: With this acquisition we would permanently protect 1/2 acre of habitat for use by the threatened Florida Scrub-jay and other wildlife, along with an abundance of Florida native plants and trees, all thriving in native soil.

North Port hosts a population of the Florida Scrub-jay, a threatened species rapidly losing habitat as our area's human population continues to grow. Once a building, earthmoving or tree removal permit is in process, U.S. Fish & Wildlife reviews the proposal and identifies potential negative effects to the birds. If impacts are identified, strategies for avoidance, minimization or mitigation of these impacts is required. In most cases, mitigation is required of the developer and development can then proceed. Examples of mitigation are habitat replacement at a ratio of 2:1 in the form of title to other occupied lands, conservation easements, purchase credit at a scrub-jay conservation bank, or payment to a State scrub-jay land acquisition fund which is used to purchase habitat elsewhere. Florida Scrub-jays are not relocated; instead as development continues, local neighborhood natural habitat for these birds is being slowly erased. Providing “stepping stone” habitat in Scrub-jay neighborhoods in the form of protected natural land parcels is the best way to help ensure they, and other wildlife, will always have a place to call home in North Port.

Further, upon completion of a residence, few to no local native plants that once grew on the lot are replanted, and even if a local native tree is replanted (live oak, slash pine, sabal palm) it is common that those trees will not survive and grow to maturity. Replanting native trees/plants is something we always recommend, but replanting can never take place of conservation of an untouched natural environment.

Greenspace in our neighborhoods benefits nature and humans alike!

Conserving natural land in our neighborhoods allows for the preservation/protection of, education about, and co-existence with, our local native flora and fauna, especially threatened species such as the Gopher Tortoise and Florida Scrub-jay.

Conservation of natural land amidst residential development preserves wildlife habitat, threatened and/or endangered species and biodiversity; maintains scenic landscape for people; helps reduce flooding; helps filter water/improve water quality; and maintains the tree canopy and native vegetation that serve as filters for our air. Conserving land increases property values near these greenspaces too.

QUESTIONS? Contact us at [phone redacted] or [email redacted] or visit our website at www.ecnorthport.com, Facebook at www.facebook.com/ecnorthport or Instagram @npconservancy.

Tax ID Number 84-4132468

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25 supporters

Barbara Lockhart is fundraising

Gopher Tortoise Habitat Conservation Campaign I

THIS FUNDRAISER WAS COMPLETED ON 5/10/2023 - THE FULL AMOUNT SOUGHT WAS RECEIVED BY DONATIONS BOTH ON AND OFF OF GOFUNDME. THE PARCEL WAS PURCHASED SUCCESSFULLY AND IS NOW A PROTECTED CONSERVATION PARCEL. DONATIONS ARE STILL WELCOME AT ANY TIME AS WE CONTINUE TO PURSUE OUR MISSION OF PROTECTING AS MANY PARCELS IN NEIGHBORHOODS OF SARASOTA AND CHARLOTTE COUNTIES AS POSSIBLE. DONATE AT WWW.ECNORTHPORT.COM.

YOU’RE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN NATURE BINGO and help The Environmental Conservancy of North Port And Surrounding Areas purchase and protect a land parcel in the Cranberry Fields neighborhood of North Port!

HOW: FUNDRAISING GOAL Purchase Price: $13,500

Each Nature Bingo Square represents a $100 donation but ANY increment is welcome!

WHO/WHAT: With this purchase we would permanently protect an active Gopher Tortoise burrow (represented by the heart below), 10 oak trees, 1 slash pine tree, 7 sabal palms and multiple native plants.

North Port hosts a population of the Gopher Tortoise, a threatened species rapidly losing habitat as our area's human population continues to grow. When a residential lot is targeted for development, in the majority of cases tortoises must be relocated off-site, are bucket trapped or dug out of their burrows with machinery and then taken many miles from home to a relocation site before complete clear-cutting and scraping of all trees and plants on that lot takes place. Many fail to thrive upon relocation and do not survive.

Upon completion of a home, few to no local native plants that once grew on the lot are replanted, and even if a local native tree is replanted (live oak, slash pine, sabal palm) it is common that those trees will not survive and grow to maturity.

The deadline to raise the purchase funds is April 28th. We'll be keeping track of donations received via the Nature Bingo card shown here and will share periodic updates to it here, in our newsletter and on our social media.

Once we fill the card with donations NATURE WINS and we will purchase and protect the parcel.

TORTOISE EVICTION - DID YOU KNOW?

Sadly, when a residential lot is targeted for development, in the majority of cases tortoises are relocated off-site. They are bucket trapped or dug out of their burrows with machinery and then taken many miles from home to a relocation site before complete clear-cutting and scraping of all trees and plants on that lot takes place. Many fail to thrive upon relocation and do not survive.

This is the aftermath of two different burrows excavated with machinery. A long pole is used to probe the burrow to see if the tortoise is at home during the machine-digging process. Imagine how the tortoise must be feeling while this is going on. And, imagine if someone did this to your home for the purpose of evicting you . . .

Further, upon completion of a home, few to no local native plants or trees that once grew on the lot are replanted. All the more reason to protect greenspace in our neighborhoods.

Greenspace in our neighborhoods benefits nature and humans alike!

QUESTIONS? Contact us at [phone redacted] or [email redacted] or visit www.ecnorthport.com.

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31 supporters

Barbara Lockhart is fundraising

Florida Scrub-jay Habitat Purchase Opportunity

HELP SAVE THE FLORIDA SCRUB-JAY IN NORTH PORT (SARASOTA COUNTY) BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE.

The Florida Scrub-Jay is endemic to Florida, which means it is only found in our State. It was federally listed as threatened in 1987. North Port is blessed to continue to host a population of these beautiful birds and as the City continues to develop at lightning speed, the time is now to act to forever protect the habitat they need to survive.

The Environmental Conservancy of North Port, Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit land conservancy, has acquired 4 undeveloped parcels of land to date in a neighborhood of North Port where Scrub-jays reside. An opportunity to purchase 5 additional parcels from the same owner is now available, if the funds necessary to purchase them can be raised.

Acquiring these 5 parcels would provide additional protected habitat to that which the Conservancy already owns for the benefit of the Scrub-jays, as well as other wildlife and flora that utilize it (such as the Federally threatened Gopher Tortoise, the declining Northern Bobwhite Quail, a bird also in decline mainly due to habitat loss, and the endemic Pineland Heliotrope (Heliotropium polyphullum) native plant).

North Port is currently one of the fastest growing cities in Florida. Clear-cutting of all native trees and other flora to make way for residential development is the method of choice and no restoration of local flora is currently required on a parcel once a residence is complete.

Conserving existing "stepping-stone" habitat patches in the City's Scrub-jay neighborhoods is crucial to maintaining the biodiversity necessary for the long term survival of not just North Port's Scrub-jays, but all resident flora and fauna they share their environment with. Creating a balance between development and our environment is possible through land conservation.

Please consider joining this effort to forever protect the Florida Scrub-jay in North Port. For more information on The Environmental Conservancy of North Port, Inc., visit their website at www.ecnorthport.com, or find them on social media:

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/The-Environmental-Conservancy-of-North-Port-Inc-100291658156351

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/northportconservancy/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2eH4C0yJuVgIijRYnK6kuQ

Questions? Email us at [email redacted] or telephone us at [phone redacted].