Join Our Mission of Conservation
This beautiful photo is courtesy of Naomi Ballard,
Conservation Easements Coordinator @ Alachua Conservation Trust
This beautiful photo is courtesy of Naomi Ballard,
Conservation Easements Coordinator @ Alachua Conservation Trust
Welcome Everyone
to Pine Street Basin Preserve.
And welcome to the remarkable state of Florida. Home to one of the country's most diverse ecosystems.
The preserve is adjacent to the beautiful Volusiain Forest in Volusia County. This forest is a missing link in local conservation efforts. Our goal is to change that.
Pine Street Basin Preserve is located in the growing town of Pierson. It currently protects 40 acres of forest with lush swampy wetlands, natural springs & pastureland.
Our mission is Conservation; our primary objective is wildlife management & protection.
Utilizing many methods of forest restoration, we will maintain optimal forest health to allow for supportive recreation & research.
The ecosystem here was a mostly undisturbed forest basin, a few natural spring fed ponds dotted the area.
Previous owners attempted to prepare the land for development and caused a major disruption in the natural hydrology.
Natural ponds were filled, and a large lake was dug. During which a natural spring was hit. Causing further damage to the local water table.
Our first year leasing the property.
It had been untouched since the damage done in 2007. The previous owner was fined heavily for the damage and lost the property.
After much convincing, the new owners were willing to sell us the property. Now restoration and protection could get underway.
Florida Forest Service, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, FWC Landowner Assistance Program, and The Alachua Conservation Trust set us on a path for success.
We love this land and every plant and animal that calls it home. We want to see this habitat thrive and survive the onslaught of approaching development. Conservation is about maintaining a natural resource and it gives us the power to restore and protect this land for generations to come.
The goal is to improve the wildlife habitat on the property by increasing the diversity of native ground vegetation and opening up browsing and travel corridors. Hardwood growth will be reduced to help maintain a diverse mix of habitat types.
We will also be campaigning for the endangered and protected species found here on the property. Research and education will be a big part of our wildlife protection plan.
By restoring the structure and function of the groundcover and vegetative communities we can help restore the underlying force that drives a fully functioning ecosystem. Groundcover restoration will re-establish the native grasses, herbs, forbs, and other species which occur at ground level. Reforestation of Long Leaf Pines will restore the pasturelands and provide valuable habitat for wildlife.
Soil and water conservation will be vital to the health of the preserve and the surrounding forest.
Natural spring water was redirected in the past, causing a shift in the ecosystem here. We will adhere to the standards and guidance of The Florida Forest Service - Water Quality - Best Managment Practices to insure the best restoration possible for the health of the forest.
Coral Ardisa, Camphor Trees, and Cogon Grass are on our list of invasive plants affecting the health of the ecosystem of the preserve. Bark Beetles pose a threat to our Pine trees and some invasive fungi need to be delt with. The removal of these Invasive species will improve the quality of habitat for wildlife and conserve the biodiversity of the forest.
We save the forest to share it with others. Preparing the preserve to support responsible recreation, research and education is a dream of ours. We have set many goals that will eventually bring us to this dream. Along with hiking trails, campsites, and watchtowers, Pine Street Preserves will host an outdoor educational station. Ready to support the needs of researchers, educators, students, and nature lovers of every kind.
Pine Street Preserve is home to a plethora of Florida's Native plants and animals.
Florida black bears, white tailed deer, Florida panthers, coyotes, and even alligators call this forest home. Sandhill cranes, turkeys, eagles, hawks, woodpeckers, owls, and kingfishers are just a few of the birds we see throughout the year.
And don't miss the intriguing world of insects, amphibians, and reptiles that densely populate the wetlands and swamps hidden in the preserve.
January of 2025 marked the beginning of a lifelong journey for those of us living here at the preserve.
Conservation efforts are in full swing and we're preparing to open the preserve to the public for educational opportunities & responsible recreation.
With help from the Florida Forest Service, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, and the Alachua Conservation Trust, we have fully put into action the objectives of our forest management plan.
Mon | By Appointment | |
Tue | By Appointment | |
Wed | By Appointment | |
Thu | By Appointment | |
Fri | By Appointment | |
Sat | By Appointment | |
Sun | By Appointment |
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