Partnering Conservation Organizations
Audubon of Florida
Audubon's mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity. Its major Southwest Florida holding is Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, one of the most significant natural areas in Florida, which contains the largest virgin cypress swamp remaining in North America. The Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed Project was designed to further protect the Sanctuary by purchasing surrounding habitats, including a direct link to conservation areas to the south.
www.audubonofflorida.org
Audubon Western Everglades
Founded in 1961 and boasting 2,400 members, Collier Audubon is an advocate for conservation and protection of environmentally sensitive land in Collier, Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties, and for the use of Smart Growth principles to channel development into areas where it will do the least harm. Environmental education for children and adults, as well as numerous birding trips each year, are also part of Collier Audubon's work.
www.collieraudubon.org
Defenders of Wildlife
Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native wild animals and plants in their natural communities. Long recognized as a leader on endangered species issues, Defenders engages in solution-oriented, science-based advocacy, education and outreach, policy development, legislative initiatives and litigation to alleviate threats to species, sustain ecosystems and interconnected habitat, and protect and restore wildlife populations. A national, nonprofit organization, Defenders has over one million members and activists.
www.defenders.org
Florida Wildlife Federation
Since 1937, Florida Wildlife Federation has served as a premier conservation organization working for a healthy natural environment, the restoration and protection of wildlife habitat, and sustainable resource-based outdoor recreation. It is the exclusive state affiliate of National Wildlife Federation. Based in Tallahassee, the organization's Southwest Florida office opened in 1994 and quickly adopted the Florida panther as its guiding species. The Federation has earned a reputation for providing leadership in collaborative efforts to tackle key environmental issues on a local and state level.
www.fwfonline.org
Partnering Landowners
Alico Inc.
Alico, Inc., a land management company operating in Central and Southwest Florida, owns approximately 135,500 acres of land located in Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Polk counties. Alico is involved in various agricultural operations and real estate activities. Founded in 1948, it today is a publicly held company; its mission is to grow its asset values through its agricultural and real estate activities to produce superior long-term returns for its shareholders.
www.alicoinc.com
Barron Collier Investment, Ltd
The Barron Collier Companies, which traces its roots to County Founder Barron Gift Collier, is one of the largest diversified companies in Southwest Florida. In addition to responsible development, management and stewardship of numerous land holdings nationwide, BCC 's businesses include extensive agricultural operations and oil exploration and mineral management. In partnership with Ave Maria University, BCC is creating the self-sustaining town of Ave Maria in Eastern Collier County.
www.barroncollier.com
Collier Enterprises
Collier Enterprises has an expansive portfolio of diverse businesses that spans various industries, including real estate investments and holdings, agricultural operations, environmental preservation and restoration projects. Most recently, Collier Enterprises has worked to protect and restore environmental lands in eastern Collier County while creating opportunities to accommodate future growth. In addition, Collier Enterprises has expanded the company’s investment portfolio through joint venture, partnerships, and capital investments in trending markets nationwide.
www.collierenterprises.com
Consolidated Citrus Limited Partnership
King Ranch is 78% owner of Consolidated Citrus, Limited Partnership, which is the largest citrus grower in the United States. Consolidated Citrus’ operation consists of more than a dozen separate grove locations throughout the southern half of Florida and totals approximately forty thousand tree-planted acres. The core business of this partnership is the production of juice oranges, with approximately ninety-one percent of the annual harvest consisting of the preferred Valencia and other juice varieties. The remainder of the harvest is made up of grapefruit and specialty fruit.
www.king-ranch.com
