We are really fortunate here in Florida. Besides being blessed with great weather most of the year, 1300+ miles of shoreline, (which equates to a lot of beautiful white sandy beaches) and some unusual & unique wildlife (I don't mean the human kind, although we have our share of those too). We also have an abundance of springs, freshwater rivers and lakes throughout the state, teaming with fish, turtles, and sturgeon (yes, sturgeon!) Florida is just plain beautiful and loaded with great natural places to visit and things to see.
In fact VisitFLA, our tourist agency has discovered that in the past 3-5 years the visitation interests of our visitors has changed. It used to be that more people came for the Disney World/Universal experience and then as a side trip they might stop by one of our state parks or forests. It has now flipped and something like 70% of people traveling in Florida come for the native Florida experience FIRST - then drop by the amusement park on their way out of town. Interesting?
Actually, I'm not surprised. You see, Florida has long prided itself on it's wild and scenic nature. People who live here, visit here and move here cite that as one of the most important things about Florida.
And in Florida, what we care about we have found ways to protect. Starting in the 60's, state leaders created a series of land acquisition programs to start preserving what people in their time determined to be the most threatened conservation lands in Florida. Over the years, the state has purchased millions of acres of land or varying types, locations and uses, all held in trust for today's and future generations to enjoy.
This is the first of several articles I am writing on Florida's conservation lands program. I want to share with you the opportunities for people to enjoy what we already own, and let landowners know how they can sell their property to the state if they want to protect their family lands for future Floridians to explore.
So stay tuned, and I'll take you on a tour of Florida's natural heritage. You might pick up some tips for your next vacation while along the way!
P.S. - Your kids will love you for it as well as the kid in you!
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