More Than 1,700 Acres of Environmentally Sensitive Land Protected This Year Through Orange County Green PLACE Program

More Than 1,700 Acres of Environmentally Sensitive Land Protected This Year Through Orange County Green PLACE Program

On a 752-acre parcel near Bithlo, towering pine trees and leafy shrubs rise above sprawling wetlands as several bird species hop gracefully from branch to branch.

Fortunately, the inhabitants of this property- including threatened gopher tortoises - do not have to worry about losing their homes. As part of its Green PLACE program, Orange County recently bought this land, preserving it for future generations.

Green PLACE, an award-winning initiative that preserves, enhances and restores environmentally sensitive lands, has acquired more than 1,700 acres across 19 properties since the beginning of this year. This includes the 752 acres near Bithlo - the largest single Green PLACE acquisition since the County Commission allocated $100 million in 2021 to expand the program.

"The Green PLACE program reflects our unwavering commitment to preserve the natural beauty of Orange County," said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. "This type of conservation is essential to protect our natural resources and provide our rapidly growing population with nature-based opportunities for outdoor recreation."

The program has been lauded by environmental advocates, including leaders of the Nature Conservancy, a national nonprofit with the mission of protecting lands and waters.

"These properties provide a wide variety of essential ecosystem services to residents and visitors who enjoy nature-based recreational opportunities," asserted Christianah Oyenuga, the nonprofit's Sustainable Cities Manager.

As the population in the region continues to grow, Oyenuga believes it is vital for Orange County to provide a balance between the built environment and the natural environment through conservation efforts.

"We're at a pivotal point in time where acquisitions and protection by the Green PLACE program must continue," she explained. "We need to keep the momentum going by conserving ecosystems that strengthen climate and biodiversity resilience, and safeguard habitats for imperiled and iconic wildlife."

Since the Green PLACE program started three decades ago, the County has bought 25,182 acres of land, many of which are now open to the public for activities such as hiking, fishing, and birdwatching.

In February, the program won a Regional Diamond Award from the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council for its commitment to land conservation. Other notable Green PLACE transactions or approvals this year include 361 acres in west Orange County along the south shore of Lake Sheen and west shore of Pocket Lake; and 163 acres in Christmas just west of Orlando Wetlands Park.

Orange County is dedicated to environmental sustainability and conservation. The Orange County Board of County Commissioners recently voted unanimously to update its Wetland Conservation Areas Ordinance. These updates will strengthen protection of wetlands and surface waters; make permitting processes more streamlined, predictable and consistent for applicants; and ensure natural resource protections are balanced with property rights.

The County also enacted a new tree preservation ordinance in March that protects more trees during development activities, promotes tree species diversity and updates mitigation requirements.

To learn more about Green PLACE and the County's conservation efforts, visit Natural Lands.