Conservation Through Acquisition

Land Acquisition and Conservation Easements

Since its founding in 2015, the Bocilla Islands Conservancy has worked with residents to protect the natural character of the Bocilla Islands Chain through land acquisition and conservation easements. What began as a small community effort to safeguard our bridgeless barrier island environment quickly led to the Conservancy’s first conservation easement by founding member, Cheryl Klaus, in 2017, establishing land protection as a central part of our mission.

Today, the Conservancy stewards multiple properties across the Bocilla Islands Chain that function as conservation preserves, protecting native habitat, supporting shoreline resilience, and maintaining the ecological balance of the islands. In addition, two demonstration properties serve as public educational spaces: Marine and Pollinator Park and the Eco Educational Island Conservancy Park, where residents and visitors can learn about native plants, wildlife habitat, and coastal stewardship.

Through donated properties, conservation easements, and strategic acquisitions, Bocilla Islands Conservancy continues working with residents and partners to ensure sensitive habitats remain protected for future generations.

Conservancy Owned Properties

Conservation Easements Managed

WCIND Properties Maintained

Preserves

Protecting land is one of the most important ways the Bocilla Islands Conservancy preserves the natural character and ecological balance of the Bocilla Islands chain. On bridgeless barrier islands like Don Pedro Island, Knight Island, Little Gasparilla Island, and Thornton Key, each parcel matters. Strategic land acquisition ensures that sensitive habitats remain protected for wildlife and for future generations of residents.

Through donations, partnerships, and conservation planning, Bocilla Islands Conservancy works to secure properties that support shoreline stability, native habitat protection, and long term environmental resilience.

Why Land Acquisition Matters on the Bocilla Islands Chain

Barrier islands are dynamic and vulnerable environments. Once natural land is lost to development, it cannot easily be restored. Protecting key parcels helps

• preserve native habitat for birds, pollinators, and coastal wildlife
• maintain natural shoreline buffers against storms and erosion
• protect water quality in surrounding estuaries
• support fisheries by preserving nursery habitat
• retain the unique character of our bridgeless island community

Land conservation today protects the environmental future of the Bocilla Islands chain.

Conservation Easements and Property Protection

Bocilla Islands Conservancy works with property owners to customize conservation easements that permanently protect sensitive lands while respecting ownership goals.

Through conservation easements and direct acquisition, properties can remain undeveloped and preserved as habitat corridors, native plant areas, shoreline buffers, and educational demonstration sites. These tools allow conservation to happen in ways that are flexible, collaborative, and lasting.

Properties Protected Through Community Support

Generous donations from residents and supporters have allowed the Conservancy to acquire and steward important conservation properties across the islands. These lands serve as living examples of how community driven conservation protects both habitat and island character.

Two public conservation demonstration parks include

Marine and Pollinator Park (Driftwood Park)
Located at 181 Bocilla Drive, this site supports marine habitat education and includes mini reef structures that enhance nearshore ecosystems and promote water quality awareness.

Eco Educational Island Conservancy Park (Gnome Garden)
Located at 160 Gasparilla Way, this native plant demonstration garden provides a place for families and visitors to explore island ecology while learning about trees, pollinators, and coastal habitat stewardship.

Together these properties reflect how land protection supports both conservation and community engagement.

Marine and Pollinator Park Bocilla Islands Conservancy

Expanding Conservation Through Strategic Acquisition

Bocilla Islands Conservancy continues to identify opportunities to protect additional parcels that contribute to habitat connectivity, shoreline resilience, and environmental education across the Bocilla Islands chain.

Future acquisitions help

• strengthen living shorelines
• protect native maritime hammock habitat
• expand pollinator and wildlife corridors
• support restoration initiatives
• create new opportunities for community learning

Each protected property adds lasting value to the island ecosystem.

Partner With Us to Protect Island Lands

Landowners play an essential role in conservation on the Bocilla Islands chain. Property donations, conservation easements, and legacy gifts help ensure that natural areas remain protected into the future.

If you are interested in exploring conservation options for your property, Bocilla Islands Conservancy welcomes the opportunity to work with you.

Together, we can preserve the natural habitat of the Bocilla Islands chain while supporting a balanced coexistence between the ecosystem and the community.

Make a Property & Easement Donation

Outright Donation of Property
– Donation of Property: Donate a lot outright to the conservancy. Deductions vary based on how long you have owned the property.

Bargain Sale of Property
– Bargain Sale: Sell your lot to the conservancy for a negotiated price below market value. You can deduct the difference between the sale price and fair market value on your taxes.

Conservation Easements
– Full Lot Conservation Easement: Establish an easement on your entire lot. The conservancy will control and manage the property, ensuring it remains natural and free from development. Tax benefits may include property tax reductions and deductions on the easement’s appraised value.

– Partial Lot Conservation Easement: Dedicate a portion of your property as a conservation easement while still retaining ownership of the remaining area. The conservancy manages the dedicated portion, allowing you to utilize the remainder as desired.

– Partial Lot Easement with Multiple Owners: If you and a neighbor jointly purchase a lot, you can both dedicate parts of it as conservation easements. Each portion will be managed by the conservancy, preserving the natural state of your designated areas.

At BOCILLA Islands Conservancy, we cherish the opportunity to work with our community in fostering conservation efforts. Your support, whether through donations, property contributions, or volunteering, plays a vital role in protecting our unique ecosystems. Remember to consult a tax professional regarding the specific implications of your contributions. Together, we can make a difference!

Other Ways To Make A Difference

Explore Your Donation Options

Memberships: Become a member to support our mission and enjoy exclusive benefits

Sponsorships: Consider sponsoring events or specific projects.

Cash Donations: Direct monetary contributions to assist with operational expenses.

Gift Items: Donate items for our various fundraisers.

Stocks and Bonds: Contribute through our account at TD Ameritrade.

Personal Assets: Gifts of jewelry, coins, or collections are also welcome.

Corporate Contributions: Encourage your company to support our efforts.

Online Shopping: Use Amazon Smile to donate a portion of your purchase.

Volunteer: Help with lot preparation and other activities. Click here.

Monetary Donations
Categories of giving

SUPPORTER $25 – $999
PRESERVER $1,000 – $4,999
DEFENDER $5,000 – $9,999
PROTECTOR $10,000+
SUSTAINER Any Recurring Monthly Amount

Ways to Support Us

Join our conservation programs to protect and restore our island’s ecosystems. Volunteer your time and talents, make a donation to support essential resources, or participate in our adoption program by nurturing sea oats or mangrove propagules, or adopting a mini reef to aid in marine life restoration.

Volunteer

Donate

Adopt

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Be the first to learn about our Island Living lecture series and exciting fundraisers, where we unite to support preservation and environmental education! Stay informed about our upcoming clean-up events and hands-on demonstrations in our parks, like creating oyster strings that benefit our beautiful shores!

Bocilla Islands Conservancy Overview
Bocilla Islands Conservancy is a public, nonprofit, non-political organization working in partnership with the residents of the Bocilla Islands chain, including Don Pedro Island, Knight Island, Little Gasparilla Island, and Thornton Key. Our mission is to preserve the natural habitat of the Bocilla Islands Chain while fostering community engagement and environmental education to ensure a balanced coexistence between the ecosystem and local residents. The Conservancy can customize conservation easements through land acquisition, ensuring sensitive habitats are preserved and protected to maintain the ecological balance of the islands.

Disclaimer:
The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and reflects the views and opinions of Bocilla Islands Conservancy members. It is not intended as legal, financial, or professional advice. Bocilla Islands Conservancy assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or the accuracy of the information provided. Visitors are encouraged to consult qualified professionals regarding any concerns or decisions. By using this site, you agree that Bocilla Islands Conservancy and its contributors shall not be held liable for any actions taken based on the information presented here.