ORLANDO, Fla. — It’s a big investment in preservation. Orange County is buying more than 350 acres of environmentally sensitive land in southwest Orange County, spending millions to create a protected wildlife corridor northwest of Disney World.

What You Need To Know

Orange County is spending $15 million to buy 355 acres of environmentally sensitive land

The purchase will protect water resources and create a wildlife corridor for bears, panthers, other animals

The county has preserved 3,400 acres through a $100 million program

Tuesday, the county decided to purchase 355 acres of environmentally sensitive land just west of State Road 429 and east of Avalon Road, and north of Western Way. County leaders are paying $15 million for the tract.

The intersection of Western Way and Avalon Road is a hot spot for development near South Winter Garden. Crews continue to build roads, homes and apartments as the population booms there. The county has purchased land north of the busy intersection to create a buffer zone against development.

Brian Humphreys has lived right across the street from the now-protected land for four years. He says the county’s land deal is great news.

“There’s so much development on this street. It’s nice to see a section that’s going to be limited from development,” he said.

County leaders say the large tract is part of Florida’s Green Swamp. They say the purchase will protect water resources and environmentally sensitive land, while creating a wildlife corridor for bears, panthers and other animals that move through the developing area.

Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe represents District Three.

“When you see coyotes and bears and panthers in neighborhoods, they’re lost. So, by us at least trying to keep it together, it allows them to have that environment that they can roam freely and safely, and it’s safe for people too,” Uribe said.

Uribe adds this purchase shows how county leaders are deliberately setting aside environmentally sensitive lands for the future.

“You want a balance of growth which we know we need, but you also, quality of life is just as important,” Uribe said.

Humphreys is relieved wild animals will still have a safe place to live as people continue to move into this area.

“It’s nice to be able to sit in your back yard and see some animal walk by every once in a while,” he said.

Orange County Commissioners say they have preserved more than 3,400 acres through the county’s $100 million Green Place Program.