Conservation Florida, a nonprofit, raised more than $5,000 to protect the state’s water, wildlife and wild places with an inaugural sip and stroll event on April 18.
More than 250 people attended Tasting on the Trail at D Ranch Preserve, 2655 Reed Ellis Road, Osteen. Guests strolled the preserve’s permanently protected trails while sampling beers, wines and juices from local craft makers. Visitors were even joined by a few resident sandhill cranes.
D Ranch Preserve was permanently protected by the nonprofit land conservancy in 2019. The 476-acre nature sanctuary, which includes 3.5 miles of trails, opened to the public last year and is available for hikers, photographers, birdwatchers and more.
Conservation Florida plans to open a nature center on the property, bringing a hub for education, connection and conservation to Central Florida. The project is expected to cost $2.5 million, with Phase 1 planned to start this year. The center is estimated to be completed in 2027, according to Conservation Florida’s website.
Conservation Florida is scheduling its next Tasting on the Trail event, but offers monthly volunteer opportunities on the first Tuesday of each month. Volunteers help maintain trails, control invasive plants, pick up trash and care for the preserve. The next opportunity is May 5 at 9:30 a.m.
For information, visit conservationfla.org