Alachua Conservation Trust (ACT) and Alachua County Forever purchased a 128-acre property along the Santa Fe River on Monday.  

The property borders both sides of the river, in Bradford and Alachua counties, and lies close to two other parcels under conservation easements.  

ACT said in a press release that plans include longleaf pine habitat restoration and passive public recreation.  

The conservation nonprofit also noted the unique location of the property, where the Santa Fe River changes from swamps to a distinct channel.  

ACT Executive Director Tom Kay thanked Alachua County Forever for its role in the purchase.  

“Being able to partner with local, state, and federal agencies helps leverage funding sources, such as the Wild Spaces & Public Places Program, with private funds to ensure that Florida’s natural lands and waterways are conserved forever,” Kay said in a press release.  

He also said the purchase places ACT close to a larger goal.  

“This acquisition moves us one step closer to protecting all of the remaining large tracts along the Santa Fe River and its tributaries – the key East West wildlife corridor in our region,” Kay said.  

Alachua County recognizes the Santa Fe River as the most important strategic ecosystem for protecting out of the 47 ecosystems on its list.