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News from the Green Horizon

Summer 2024 | Eagle Scouts Complete Project at Lewis Arboretum

by Ethan Branck

The Eagle Scout is an high award in scouting that is granted to hard working individuals who show leadership skills and integrity to themselves and others. As part of every Eagle Scout’s duty there comes a time when they must complete their “project” – a service requiring good teamwork and scout leadership to create a lasting impact on the community. We are delighted to have worked alongside Green Horizon Land Trust and donate the new signboard we have funded, crafted, and installed. The Arboretum we went to was lovely and we are glad to have been able to enhance the experience at Micheal Lewis.

Summer 2024 | New Signs Inform with Style

Have you visited Green Horizon’s publicly accessible hiking trails recently? Noticed any new additions? Recently, new environmental education signage was installed at Lewis Arboretum (off of Overlook Drive, Winter Haven, FL), Pedersen Preserve (off of Scenic Highway 17, Dundee, FL), and at Scrub Plum / Chapman Oak / Fire House Trails (off of Scenic Highway 17 and Rainbow Blvd., Babson Park, FL). The new signs were made to last! They were printed on aluminum which was attached to a backing board with screws with stainless steel covers. Posts wear PVC sleeves. Where necessary, signs were installed facing north, away from the potent Florida sun.

Signs pictured here may be found at one or more of these locations. Please be sure to visit these properties, check out the new signage, and enjoy hiking the trails!

This project is funded through a grant from George W. Jenkins Fund within GiveWell Community Foundation, Street Center Audubon Back To Nature Program, The Lee and Juliet Folger Fund, Wanda and James M. Moran, Jr. Foundation, Inc., and through donations from community members, family, and friends.

March 19, 2024 | Shout Out Girl Scout: Planting for Pollinators

River Selser of Girl Scout Troop #74811 worked to raise funds for signage and a pollinator-friendly garden at Michael V. Lewis Arboretum in Winter Haven. This land is owned by the Green Horizon Land Trust and includes popular hiking trails.

River explains “Park visitors currently enjoy hiking trails at Lewis Arboretum while enjoying the natural area. Providing informational signage and a demonstration planting garden to promote pollinators and pollinator-friendly plant choices will (show) ways that they, too, can make a difference by planting for pollinators.”

River with the two signs she installed educate the public on pollinators and what they do and identify some Floridafriendly and pollinator-friendly plant choices that people can include in their yards. Read more about River's project in this Haven Magazine article.

March 3, 2024 | 2024 Annual Meeting and Dinner a Great Success

Photo by Carla Savage

Our guest speaker and Blazing Star Award recipient, Ms. Julie Morris, Executive Director of the Florida Conservation Group, presented "Ranchland Conservation: Saving the Last Great Prairies of Florida". Julie founded Florida Conservation Group (FCG) in 2015 with fellow ranchers and scientists. Through FCG, she has represented private landowners in the conservation of over 65,000 acres of land and has represented government entities in the conservation of many thousands of additional acres.

Visit our Awards Page for more details about Julie's work and annual meeting highlights. You can also listen to the Florida Uncut Podcast Interview with Julie Morris where she discusses programs that promote ranchland conservation through conservation easements.

Meet our Sponsors

July 25th, 2023, | Pedersen Preserve Planting Day

by Green Horizon Land Trust Directors Suzanne Lindsey and Carla Savage

On July 25th, 2023, a group of 17 volunteers gathered at Green Horizon’s Barbara B. Pedersen Preserve in Dundee and planted 2,355 Florida native plants. Green Horizon Land Trust (GHLT) received grant funding from Coastal & Heartland National Estuary Partnership (CHNEP) for this wildlife habitat protection and restoration project.

Volunteers consisted of FWC Ridge Rangers, Green Horizon directors, and The Natives plant nursery who were tasked with growing the plants used for the restoration project.   Volunteers arrived at 7:30 AM and powered through the hot temperatures of the morning. Thankfully GHLT provided reinforcements with snacks and electrolyte packets for water bottles, along with a tailgate shaded sitting area.

The system for planting was impressive with The Natives crew giving instructions on how to properly plant, noting the differences between grasses vs tree seedlings vs flowering natives. The plants were laid out and followed by hole digging using a gas- powered auger. The rest of the team then scurried around planting the plants in between taking breaks hiding from the sun.

  • Restoration area before planting.

  • Shaded break.

  • Planting underway.

  • Restoration area after planting.

  • Sand skink tracks.

  • Several of the planting volunteers.

What a wonderful collaboration of volunteers sharing their time and talents in order to provide our community with this beautiful nature preserve.

A big shout out to Nancy Bisset, Bill Bissett, Carla Savage, Rachelle Selser, Cody Earle, Sharon Able, Marian Ryan, Tom Palmer, Jerry Burns, Jaime Henry, Susan Facteau, Marilyn Blair, Kevin Kane, Diana Miller, Michael Raiden, Paul Able, Bill Smith.   For volunteer information with the FWC Ridge Rangers visit https://myfwc.com/get-involved/volunteer/regional-programs/ridge-rangers/, or Green Horizon Land Trust at https://greenhorizon.org/.

March 26, 2023 | South Lake Buffum Field Day

The Green Horizon Landtrust Board of Directors visited the South Lake Buffum 508 acre site today to place cover boards to monitor for sand skinks, view cutthroat seep grass, and enjoy each other's company. Onsite, we also encountered Gopher Tortoise, painted buntings, fox squirrel, woodpeckers and other species. Carla Savage, "I have never seen so many pawpaws in bloom. Nice property."

  • The Green Horizon Board experienced the natural wonder of 508 acres set aside for conservation.

  • The property lies at the south side of Lake Buffum.

  • Green Horizon Executive Director Rachelle Selser and her family bring fun to the property.

  • Painted buntings are always a favorite Florida sighting.

  • Field day participants traveled in style.

  • There was evidence of smores enjoyment at the campfire.

  • Skink cover boards were distributed to help monitor for sand skinks on the property.

  • Resident gopher tortoises seemed unbothered by the visitors.

March 12 | Annual Membership Dinner and Program

Our annual celebration of the accomplishments of Green Horizon Land Trust and its partners was held at Bok Tower Garden in the outdoor kitchen.

Along with a sumptuous reception and dinner, attendee learned about the unique restoration challenges at Tenoroc Public Use Area. “The Evolution of Tenoroc” was presented by Biological Scientist Danon Moxley, our Blazing Star Award recipient for 2023. For the last 31 years, Mr. Moxley’s efforts at the Roc have centered on habitat and hydrological restoration and creation of a quality public outdoor recreational area. Read more about the Blazing Star Award here.

Spring is a great time to join or renew your Green Horizon membership. Please visit our Support page. Memberships are available at various levels ranging from $25 - $1,000. If you are unsure of your membership status, please feel free to reach out by email greenhorizonlandtrust@gmail.com or by calling 863-678-1237. THANK YOU for being a member of Green Horizon Land Trust!

Meet our Sponsors

December 13 | In Memory of Luther and Glenda Parrott

Obituary: PARROTT, Luther (90) and Glenda (87) passed away in November 2021.

Lou Parrott was the past Executive Director of Green Horizon Land Trust and continued to serve on its Board.

Lou, always cheerful, was a true gentleman and did his best to make our land trust a success.
– Marian Ryan

Lou, as he was known, grew up in the Florida panhandle. He was a graduate of the University of Florida and an avid Gator fan. His desire was to become a Forest Ranger but majored in Business to support his family. His passion was for Nature and the Environment and manifested in his lifelong love of hiking, kayaking and cycling. He was past Executive Director of Green Horizon Land Trust and continued to serve on its Board. Locally, the Lewis Arboretum, and the Luther C Parrott walking trail are managed by Green Horizon Land Trust. As past president of Haven Federal Savings and Loan, he was very active in the Winter Haven civic community and past president of the Chamber of Commerce. Donations in his memory can be made to Green Horizon Land Trust.

I remember Lou for his boundless enthusiasm for any venture he pursued. He helped to make Green Horizon Land Trust the success it has become. His work to expand our holdings resulted or will result in the protection of some unique environmental jewels.
– Tom Palmer

Donate in Memory of Luther Parrott

More about Lou

'Top of the day to you – How are you doing?' followed by 'Fantastic' was always Lou's optimistic greeting with a firm handshake.  Who wouldn't brighten up?  His positive attitude was followed with a 'can do' spirit that made so many things possible for our young and growing Green Horizon Land Trust. Even when I suggested we needed to tromp through a swamp to thoroughly assess it, he gamely explored the dark waters with me. He always had kind words to say, even when the situation was tough in the natural world or the boardroom. We will miss his spirit.
– Nancy J. Bissett

I was one of the earlier members of GHLT and served … on the interview committee once we decided we needed an Executive Director. There were many interesting applicants but Lou stood out based on his business experience (including real estate), his affable demeanor, and the fact he seemed genuinely interested in conservation without having a scientific background; he apparently was among those who pushed through the building of the Elachee Nature Center in Gainesville GA, which was quite nice….  His demeanor facilitated relations with potential donors and it was not long before we were blessed with a gift of several parcels of land, one of which, in the Reedy Creek area, that we sold to SFWMD for a lot of money. Even after retiring as Executive Director, Lou was always bringing the board members down to earth at meetings when our discussions got too high-flown. His patience with me in particular was heroic.  … the sort of individual who is receptive to environmental protection … so long as it comes across to him as sensible - the sort of person a charity like ours needs to appeal to.
  – Mike Raiden

Remembering Glenda Parrott

Glenda was a native of South Carolina. They were married at the Pensacola Naval base during the Korean War. She joined him at the University of Florida as a spouse on the GI Bill. Her interests were in Nutrition, which she avidly read and studied on her own. She loved animals and adopted many dogs and cats from shelters over the years. Lou and Glenda shared a love of pet birds, training several to speak. Glenda volunteered in the hospital as a Candy Striper for several years, and she was a member of her children's school PTA and active in her son's marching band activities. Donations in her memory can be made to the Humane Society of Polk County. Lou and Glenda are survived by one daughter, a son, one grandson and two great grandchildren

July 3 | In Memory of Doug Morrison

Doug Morrison's humanity and land/water ethic will be forever reflected in landscapes protected.

On July 3, 2021, Doug Morrison passed away peacefully surrounded by family. He will be missed.

Since Green Horizon Land Trust’s inception, Doug Morrison has been an involved member and served on the board of directors for many years. Growing up on Crooked Lake swimming, sailing, and slaloming, he would become an advocate for clean water and one of the Defenders of Crooked Lake’s early board members.

A football scholarship led him to Charleston, S.C. and The Citadel, a civil engineering degree, andtwo years military service. Though he loved to travel, he would settle back in the Babson Park/Crooked Lake area where he was dedicated to his family and community. He will be remembered throughout Florida for his tireless willingness to consult and share his knowledge of the plant world, making the world more beautiful as he helped people through his Wirt's Point Nursery.

Doug was a rock in support of the Trust's mission To say he will be missed is like saying we can do without the sun.
– Lou Parrott

His humanity and land/water ethic will be forever reflected in his many projects and loves:

Read more about Doug's contributions on our tribute page. A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, July 24, at Windy Hill at 9 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to Green Horizon's Windy Hill Initiative (read about the project here). Please indicate "In Memory of Doug Morrison" in the note area on the billing information form.

Donate to Preserve Windy Hill

April 19 2021 | Green Horizon Secures Protection for Scrub Plum Preserve

We are pleased to announce the acquisition of a permanent conservation easement for the six-acre Scrub Plum Preserve in Babson Park. The Scrub Plum Preserve contains a series of trails that wind through native habitat on the Lake Wales Ridge. These trails have long been used for environmental education efforts at Babson Park Elementary School pioneered by the late Virginia McKinley and Helen Morrison.

This permanent conservation acquisition was completed through the efforts of Virginia McKinley’s sons, Jim, Richard and Bill, Doug and Sally Morrison and through a grant from the Moran Foundation. Read the entire press release here.

March 13 - 14 2021 | Virtual Annual Membership Meeting

Green Horizon Land Trust hosted VIRTUAL and physically distanced events in lieu of the Annual Membership Dinner (due to COVID-19)!

For our online program, the Blazing Star Award was presented to Joan and Roger Waters (founders of Woodland Wonders; read all about their work!). The Blazing Star Award honors those who have made significant contributions to the preservation of environmentally sensitive lands or environmental education.

We also traveled (virtually) on a tour led by Ms. Destiny Houghton, Executive Director of Woodland Wonders. This is your chance to experience the newly opened facility and wildlife rehabilitation projects from the comfort of your home. Both programs are available below.


Blazing Star Award Presentation Woodland Wonders Virtual Tour

GUIDED HIKES – Saturday, March 13, 2021

Our physically distanced hikes took the place of dinner this year.

If you missed your chance to donate for these activities, its not too late. To support Green Horizon please donate online or mail your donation to:
Green Horizon Land Trust, Inc., P.O. Box 2445, Lake Wales, FL 33859-2445
(download 2021 RSVP and Membership Form)

RSVP and DONATE >>

It's also a great time to join or renew your Green Horizon membership. Please visit our Support page.

Meet our Sponsors

October 27 | In Memory of Lee Alex Wheeler

For three decades, Lee Alex Wheeler served as Treasurer for the Green Horizon Land Trust. He was also the former Lake Wales Mayor and City Commissioner. Alex Wheeler passed away Tuesday, October 27. Please join us in honoring his life.

Alex served on the Board of the Green Horizon Land Trust from 1992 – 2020, the City Commission from 2001-2009, and as Mayor in 2002, 2005, 2007, and 2008. Throughout his time in office he championed environmental issues and helped get curbside recycling in Lake Wales. He proposed and instituted the Utility Lifeline Program, which assists low-income individuals to only pay base rate for their utilities.

Our hearts ache for the loss of a great friend
– Lou Parrott

Read more about Alex here in the full obituary and visit our tribute page. As Tom Palmer remarks,"It is often hard to know what to say at a time like this. We've lost a great board member, community leader..."
 

May 12 | ALL TRAILS NOW OPEN

All GHLT trails are now open to those practicing 6' distancing and other recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID19 beginning Monday, May 4, 2020

March 19 | Windy Hill Matching Funds exceeds $25,000 goal

An abundance of heartfelt thanks to all who donated to the Defenders' of Crooked Lake Matching Funds. Together we exceeded the goal of $25,000 raised for the Windy Hill Initiative! The Windy Hill Initiative still needs support but those who participated in the Defenders Match doubled every dollar’s impact! Thanks again to all who helped this 2019-2020 campaign succeed!

Read more about the Windy Hill Initiative.

March 9 | Steve Morrison receives 2020 Blazing Star Award

Steve Morrison received the 2020 Blazing Star Award at the Trust’s Annual Meeting and Dinner. A naturalist, conservationist, teacher, musician, and artist, Steve has restored wildlands with prescribed fire throughout Florida. As a mentor and teacher his wisdom, patience, and enthusiasm have inspired many. Tiger Creek Preserve stands as a testament to his skills as well as his deep abiding love of the land and its creatures. Steve recently retired as the Central Florida Preserves Manager for The Nature Conservancy after 30 years of service.

Read about Blazing Star Award recipient Steve Morrison
in Polk County News, The Ledger.
 

February 1 | Malachite Goes Home For The Holidays

Green Horizon partnered Big Cat Rescue with a landowner in Lake Wales (whose Conservation Easement we hold), to release Malachite the bobcat just before Christmas, 2019. Malachite was released back to the wild where he belongs just in time for the holidays. He was orphaned when he was just a kitten. He was 8 months old in December when he got to go home, back to the wild. Watch a short video showing his release.

 

April 5 | The Ledger interviews GHLT President Marian Ryan

The Ledger's interview with Marian Ryan, current president of Green Horizons, explored the purpose and accomplishments of our Green Horizon Land Trust (GHLT). According to the article, GHLT "occupies a unique niche in the mosaic of Polk County’s environmental movement."

The Ledger's columnist Thomas R. Oldt put into perspective the many reasons why GHLT has always been committed to "protecting the land that not only sustains us — you know, food sources, green spaces, blue skies, clear air, pure water, that sort of thing — but also lends the beauty of nature to our lives."

You will want to read the article in its entirety, reprinted HERE with permission.

 

Read up on more Green Horizon activities on the News and Events page.