In the News

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, 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

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:

• Tropical Trading Company and management of his one-acre tropical grove with his siblings
• Protect Tiger Creek blocked a proposed sand mine
• Led Stop the Toxic Waste Incinerator successfully for Polk County
• Save Windy Hill & Straw Hat Valley
• Stop the Toll Road to Ruin Initiative

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.

GUIDED HIKES – Saturday, March 13, 2021

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

• Firehouse / Chapman Oak / Scrub Plum Trails (0.5 mile) departing from Rainbow Blvd. and 5th Ave., Babson Park (just off Scenic Hwy. 17 surrounding Babson Park Community Church) departing at 9a.m.
• Barbara B. Pedersen Preserve Trails (1 mile) departing 6609 Scenic Hwy. 17 N, Dundee at 11a.m.
• Michael V. Lewis Arboretum (1.4 miles) departing grass parking area just west of 2000 Overlook Dr., Winter Haven at 2p.m.

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 >>

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 the 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.

 

March 10 | 2019 Blazing Star Award goes to Jeffrey Spence

The 2019 Blazing Star was awarded to Jeffrey Spence at the Green Horizon Land Trust’s Annual Dinner at Bok Tower Gardens on Sunday, March 10.  Jeff retired in 2018 as the Parks & Natural Resources Director after 35 years with Polk County Board of County Commissioners. In this position he oversaw the County’s Water Resources program; Environmental Lands; Mosquito Control; Invasive Plant Management, Parks and Recreation and the History Center.

His major accomplishments include creation of the county’s Water Quality, Environmental Lands and Drainage Programs; overseeing the purchase of 26,000 acres of environmental lands (including the Circle B Bar Reserve); and the construction of over $50,000,000 of parks during the last eight years.

Jeff and his wife, Lynette (an RN and birder extraordinaire) are joined this evening by their two grown sons. Since retirement Jeff is pursuing passions of travel and nature photography.

Read more about Jeff and the Blazing Star Award.

March 10 | Green Horizon Land Trust Annual Dinner

February 2019 | Catfish Creek State Preserve Swampbuggy Eco-tour a big hit!

Scrub Jays greeted us as we emerged from the flatwoods into the scrub. Turkeys were on parade, an alligator basked on the bank, and tracks of all sorts were clearly visible in the sugar sand along this section of the Lake Wales Ridge. Thanks to Park Manager Andy Noland, Park Biologist Eric Egensteiner, and Volunteer Leo for a wonderful tour!

You can see more pictures in this Catfish Creek Ecotour Flickr album.

February 2019 | New 2018-2019 Guided Hike Series a success!

Our exciting new 2018-2019 Guided Hike Series proved to be popular. Our volunteer naturalists guided participants along select Lake Wales Ridge trails, highlighting the rare and common flora, fauna and geology of these ancient islands. These were cool season hikes, open to all ages.

February 2019 | Swampbuggy Adventures enjoyed by all!

The 16-passenger swamp buggy gave participants a high and dry view of the Lake Wales Ridge. The eco-tours to Catfish Creek and Kissimmee State Preserves proved to be both informative and great fun.

July 2018 | Moth Night at Lewis Arboretum

In celebration of National Moth Week (July 21-29, 2018), Green Horizon's Tom Palmer conducted an evening of moth viewing at Lewis Arboretum on Tuesday, July 24 from 8:30-10:30 p.m. Lights were set up in an observation area near the trail entrance under the pines for participants' viewing pleasure.

For more information about National Moth Week visit nationalmothweek.org.

 

May 2018 | NPR takes on Farm Succession

Rural Lands At Risk As Ranchers Prepare For Retirement – As farmers and ranchers age, the fate of millions of acres of rural land will be decided by the quality of each family’s succession planning. Without it, the landscape can be fragmented by development, and no longer be available to support agriculture or wildlife. Learn more at NPR. > >

 

 

February 2018 | Annual Membership 2018 Meeting and Dinner

The 2018 Annual Membership Meeting and Dinner was held at Bok Tower Gardens Sunday, March 11th.  The guest speaker, Andy Noland, Kissimmee State Park Manager, presented on Kissimmee State Park and Catfish Creek State Park. The Blazing Star award recognized Dr. Paul Fellers for his years of conservation outreach, nature based education, guided hikes and events. Read more > >

 

November 2017 | Hurricane Irma recovery efforts continue

Hurricane Irma recovery efforts continue along Green Horizon Land Trust trails and properties, most specifically ScrubPlum in Babson Park, Pedersen Preserve in Dundee and Lewis Arboretum in Winter Haven. Volunteers have worked tirelessly and submitted reports and photos of their efforts.

July 2017 | Remembering James Edgar “Jim” Pedersen

Green Horizon Land Trust extends our heartfelt condolences to the family of Jim Pedersen, who passed away at the age of 89. Mr. Pedersen donated the 40+ acre Pedersen Preserve to Green Horizon Land Trust. Many people are fond of visiting the preserve, exploring the trails, observing wildlife, savoring the serene peace of Lake Annie. Jim will be missed by all who knew him.

Read more about Jim in this memorial.

June 2017 | Remembering Talbot 'Tal' Lewis

Green Horizon Land Trust extends our sincere sympathies to the family of Tal Lewis, who passed away at the age of 91. Mr. Lewis donated the 60+ acre Michael V. Lewis Arboretum to GHLT. For over 40 years Mr. Lewis collected  ornamental plants, including many species of palms, and planted them within a landscape he designed. Many people enjoy visiting the arboretum and exploring the trails, marveling at the trees and observing the wildlife.
Tal will be missed by all who knew him.
Read more about Tal in this memorial in The Ledger.

March 2017 | Green Horizon Land Trust Annual Dinner

Our dinner program featured Tom Palmer presenting "A Veteran Reporter’s Environmental History of Polk County & Florida." Tom retired from The Ledger after 36 years as Senior Reporter, Columnist, and Blogger in September 2016 (See Tom Palmer leaves a great legacy, The Ledger).

Tom is also the recipient of our 2017 Blazing Star Award for his non-stop contributions. Read more about Tom.

December 2016 | Twenty Acres Added to Lewis Arboretum and Parrott Trail

Just before Christmas 2016, Mr. Talbot Lewis donated approximately 20 additional acres, adjacent to the 40 acre Michael V. Lewis Arboretum and Luther C. Parrott Trail to Green Horizon Land Trust. The hiking trails and natural areas increased by 1/3 due to this donation in SE Winter Haven off of Overlook Drive.  Many thanks to Mr. Lewis for his generosity!  The arboretum and trails are open during daylight hours to the public with grassed parking off of Overlook Drive across from the entrance to Emily Estates and St. Matthew's Catholic Church.

October 2015 | Generous New Land Donation on Lake Buffum

Green Horizon recently acquired 507.46 acres through inheritance and generous donation from the Estate of (the late) Barbara Lindsey Durrance and Myron Davis. This lovely parcel on the southern edge of Lake Buffum, Ft. Meade, FL is a significant addition, and we are grateful for the generosity of these families. The parcel is mostly wetland with interesting hydrological points, as well as wooded wildlife habitat for numerous species of flora and fauna.

 December 19 | Longleaf Pine Tree Planting at Pedersen Preserve

Four thousand (4,000) longleaf pine trees were planted at Pedersen Preserve (S. Scenic Highway 17, Dundee, FL) the morning of Thursday, December 19, 2013 as part of the planned pine tree restoration project on five (5) acres of old citrus grove fronting Hwy. 17. 

This planting (and holiday season) kicked off our Plant - A - Tree Gift Certificate fundraiser. For each Certificate purchased, a longleaf pine tree will be planted at Pedersen Preserve, Dundee, FL, on behalf of the recipient.  Each tree may be purchased for $10.  Gift recipients will receive a Plant - A – Tree Certificate and map with directions to Pedersen Preserve to enable them to visit the pine forest, hike the trails and enjoy the preserve now and into the future as their pine tree (and the pine forest) grows.  Plant - A - Tree Gift Certificates are available year round for special events, birthdays, anniversaries and holidays.

Plant – A – Tree Certificates are made possible through Green Horizon Land Trust’s, Plant – A – Tree Certificate Program. Plant – A – Tree is a local, central Florida program providing families, schools, and communities with fun, hands-on opportunities to plant trees or simply gift trees that will be planted on the recipients behalf. All trees will be planted in Central Florida and are native species that help protect and restore natural areas that provide habitat for wildlife.  

 

September 28 | National Public Lands Day

Volunteers from one Girl Scout Troop and one Brownie Troop participated in trail maintenance activities at Pedersen Preserve (S. Scenic Highway 17, Dundee, FL) the morning of Saturday, September 28, 2013.  Thank you!

 

 

 

July 27 | Ridge Ranger's Melaleuca Tree Removal Workday

Invasive exotic Melaleuca trees were cut and treated with herbicide along the shoreline of Lake Annie at Pedersen Preserve (S. Scenic Highway 17, Dundee, FL) the morning of Saturday, July 27, 2013.  Thank you to the more than one dozen Ridge Ranger volunteers who worked to make this day a success! 

 

 

 

March 5 | Bok Gardens Nature Trail Opens Onto Pine Land Preserve

At 9:00 am on March 1, 2013, David Price, President of Bok Tower Gardens (also President of Green Horizon Land Trust), presided over the ribbon cutting that opened a 1.5 mile trail that winds through open lands surrounding Bok Tower Gardens. The preserve with its hiking trails, educational and interpretive signage, picnic shelters, recreational opportunities, and restoration work is the product of a partnership between Green Horizon Land Trust and Bok Tower Gardens, with the help and support of many other organizations. Read more....