In early 2025, Martin County acquired 85 acres of endangered sawgrass wetlands just north of the St. Lucie River. This land, once at risk of development, is now protected as a vital habitat for wading birds, otters, and native fish species. Volunteers and local schools have joined in planting native vegetation, creating outdoor classrooms where students learn about wetland ecology firsthand.
News
April 21, 2026
Martin County marks conservation milestone with Bar-B Ranch acquisition celebration
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April 19, 2026
Martin County celebrates permanent preservation of over 2,000 acres
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April 16, 2026
Martin County celebrates the success of conservation efforts funded by a 2024 half-cent sales tax increase
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January 11, 2026
Conservation Lands
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November 1, 2025
Martin County takes another step to conserve 9,328 acres with sales-tax revenue
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October 24, 2025
Martin County moves forward with 16 potential land conservation acquisitions
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October 16, 2025
Martin County Forever: ELOC Recommends 16 Properties for Land Conservation
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October 6, 2025
Martin poised to preserve more than 9,000 acres with environmental sales-tax funds
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October 6, 2025
Martin County moves to protect 1,700 acres of Bar-B Ranch from development
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October 3, 2025
Martin County's Bar-B Ranch being preserved forever from development
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September 11, 2025
Martin County considers multimillion-dollar conservation deal to preserve Bar-B Ranch
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September 8, 2025
Martin eyes Bar-B Ranch for conservation
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September 3, 2025
State money, local sales tax revenue, may protect about 1,700 acres from development
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September 2, 2025
Public Update on Martin County’s Land Acquisition Sales Tax Program Scheduled for Sept. 5
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June 27, 2025
Martin County eyes 3K acres for conservation
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June 2, 2025
Stuart’s leaders mull green space spending
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May 19, 2025
Martin County land conservation moves ahead following approval of half-percent sales tax
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Archive
February 13, 2025
Martin County establishes committee to oversee purchase of land for conservation
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November 7, 2024
Referendum to Buy Natural Lands in Martin County Passes with Nearly 64% of the Vote
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November 7, 2024
Referendum to buy natural lands in Martin County passes
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October 3, 2024
Sales-tax increase in Martin County to buy land would help preserve 'unique character'
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October 2, 2024
A half-percent sales tax increase proposal on the ballot for Martin County residents
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September 16, 2024
Referendum to Buy Natural Lands in Martin County on the Ballot Nov 5 Gains Momentum
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August 28, 2024
How Jonathan Dickinson development talk could impact Martin County's November referendum
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August 27, 2024
Who proposed golf courses at Jonathan Dickinson state park?
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August 22, 2024
New Florida state parks initiative could bring golf courses to Jonathan Dickinson State Park
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August 22, 2024
Could changes in Florida's park system add golf courses at Jonathan Dickinson State Park?
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August 21, 2024
Opposition grows on building golf course at Jonathan Dickinson State Park
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August 4, 2024
F&N Article 12: Blueways
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July 7, 2024
F&N Article 11: How Preserving Martin County’s Natural Lands Will Benefit its Residents
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June 16, 2024
F&N Article 10: How Preserving Martin County’s Natural Lands Will Benefit its Residents
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June 2, 2024
F&N Article 9: Let’s Celebrate and Get to Work
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April 9, 2024
'Quality of life is very important': Martin County voters will decide on half cent sales tax to buy wetlands
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February 20, 2024
Sales-tax increase in Martin County would help buy sensitive conservation lands
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February 20, 2024
Martin County approves sales tax proposal to purchase conservation land
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February 20, 2024
Martin County Commission approves tax to be put on November ballot, voters to decide
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February 18, 2024
F&N Article 8: It's Go Time!
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February 16, 2024
Buying land for conservation may be Treasure Coast's best hope to stop unchecked growth
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February 4, 2024
F&N Article 7: What You Can Do to Help!
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January 21, 2024
F&N Article 6: Why Buy More Land
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January 7, 2024
F&N Article 5: Outreach and Support
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December 17, 2023
F&N Article 4: The Guardrails
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November 30, 2023
Preserving Paradise: A Half Cent at a Time
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November 19, 2023
F&N Article 3: The Target Areas
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October 18, 2023
Loxa-Lucie Initiative Secures Second Parcel for Protected Ecological Corridor in Hobe Sound
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October 15, 2023
F&N Article 2: A Track Record of Success
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September 17, 2023
F&N Article 1: Making the Case
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June 11, 2023
Florida real estate broker: Sentiment is high, Florida is booming and so is conservation
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May 16, 2023
Loxa-Lucie Headwaters Initiative - Second Land Acquisition Identified Along Bridge Road in Hobe Sound
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April 23, 2023
Martin County Partners With 'Leave no Trace' to Promote Sustainable Tourism Ahead of Earth Day 2023
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March 29, 2023
House environmental protection package advances
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February 15, 2023
Volusia OK’s funds for purchase of 128-acre conservation area
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November 8, 2022
Indian River County voters OK tax increase to purchase, protect sensitive environmental land
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Success Stories/Updates
Restoring the Sawgrass Wetlands
The Jensen Beach Dune Preservation Project
A stretch of coastal dune in Jensen Beach was preserved in partnership with community donors and local environmental groups. By protecting this 12-acre corridor, we’ve safeguarded nesting grounds for endangered sea turtles and provided public access to scenic walking trails. Restoration efforts included planting over 5,000 native dune plants to stabilize the shoreline and reduce erosion.
Indian River Lagoon Shoreline Rejuvenation
Along the Indian River Lagoon, the program worked with local fishermen to acquire and restore 40 acres of shoreline. The project removed invasive plants, installed oyster reef breakwaters, and improved water quality — leading to a noticeable return of manatees and dolphins to the area. Today, the site serves as both a thriving ecosystem and a peaceful spot for residents to kayak and birdwatch.
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