Artie Morris
2008 Annual Dinner & Silent Auction
Keynote Speaker: Arthur Morris
March 15, 2008 — 5:30 P.M.
Don’t miss this year’s Green Horizon Annual Dinner and Silent Auction. Mark the date for the celebration of a successful year of land preservation!
The event will be held at Historic Bok Sanctuary with a heavy Hors d’ Oeuvres Buffet catered by everyone’s favorite, Chef Terrie Lobb. The Silent Auction has been an exciting part of the Annual Dinner for several years. Please consider donating items that can be sold in the Silent Auction. We’ve had everything from books, wine, original oil and acrylic paintings, to a pair of bicycles donated. We are happy to recognize individuals and businesses by displaying your name on a sign, your business card or brochures next your auction donation at the event. If you would like to donate to the Silent Auction, or if you do not receive your invitation in the mail by March 10, please call the office: 863-678-1237.Come early to check out the Silent Auction, and to enjoy the Gardens at Historic Bok Sanctuary!HISTORIC BOK SANCTUARY PROJECT
By “Lou” Parrott, Executive Director
Green Horizon Land Trust, Inc. acquired 220 acres within the southern viewshed of Historic Bok Sanctuary during 2007. The properties will be held by Green Horizon, protecting forever a portion of the most beautiful view enjoyed by the public from the Sanctuary grounds.The acquisition of these lands was the result of a grant obtained by Green Horizon from the Florida Communities Trust, a State of Florida department that receives funding from the “Florida Forever” environmental lands program. Of the 220 acres in the project, 138 acres of former citrus grove land were acquired in fee simple, and 82 acres were acquired under Conservation Easements. Easement land which is now in citrus groves will continue to be used for agricultural purposes in perpetuity. Green Horizon entered into an agreement with Historic Bok Sanctuary for the management and restoration of the fee simple lands, which are to be planted with native vegetation. Acquired lands will also be used for walking and bike trails, and a park. The Sanctuary will conduct educational tours once the trails are completed. The majority of the infra-structure will be completed within 5 years. The restoration of the land will be completed within 10 years.GHLT completed a baseline study of the land prior to taking title to the property. The survey will provide a historic point of reference as to what was on the land when acquired. This will enable Green Horizon to monitor the sites and protect them from activities not agreed upon in the easement.Additional land is under contract and will be acquired both in fee and conservation easements within the first quarter of 2008. These additional lands will become part of the overall management plan for the project.Land in this project was part of the historic design of the Sanctuary by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., one of the world’s most famous landscape architects. His designs included the White House Gardens, Washington Cathedral, and many others. The effort to protect the immediate lands surrounding HBS began in early 2005. The collaborative effort between Historic Bok Sanctuary and Green Horizon Land Trust was historic in itself. It was the first time two non-profit organizations jointly sought and obtained a grant; and the first time grove lands were acquired for conservation purposes through the Florida Communities Trust. Green Horizon is pleased to have worked with HBS to acquire these lands. Now, the real fun begins for both organizations as the plan for the land begins to unfold.
