Mark your calendars for March 7th, 2025 as the University of Florida hosts the fourth annual DeLuca BioBlitz at the stunning DeLuca Preserve in Okeechobee, Florida. This event, where science meets nature, invites participants of all backgrounds to use iNaturalist to document the incredible biodiversity of one of Florida’s most critical conservation sites.
But this BioBlitz is about more than just cataloging species—it’s a celebration of a monumental conservation victory that permanently protected 27,000 acres of iconic Florida habitat, including wetlands and prairies, thanks in part to partnerships facilitated by our Foundation.
Nestled between the Kissimmee Prairie and Everglades headwaters, the DeLuca Preserve is a biodiversity hotspot and a key link in Florida’s wildlife corridors. It serves as essential habitat for endangered species like the Florida grasshopper sparrow and Florida panther, which has faced another deadly year due to habitat fragmentation and vehicle strikes. Wildlife corridors stitched together with properties like the DeLuca Preserve are crucial for their survival.
Thanks to the tremendous generosity of Elisabeth DeLuca, the preservation of this land wasn’t just an ecological win; it was a historic partnership between UF, Ducks Unlimited, and our Foundation. Thanks in part to our funding support, the land was secured through a conservation easement, ensuring its protection in perpetuity.
Participants of the 2025 Bioblitz will work together to identify as many plant and animal species as possible over the course of the day. Using the iNaturalist app, attendees will contribute to real-world scientific data that helps researchers better understand this remarkable ecosystem. You can view results for prior events here. To sign up for this year’s event, click here.
At the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, our mission is to protect Florida’s imperiled species and wild places. The DeLuca Preserve exemplifies how collaboration, community investment, and science can come together to safeguard Florida’s natural heritage. Through partnerships like this one, we’re not only protecting vital lands but also fostering a brighter future for wildlife, water quality, and the next generation of conservationists.
