Greg Knecht, executive director of The Nature Conservancy in Florida, announced that a grant from the Duke Energy Foundation will aid in habitat restoration at the historic Gamble Place Preserve. This initiative aims to enhance ecosystems and strengthen public connections to nature, as said in a news release.
“Providing Florida communities with access to natural spaces is more important than ever,” said Knecht. “This Duke Energy Foundation grant will help revive the historic Gamble Place Preserve, strengthening the local ecosystem by restoring the landscape and opening doors to opportunities for the public to connect with nature. We are grateful for Duke Energy’s longstanding partnership and look forward to sharing future conservation wins.”
Florida’s susceptibility to climate impacts such as rising sea levels and intensified hurricanes highlights the importance of natural spaces in bolstering community resilience. According to the Resilient Florida Program, living shorelines serve as natural barriers against flooding and erosion, thereby protecting ecosystems and communities throughout the state.
The Duke Energy Foundation’s grant is intended to support the rehabilitation of native habitats and historic structures at Gamble Place Preserve. This effort is part of broader restoration initiatives. The property was purchased in 1898 by James N. Gamble and donated to The Nature Conservancy in 1983. It includes diverse ecosystems now targeted for recovery through conservation partnerships.
Knecht has served as executive director of The Nature Conservancy in Florida since approximately 2023, bringing over 30 years of experience in managing and protecting natural landscapes. His responsibilities include planning and implementing conservation programs aimed at safeguarding endangered habitats across the state.
The Nature Conservancy in Florida has protected thousands of acres of critical habitats and contributes to efforts like the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Its work encompasses land stewardship, conservation research and education, as well as restoration initiatives across major ecosystems, according to the organization’s 2024 impact report.
