SHOW US NORTH FLORIDA THROUGH YOUR EYES: NFLT PHOTO CONTEST

Opens September 7 | Deadline: November 9, 2025

North Florida Land Trust invites amateur photographers to help showcase the wild beauty of our region in its 2025 Annual Report Photo Contest. From sweeping landscapes to close encounters with native wildlife, this contest celebrates the unique natural treasures of North Florida through the eyes of our community. 

Amateur photographers of all ages may enter, with parental consent required for those under 18. Participants can submit up to three photos highlighting native wildlife, iconic views, or scenes of nature in action. Light editing is allowed, but staged or AI-generated images will not be accepted. 



The winning photo will appear on the cover of NFLT’s 2025 Annual Report, with full credit to the photographer. The winner will also receive a Champion-level membership for 2026 and a prize pack of NFLT gear. Honorable mentions will be recognized in the Winter 2026 edition of Landscapes magazine, as well as on NFLT’s website and social media channels. 

LIGHTS OUT NEFL HIGHLIGHTS FALL MIGRATION AND AUDUBON'S 125TH ANNIVERSARY

September 15th - November 15th

Fall bird migration runs from September 15 through November 15, and Lights Out Northeast Florida, in partnership with the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Duval Audubon Society, and St. John’s Regional Audubon, encourages residents to turn off non-essential lights from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. each night to create safer skies. Artificial lighting can disorient migratory birds and lead to fatal window collisions, but small changes at home and in businesses can make a big difference. 

Mayor Donna Deegan signed Jacksonville’s first Lights Out Proclamation earlier this year, and local partners are already setting an example. The Jaguars have turned off their stadium roof lights nightly since February (pending events), and both the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens and the Museum of Science & History have installed bird-safe window markings that has eliminated window strikes. 



This migration period also coincides with 125 Years of Audubon in Florida, an anniversary that celebrates the organization’s century-long legacy of protecting habitats, water, and coastlines. Travelers can view the special exhibition, 125 Years of Audubon in Florida, now on display at the Jacksonville Airport Sky Gallery through December 15, 2025. Join more than 150 local homeowners in signing the Lights Our Pledge today! 

Florida State Parks’ New Accessible Beach Trams 

Florida’s state parks are improving coastal access with new all-terrain trams designed for wheelchairs and mobility devices. A $120,000 donation from the Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation will provide 11-passenger accessible trams at Bill Baggs Cape Florida, Lovers Key, and Topsail Hill Preserve.

The Foundation’s ongoing partnership with Florida State Parks also supports beach cleanups, shoreline restoration, public education, and marine resource protection. These new trams build on other accessibility efforts, including the distribution of more than 60 beach wheelchairs statewide.

“By expanding access, we’re helping more people connect with Florida’s stunning and diverse beaches,” said Foundation Administrator Jacquie Youngs.

Students Reimagine Jacksonville in Inaugural Mayor’s Cup Minecraft Challenge 

On May 20, the City of Jacksonville hosted the first-ever Mayor’s Cup Minecraft Build Challenge Finals with Duval County Public Schools, Minecraft Education, the DuBlasé Foundation, and Ebri Education. More than 600 students competed, with top teams presenting sustainable city designs to educators, civic leaders, and experts.

Students explored STEM, sustainability, and urban planning through game-based learning while competing for the Mayor’s Cup and $10,000 in prizes sponsored by VyStar Credit Union. The event, part of the global C40 Reinventing Cities initiative, will return annually to highlight student innovation and reimagine Jacksonville’s future.

Groundwork Jacksonville Launches Nature Hub on Emerald Trail 

Groundwork Jacksonville, with support from the Winston Family Foundation, is developing a new nature hub along the Emerald Trail’s S-Line in Brentwood as part of the national Project One Health initiative. The site will feature a micro forest, outdoor classroom, and play area, with programs led in partnership with 2nd Mile Ministries and local schools.

Weekly lessons and hands-on activities—like bird watching, gardening, scavenger hunts, and yoga—will help children reduce screen time, connect with nature, and build healthier habits. “Spending time outdoors has tremendous health benefits and creates a stronger sense of community,” said GWJax CEO Kay Ehas.

City of Jacksonville Advances McCoys Creek Restoration  

The City of Jacksonville has committed $105.4 million to restore McCoys Creek and reduce chronic flooding. In partnership with Groundwork Jacksonville, the project will improve stormwater flow, restore wetlands and habitats, and create new recreational spaces.

Construction is underway at the Outfall near the St. Johns River, with completion expected in fall 2025. Planned features include litter collection systems, native landscaping, trails, and connections to the Emerald Trail—transforming McCoys Creek into a resilient community asset.

Jacksonville Launches Litter League to Boost Neighborhood Cleanups 

This summer, the City of Jacksonville launched the Jax Litter League, a team-based competition to reduce litter as part of Mayor Donna Deegan’s Keep Jax Cute: Don’t Pollute campaign. More than a dozen teams joined the inaugural season, collecting trash, building community pride, and competing for prizes from the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.

Operation G.L.A.D.D. Dads won the first championship after collecting over 50 bags of litter and removing bulky debris, earning the honor of throwing the first pitch at a Jumbo Shrimp game. The City will relaunch the program in 2026 and encourages residents to take the Keep Jax Cute Pledge and join future cleanups.

Community Installs Oyster Reef to Improve Trout River Health   

On August 5, Riverview Collective Community Organization marked National Oyster Day by installing 40 oyster reef modules at Riverview Park along the Trout River. The POSH units, made from recycled oyster shells and concrete, create habitat for oysters, which filter water, support biodiversity, and sequester carbon.

The project, completed with volunteers and partner organizations, spans 140 feet of living shoreline and highlights the impact of community collaboration in restoring local waterways. “We’re restoring our river one oyster at a time,” said the Riverview Collective team.

North Florida Land Trust Celebrates 25 Years with New Book Release 

North Florida Land Trust is celebrating its 25th anniversary with Keeping North Florida Wild, a new book showcasing its conservation journey from its first acre to thousands now protected. Featuring essays, archival images, and photography, it highlights milestone projects, partnerships, and the ongoing call to preserve North Florida’s landscapes and wildlife.

Books ship the week of September 29, with in-office pickup available by contacting NFLT’s Development team.

St. Augustine Establishes Red Cedar Award for Environmental Impact 

On September 8, the St. Augustine City Commission approved the new Red Cedar Award for Environmental Impact, honoring residents or organizations that make lasting contributions to the city’s natural resources. Proposed by Vice Mayor Barbara Blonder, the award highlights local conservation efforts, such as the grassroots campaign to save Fish Island.

One award will be presented annually, beginning in April 2026 during Earth Month. Recipients will receive a framed photo of the Roseate Spoonbill, the city’s official bird.