Orange County can pat itself on the back for adding 1,700 acres of green to its belt this year. The Green PLACE program has snapped up several pieces of land to ensure they stay wild and free for the fauna that call it home. This environmental victory includes a notable 752-acre expanse near Bithlo, now safe from the concrete sprawl. Orange County shelled out cash from a substantial $100 million fund earmarked in 2021 to fuel this conservation crusade as part of its ambitious eco-goals.

It's no secret Orange County's been on a green buying binge, and Green PLACE is rocking the land-preservation charts. “The Green PLACE program reflects our unwavering commitment to preserve the natural beauty of Orange County,” Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings stated, as detailed by Orange County Government press release.

Christianah Oyenuga of the Nature Conservancy lined up to give the initiative two thumbs up. “These properties provide a wide variety of essential ecosystem services to residents and visitors who enjoy nature-based recreational opportunities,” Oyenuga stated, as per the county's press release, highlighting the universal benefit of such ecological saving grace. She emphasized that the balancing act between urban expansion and maintaining nature's playground is key, noting that an ongoing commitment to the program is as crucial now as ever for a healthy, biodiverse environment.

Since it began 30 years ago, Green PLACE has conserved 25,182 acres, adding more green spaces to the county. Recently, Orange County Commissioners also approved a new Wetland Conservation Areas Ordinance to balance nature protection with property rights, aiming to preserve as many wetlands and surface waters as possible. In March, they strengthened conservation further with a new tree preservation ordinance to protect more trees and keep the county’s natural areas thriving.