Graham Conservation Easement Protects Olustee Creek and Santa Fe River
October 6, 2025
Gainesville, FL - Donald Graham’s family has been farming the same stretch of land along the Olustee Creek just above the confluence with the Santa Fe River since the 1860s. Donald and his wife, Janie wanted to make sure that it continues to be the case for generations to come. This week, they protected their 416-acre farm located in Columbia and Union counties. They did so by granting a conservation easement to Alachua Conservation Trust (ACT). This was made possible with funding through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP’s) Alternative Water Supply and Accelerating Suwannee grant programs, which the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) administers. Protection of the Graham family farm expands a network of connected conservation lands along the Upper Santa Fe River.
The property features rolling topography and shoulder both sides of Olustee Creek for 1.3-miles This section of the creek contains multiple sinkholes and boils. Located within the Devil’s Ear Springshed, an impaired first-magnitude Outstanding Florida Spring designated by DEP, Olustee Creek is a major tributary to the Santa Fe River. The property connects to existing state and local conservation lands including O’Leno State Park and ACT’s Santa Fe Springs Preserve.
Over the last 160 years, the Graham family has farmed a wide array of commodities including tobacco, hogs, corn, soybeans, peanuts and cattle. The sale of the conservation easement will allow the Graham’s to transition the farm to less intensive agricultural operations, including cover cropping and rotational grazing.
““The Santa Fe River is the emerald necklace of North Central Florida, both ecologically and culturally. Conserving this property along Olustee Creek contributes to river and springs protection, safeguards wildlife habitat, and expands an existing conservation corridor in the region.” ”
SRWMD Executive Director Hugh Thomas added,” Conservation easements reflect a lasting commitment to protect our region’s natural beauty and water resources. This project shows the power of local partnerships and state support working together to preserve environmentally sensitive areas. By preserving these lands today, we’re ensuring that both ecosystems and communities thrive well into the future.”
ACT thanks the Graham family for their commitment to seeing their farm and land conserved and the Suwannee River Water Management District for their partnership in providing the necessary funding to make this project a reality.
For additional information about this or related projects, please contact ACT at info@alachuaconservationtrust.org or (352) 373-1078.
