The three signs positioned near the dune system explain the history of the area, the importance of the dunes and the nonprofit's work to protect it
Jacksonville, Fla., Sept. 16, 2024 – North Florida Land Trust was joined by the community, supporters, and friends of American Beach to unveil interpretative signs at Little NaNa Dune. The recent weather caused NFLT to move the event inside, where replica signs were revealed, and NFLT leadership made remarks. The three signs are positioned along Burney Road in American Beach, near the Little NaNa Dune system that NFLT saved with the community's help in 2021. The signs tell the history of American Beach, the reason behind the efforts to preserve the dune system, and the role of NFLT and its donors in saving the important land. The Larsen Fund and Wende Burdick supported the creation and installation of the signs.
"This is a real tribute to the folks, black and white, who worked together to make it happen in a time that isn't fostering such collaboration," said Allison DeFoor, president and CEO of NFLT. "A particular thanks go to my predecessor for his vision in this effort. We need more of this, and more is coming, so stay tuned. But time is short, so let's act. Now or Never."
NFLT contracted in 2020 to purchase three parcels that comprised a portion of the ecologically and historically significant Little NaNa Dune System in historic American Beach. The 1.55 acres were owned by individuals who planned to develop it but instead agreed to sell it to NFLT. The nonprofit land conservation organization began raising money through the Amelia Forever Campaign to buy the land. Donations from the community, a $500,000 anonymous donor, and a challenge grant from the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund provided the more than $1.3 million needed to fund the acquisition in 2021.
Little NaNa Dune is part of a dune system in historic American Beach at the south end of Amelia Island that is an important habitat for gopher tortoises and migrating birds. It connects to an 8.5-acre property that includes NaNa Dune, the tallest dune in Florida that became part of the National Park Service's Timucuan Preserve in 2004.
NaNa Dune was named by the late MaVynee Betsch, known as "The Beach Lady," a descendant of the founder of American Beach. Betsch was an activist for the preservation of the natural integrity of the historic Black community, which was founded in 1935 to give African Americans beach access during the days of segregation. The new interpretative signs at Little NaNa complement the historical marker at the site of Nana Dune, giving visitors information about the importance of the land.
About North Florida Land Trust
North Florida Land Trust is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of life by protecting North Florida's irreplaceable natural environment. Founded in 1999, NFLT has preserved tens of thousands of acres of land through the donation or purchase of land as well as conservation easements. NFLT is funded largely by private and corporate contributions and works closely with willing landowners and public agencies at all levels of government, not-for-profit partners, and foundations. For more information, visit nflt.org.