The Nature Conservancy in Florida is New Owner of Gamble Place
160 acres on Spruce Creek will be managed for historical and ecological value.
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Florida accepted the donation of Gamble Place, a 160-acre property with historical structures, longleaf pine forest and floodplain forest along Spruce Creek in Volusia County, from the Museum of Arts and Sciences (MOAS) on November 1, 2024.
Gamble Place was donated to TNC in 1983 by heirs of Mr. James N. Gamble (of Procter & Gamble) who originally enjoyed the land as a winter retreat in the early 1900s. In 1999, TNC turned over ownership of Gamble Place to MOAS and retained a conservation easement on the property, which prevents the property from being developed and protects the natural resources found on the property. MOAS has owned and managed Gamble Place for the past 25 years as an environmental and cultural education resource.
“The Museum has been honored to be the caretakers of the Gamble Place property. However, after completing our newest strategic plan and, most recently, a new Master Plan vision for the next 20+ years, the Board of Trustees and I agreed that it was time to transfer ownership of the property to ensure the conservation of its natural resources.” shared Tabitha Schmidt, Chief Executive Officer of MOAS.
“We are so grateful for The Nature Conservancy coming to the table and taking ownership of this precious piece of history. They will be excellent stewards in its conservation and preservation for future generations.”
With TNC taking full ownership of Gamble Place once again, we will continue to honor a piece of valuable Old Florida history and preserve the sensitive natural ecosystems and features. Gamble Place is private property, and it will continue to be closed to the public. Management activities will focus on protection of native plants and wildlife.
“TNC commends MOAS for their part in taking care of Gamble Place over the last 25 years. Our goal is to continue to protect this important historical property and its natural resources,” says Greg Knecht, TNC in Florida's Executive Director.
“TNC’s ownership and management will focus on safeguarding Gamble Place’s conservation future.”
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 81 countries and territories (40 by direct conservation impact and 41 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit nature.org or follow @nature_press on X.
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