CLAY COUNTY – North Florida Land Trust hired Heather Barnes to the conservation acquisitions team as the new real estate coordinator. Barnes will be responsible for coordinating the Ocala-to-Osceola Wildlife Corridor partnership, handling real estate transactions, and other real estate-related duties.

Barnes began working with NFLT as a volunteer to expand her knowledge of conservation and sustainable living. She transitioned to a job as a part-time administrative assistant before taking on her new role. Barnes has experience working with conservation organizations, she also worked with the Putnam Land Conservancy assisting the organization with donation transactions.

Barnes has a background in real estate and served for three years in real estate and property management. She also served for seven years in the home health and hospice operations and implementation industry where she assisted agencies countrywide with the use of electronic medical record software and transitional processes.

A Florida native, Barnes grew up in the Lake Region of Keystone Heights and currently resides in St. Augustine. She said a paddle on the Santa Fe River sparked her interest in the environment and conservation. She enjoys exploring the outdoors, fishing and enjoying all that natural Florida has to offer. She looks forward to learning more about land acquisitions and educating others on the opportunities to protect natural resources.

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.