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The Jelks Family Foundation, Inc(Directors Entrance, password required)...was formed in 1994 to promote cultural, educational, environmental, historical, and humanitarian programs through charitable giving and active participation. While we are based in Florida, we are engaged globally. Our Foundation includes legal, health, and environmental professionals. |
While we remain committed to all of these philanthropic sectors, we are increasingly focused on conserving natural resources in a state that is experiencing extremely rapid environmental changes. We have been very successful in our recent efforts toward protecting the federally recognized Wild and Scenic Myakka River in southwest Florida. Our next exciting project focuses on the northwest portion of this state, where great opportunities exist.
| We are actively seeking partnerships with other foundations who share our interest in preserving the biological diversity and quality of life that abounds in this area. In this introduction, we cite examples of our past successes and current goals. Your support will help build a legacy for future generations. |  |
Success in Sarasota
In Sarasota County, Florida, we helped initiate a land conservation program in conjunction with The Nature Conservancy and governmental agencies. Our first endeavor, The Jelks Preserve, was purchased to protect the Myakka River. Since that initial gift, state and local funds have acquired much of the remaining watershed to conserve this valuable resource.
Map modified from graphic supplied by Sarasota County
Conservation Opportunities in Northwest Florida
| Northwest Florida is a biodiversity hotspot. Many of the plants and animals are endemic to this unique area and exist nowhere else in the world. Without conservation, these species may go extinct. |  Flame Azalea, Rhododendron austrinum |
 Tupelo swamps plus bees yield high quality honey. |
Wetlands in this region are important habitat for many game and nongame species. In addition, wetlands are essential for stormwater retention and aquifer recharge. |
| With some large tracts of property still available, the opportunity for conservation is great. Compared to land prices in much of Florida, parcels in the northwest are bargains. By linking state and federal lands with conservation corridors, large mammals that have extensive home-ranges can persist. Now is the time to act before this region is subdivided into small, fragmented patches. |  Lakes and rivers provide excellent recreational opportunities. |
Florida Gulf Coast: The Time is Right
 Lupinus westianus |
Coastal areas still retain remnants of scrub habitat. With their hair leaves and stems, many of the plants in this zone are adapted to harsh conditions. Despite their ability to withstand scorching heat and droughts, these plants are still vulnerable to development. While different in appearance from typical grass lawns and tradition landscapes, these plants are beautiful without requiring the vast quantities of water or fertilizer. |
| Although coastal property in northwest Florida is more expensive than interior land, it is still much less costly than comparable coastal parcels in central and south Florida. The Jelks Family Foundation seeks partners to continue and expand our conservation programs in both interior and coastal habitats of northwest Florida. |
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For more information, contact:
Allen N. Jelks, Jr.
516 McKenzie Ave.
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 784-0809