February 2026
As Jacksonville continues to expand, surrounding rural communities face growing pressure to develop agricultural land. Located less than an hour from Jacksonville’s metropolis, Baker County’s cultural and economic identity is rooted in generations of working lands.
South Prong Plantation in western Baker County is a model for conservation in an era of rapid land loss. Owned by Doug and Teresa Moore, the 2,700-acre property of pine forests, wetlands and agricultural lands highlights what intentional land stewardship can achieve.
Situated at the headwaters of the St. Mary’s River, South Prong Plantation shows how land preservation is essential to the area’s environmental health. Well managed headwaters filter impurities, slow stormwater runoff and support biodiversity– benefits that disappear when land is developed.
In 2024, the state of Florida committed nearly $5 million through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program to permanently protect South Prong Plantation from future development. This investment ensured that Moore’s property would continue providing long-term environmental, agricultural and educational value.
In addition to wildlife habitat, timber production, and other agriculture, the property serves as a living classroom for young people and educational groups. The Moore’s regularly open their land to host discussions on prescribed fire, forest management and more.
The Moore’s are land stewards shaping a different vision for the region- one that protects Baker County’s natural resources, rural heritage and working lands. They received the American Tree Farm System’s National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year Award in 2022.
Moore emphasizes that there are many ways to become a better steward of the land, whether you’re a landowner or not. His land management expertise comes from active involvement in agricultural organizations. In addition to his role as Baker County Farm Bureau’s Vice President, Moore has attended hundreds of hours of land management classes and utilized resources from universities, local and state agencies. In a rapidly growing state, the Moore’s commitment to land conservation ensures that their corner of Florida remains a place where natural systems are valued, rural traditions endure and the land continues to sustain future generations.
“We continually do more with less,” Moore said. “That’s what farmers do.”