The DeLuca Preserve: A Dynamic Ecological Site for Land Management, Conservation, and Research in Central Florida
Suraj Melkani, Noel Manirakiza, and Jehangir H. Bhadha
Spanning approximately 27,074.9 acres, the DeLuca Preserve encompasses a diverse range of ecosystems, soils, and climates, making it an ideal site for studying environmental interactions and long-term landscape changes. The region experiences a subtropical climate characterized by dry and wet seasons with an average annual rainfall of 1,242.22 mm. The preserve's soils comprise 38 distinct soil types. Land use and land types also vary across the preserve. Deluca Preserve serves as a living laboratory for students, researchers, and land managers, supporting studies on sustainable land management and conservation strategies. Its research, directed by UF/IFAS and supported by over $600,000 in funding, spans disciplines such as soil science, ornithology, and citriculture. The preserve provides a critical foundation for interdisciplinary research, advancing knowledge on ecosystem dynamics while fostering collaborations that contribute to sustainable management of Florida’s natural resources.
