An Amelia Island family has donated 396 acres of untouched land to the North Florida Land Trust (NFLT), ensuring it will never be developed.

Jack Thornton, the donor, said his family spent years fishing and enjoying the land. But as he and his wife got older, they had to decide what to do with the property.

“I just couldn’t see it being developed,” Thornton said.

Originally from Atlanta, Thornton bought a second home on Amelia Island decades ago. After discussing with his wife and children, they agreed to donate the land to the NFLT.

The property includes salt marshes, wetlands, and maritime forests. The NFLT called the donation a “big win for conservation on Amelia Island.” The land stretches about two miles between Fort Clinch State Park and Egan’s Creek.

While surveying the area, NFLT staff spotted various wildlife, including white-tailed deer, alligators, bottlenose dolphins, and several bird species like roseate spoonbills and great blue herons.

Thornton said he feels good knowing that future generations will be able to enjoy the land just as his family did.

“It’s just a beautiful piece of property,” he said.