Building a Connection to Nature at D Ranch Preserve

On September 24, the Borrelli + Partners team joined Conservation Florida and community members as they unveiled plans for the new D Ranch Nature Preserve Center! This initiative represents a profound commitment to conservation and community education.

The Borrelli + Partners Team pose next to D Ranch Nature Center rendering with Conservation Florida President and CEO, Traci Deen and Land Manager, Mark Rizzo.

At approximately 8,000 square feet, the Nature Center is envisioned as a welcoming, two-story structure with a wraparound porch that blurs the line between indoors and outdoors. Inside, visitors will find flexible classrooms, interactive exhibits, and community gathering spaces. The facility will also feature offices and meeting rooms to support ongoing conservation work. The design embraces natural light, sustainable materials, and energy-efficient systems to reflect the preserve’s mission of stewardship and sustainability.

"You don't want to protect something unless you experience it, unless you love it. And we hope that this nature center really invites people in to get to know Florida and then join us in our fight to conserve it," Conservation Florida President and CEO Traci Deen said.

Conservation Florida's vision for this center is clear: to provide opportunities for education, recreation, and connection to the outdoors for a rapidly growing region.

"We're bringing conservation and community together — and that's what this site is all about," said Mark Rizzo, Conservation Florida Land Manager.

Borrelli + Partners, known for a commitment to designing structures and spaces for impactful human experiences, is delighted to bring our expertise to this project. The D-Ranch Nature Center is designed to be a place where the community can gather, learn, and appreciate the native wildlife and diverse ecosystems, like pine flatwoods and oak hammocks, that the preserve protects. D Ranch Preserve is a haven for other wildlife like the gopher tortoise, bobcat, and Florida black bear, as well as rare blooms like the pine lily. Its 3.5 miles of hiking trails welcome Floridians of all ages and offer unique birding, photography, and geocaching opportunities.

“Borrelli + Partners are honored to collaborate with Conservation Florida on the D Ranch Preserve Nature Center,” said Jorge A. Borrelli, President of Borrelli + Partners. “Our goal is to create a nature center that not only embraces the beauty and heritage of Florida’s landscape but also inspires visitors to connect with and protect the wildlife that makes this region so unique. This project is more than a building; it’s a gateway to conservation, education, and community.”  

The project, which is still fundraising for its final goal, will further cement the D Ranch Preserve’s role as a vital sanctuary for wildlife, We believe this new center will be a cornerstone for nature-based education in Volusia County for generations to come. While timelines and budgets are subject to change, construction is expected to begin in 2026, with an estimated opening in 2027. We look forward to seeing this space fulfill its potential in connecting people and nature, fostering a deeper understanding of Florida’s essential natural heritage. For more information or to donate to the project, check out this article.

About Conservation Florida

Conservation Florida is a statewide accredited land conservancy working to conserve Florida’s water, wildlife, wild places, and protect the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The organization’s conservation projects support Florida’s native plants and wildlife, fresh water, wildlife corridors, family farms and ranches, the economy, and nature-based recreation. Since its founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has prioritized strategic and evidence-based land protection and has saved more than 35,000 acres of critical habitat. You can learn more about D Ranch Preserve here.