Protecting More Than Land, Preserving a Legacy
Horse Farms Forever® is the trusted watchdog protecting Marion County’s horse farms and the Farmland Preservation Area. For eight years, we have been standing watch.
Eight years ago, when a proposed toll road threatened to cut through the heart of Marion County’s Farmland Preservation Area, the community united with determination and purpose, and — together, we stopped the Coastal Connector.
Today, Horse Farms Forever® remains steadfast and vigilant as the pressures threatening our horse farms and farmland continue to intensify. Protecting the landscape that defines Marion County isn’t a one-time effort—it requires constant vigilance, informed leadership, and a community committed to preserving what makes this place extraordinary.
Every proposed development matters. That’s why we carefully monitor development applications, with particular attention to those affecting the Farmland Preservation Area. Our team invests hundreds of hours reviewing proposals, analyzing potential impacts, and identifying threats before they become irreversible.
When our Horse Farms Forever watchdogs spot a concern, we don’t wait—we act. You can count on us to investigate, engage, advocate, and stand up for the farms, open spaces, and rural character that make Marion County unlike anywhere else.
As we celebrate eight years of protecting the Farmland Preservation Area, we want to thank you. Your membership, generosity, and unwavering support have made every victory possible. Because you chose to stand with us, we’ve been able to safeguard the character, beauty, and future of this special place.
But our work is far from over.
Your donation today will ensure Horse Farms Forever® remains vigilant and ready to respond—protecting the Farmland Preservation Area for generations to come.
Thank you for standing watch with us for the past eight years. We are honored to have you by our side.
Eight Years of Action
Stopped the proposed Coastal Connector Toll Road from cutting through the heart of the Farmland Preservation Area.
Strengthened protections for the Farmland Preservation Area by helping amend the Marion County Comprehensive Plan to better define rural character and compatible land uses.
Successfully opposed incompatible development proposals, including an ATV park and drag strip that threatened Horse Country.
Stopped illegal waivers granted by the Development Review Committee for Major Site Plans to allow building permits to move forward.
Championed Conservation Easements and innovative land protection tools, including improvements to the Transfer of Development Rights program.
Annual Conservation Summit: Educated and inspired thousands through Conversations About Conservation, the annual Conservation Summit, and through community outreach, and advocacy.
2021 Quality-of-Life Survey: Demonstrated overwhelming public support for farmland preservation by leading a Quality-of-Life Survey showing more than 90% of residents support protecting horse farms and the Farmland Preservation Area.
Seat at the Table: Earned a respected seat at the table, becoming a trusted partner with local governments, planners, and community stakeholders in shaping Marion County’s future.
For eight years, supporters like you have made every victory possible.
Help protect the next eight years by becoming a member, renewing your support, or making a tax-deductible donation.
Your generosity fuels the advocacy, research, and leadership needed to protect Marion County’s Farmland Preservation Area.
Stand watch with us. Join, renew, or donate today.
Protect – we are always watching. When a threat is identified, we quickly assemble a threat response.
Promote – we are out in the community and on social media, raising awareness and inspiring appreciation for all that we have here in Marion County.
Preserve – we guide and encourage landowners who wish to conserve their land.
Plan – we are working with the County on changes to the Comprehensive Plan that will make conservation easy and financially advantageous for farm owners.
