Oakland Nature Preserve announces Peggy Sias Lantz Donation Match Challenge

The Oakland Nature Preserve will receive a matching donation of $10,000 if it is able to raise that same amount by the end of September. 

According to a press release, this matching donation comes from the Estate of Peggy Sias Lantz, who was a naturalist, author, educator and editor. 

"She served on the Oakland Nature Preserve Board of Directors beginning in 2007 and played a vital role in restoring the Preserve’s Sandhill habitat, cheering on volunteers and identifying wildflowers with her trademark enthusiasm," according to ONP's press release. 

Lantz also was on the board of the Orange Audubon Society and the Florida Native Plant Society, shaping conservation across Central Florida. 

"Her belief that 'knowledge and nature are gifts best shared' inspired the creation of the Peggy Sias Lantz Memorial Library at Oakland Nature Preserve—a place where her spirit of curiosity continues to thrive," the press release read. 

The Library will be dedicated during Nature Fest Saturday, Sept. 26. 

ONP officials believe this donation match challenge extends Lantz' legacy of teaching, inspiring and restoring. 

"Every contribution made during the challenge will be doubled, helping Oakland Nature Preserve expand educational programs, support habitat restoration and welcome more people into the natural world Peggy loved so deeply," officials said in the press release. 

 Donations will be accepted until Wednesday, Sept. 30. 

Click here to donate.