Lovers of wildlife diversity have something to celebrate this week: an environmental effort led by noted author Jeff VanderMeer just secured a major grant to conserve ecologically sensitive Florida lands.

The Fredman Family Foundation has awarded a $40,000 grant to the Sunshine State Biodiversity Group’s environmental 501(c)(3) nonprofit to acquire and conserve important habitat in North Florida. The group’s work in land conservation focuses primarily on threatened terrains like sandhill ecosystems and cypress swamp — two of the most precious elements of Florida’s ecology.

“We’re thrilled to receive such a substantial grant in our first year of operations from a foundation with such a sterling record of supporting the environment,” said VanderMeer, who serves as SSBG’s President. “Along with robust individual donations we’ve received from folks passionate about Florida’s wild places, this grant allows us to make a real contribution to conservation efforts in the area.”

“North Florida has an incredible wealth of unique ecosystems vital to wildlife and human quality of life,” added SSBG Vice President Ali Sperling. “We plan to engage with communities in creative ways while also doing the essential work of preserving land for generations to come.”

Past recipients of grants from the Fredman foundation include Brown University, Walking Mountains Science Center, the Rocky Mountains Wolf Project, Earthjustice, and Colorado Open Lands.

In the midst of a “Free” State of Florida regime enabling overdevelopment with constant attacks against local democracy and our soul as a state, VanderMeer is known as a passionate advocate for wild spaces and progressive policies in the public interest.

VanderMeer has become a fixture within Florida and Tallahassee local politics. His 2015 novel Annihilation was adapted into an acclaimed Paramount film starring Natalie Portman. He has received the prestigious Hugo, Nebula and Shirley Jackson awards along with many other literary recognitions.

Learn more about the Sunshine State Biodiversity Group here, and follow them on Twitter @FloridaRewild!