Our Story

Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center
The major Seminole community in the Gainesville, Florida area in the 18th century was Cuscowilla. While the exact location of Cuscowilla is unknown, it was located near Paynes Prairie and today's town of Micanopy. When Alachua County purchased the 211-acre Camp McConnell near Micanopy, it honored this history by renaming the property Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center. Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center is located at 210 SE 134 Ave. Micanopy, Florida 32667.
Friends of Cuscowilla
Friends of Cuscowilla is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in Alachua County, Florida, formed in 2020. The organization was formed to assist with improvements, programming, special events, tours, and fundraising for Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center. This volunteer organization is made up of working professionals, retirees, students, and community members whose mission is to support Alachua County in its efforts by raising funds, recruiting volunteers, and sponsoring events at Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center.
Friends of Cuscowilla is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in Alachua County, Florida, formed in 2020. The organization was formed to assist with improvements, programming, special events, tours, and fundraising for Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center. This volunteer organization is made up of working professionals, retirees, students, and community members whose mission is to support Alachua County in its efforts by raising funds, recruiting volunteers, and sponsoring events at Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center.
Mission:
Our mission is to champion, support, and preserve Cuscowilla as a nature-based, environmental, and cultural resource for citizens of Alachua County and visitors.
Our mission is to champion, support, and preserve Cuscowilla as a nature-based, environmental, and cultural resource for citizens of Alachua County and visitors.
Vision:
Our vision is to be an empowered, diverse, educated, and inspired community of active members and citizens investing in a vibrant, sustainable, intergenerational Cuscowilla for the benefit of citizens and visitors.
Our vision is to be an empowered, diverse, educated, and inspired community of active members and citizens investing in a vibrant, sustainable, intergenerational Cuscowilla for the benefit of citizens and visitors.
Board of Directors:
Michael Blachly
Bruce Blackwell
Paul Brake
Cynthia Holland President
E. Jane Luzar Vice-President
Patsy Murray Secretary
John Nix
Parker Ross
Rebecca Wilson Treasurer
Ex-Officio Members
Jamie Bass
Jason Maurer
Gina Peebles
Jamie Bass
Jason Maurer
Gina Peebles
Contact Us:
By email:
friendsofcuscowilla@gmail.com
By Mail:
Friends of Cuscowilla
P.O. Box 141523
Gainesville, FL 32614