It’s valued at nearly $9 million.
The University of North Florida received a real estate donation of saltmarsh wetlands, appraised at $8.8 million.
The 1,050-acre property will allow for students and faculty in the Coastal and Marine Biology Flagshlip program to conduct research.
The parcel, which spans Duval and St. Johns counties, was donated for the William C. Webb Coastal Research Station by the Widan Investment Corporation.
Dann Webb, president of Widan Investment Corporation, said he’s excited by UNF’s enthusiasm for the development of education programs.
“I’m proud to give this unique property to the University of North Florida Foundation in honor of my father, William C Webb,” said Webb.
The school hopes the research habitat will help benefit students and faculty for research purposes with low-carrying costs.
“This property is ideally located and situated to provide unparalleled access to coastal habitats for UNF students and faculty,” said Dr. Dan Moon, interim dean of the College of Arts and Science. “It will expand our teaching and research capabilities and enhance the University’s reputation as a leader in coastal science.”
Some of the research opportunities will include aquatic preserve management, sampling oyster reefs, and coastal engineering, to name a few.