Our Story
The founding of our organization and our dedication to land preservation were influenced by the passion of Naples-based environmentalist Dr. Robert H. Gore III. Dr. Gore devoted his life to protecting untamed areas for future generations. In 2017, our team at Cypress Cove Landkeepers played a critical role in Conservation Collier’s acquisition of the original 170 acres of his preserve, now named the Dr. Robert H. Gore III Preserve.
Shortly after, we acquired Dr. Gore’s original 10-acre parcel and home, which we restored and operated for six years as the Gore Nature Center. This year, we successfully transferred ownership of the center to Conservation Collier. This transition consolidates the entire property under a single dedicated steward, ensuring the long-term protection of the whole preserve and allowing the center to reach an even wider audience.
Our mission of conservation and education continues. With the Gore Nature Center now operating as part of the larger Dr. Robert H. Gore III Preserve, our team is focused on helping to support the preserve’s continued expansion and future success. We are excited for this next chapter and look forward to working with our community to ensure this vital land remains protected for the well-being of all.
BUILDING ON A LEGACY
Dr. Robert H. Gore's Story
Dr. Robert H. Gore III was a noted research scientist, environmentalist, educator, consultant, and author. He grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and earned a PhD in Marine Invertebrate Zoology from the University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.
Dr. Gore conducted research in marine biology and ecology with the Smithsonian Institution for ten years, discovering several new species of crabs. He was a Coastal Zone Management Supervisor for the Collier County Natural Resources Management Department for five years. It was on one of his trips into the field for this county job that Dr. Gore discovered the hammock, reminiscent of the family property of his childhood, that would become his home.
Dr. Gore began purchasing land in the eastern area of Collier County known as Golden Gate Estates in the 1980s. Over two decades, he accumulated 71 parcels, mostly contiguous, and built an Old Florida Cracker-style home on a central ten-acre parcel. Dr. Gore named the preserve Naithloriendun, inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien, the author of the “Lord of the Rings” fantasy trilogy.
Dr. Gore shared his love of the Florida wilderness with children and adults, through guided forest walks and folk music gatherings on his beloved preserve. He was an avid and highly skilled wine maker, gourmet cook and musician, with a passion for mountain dulcimer, six and twelve string guitar and harmonica. He published more than seventy-five papers in the scientific and popular press, and authored several books including “The Gulf of Mexico,” “Songs from Solitude,” and “Right Smart to Say.” Dr. Gore passed away peacefully at his home on February 7, 2017 at the age of 77.
Thanking Our Community Partners
and Supporting Organizations
