Jerry and Marta's propery, Gentian Creek Preserve, encompasses 255 acres of diverse habitats, including old pastures, hardwood forests, mixed hardwood/pine forests, planted pines, wetlands, creeks, beaver ponds, and a 20-acre pond.

In 2016, they placed the property under a conservation easement with Tall Timbers for the purpose of protecting Gentian Creek Preserve from development in perpetuity. As part of the agreement, they committed to use the property to help people of all ages better appreciate the importance of native flora and fauna, the habitats that support them, and the ecological benefits they provide.

In fall of 2022, the program launched the nature studies program with Thomas County Schools. In the first full school year 1200 students in 3rd, 5th, and 7th grades spent a full school day as Naturalist. Their areas of study were Botany, Entomology, Aquatic Ecology, Herpetology, and Avian Ecology. Each school year provides a new group of students a rich experience to study the habitats and ecosystems of Thomas County.
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Coppola is a research ecologist with a Master’s Degree in Biology from The University of West Florida. In her role at Gentian Creek Preserve, she coordinates all aspects of the nature studies program. She and her team conduct ongoing research, refine programming, and develop an exploratory outdoor education program for students.
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Nicholls is a fisheries biologist with a Bachelor's Degree in Biology from Auburn University. For her role at Gentian Creek Preserve, she assists in the program's outdoor lessons, laboratory studies, and nature excursions.

Duvenhage, originally from South Africa, joined the Gentian Creek Preserve team in 2021. His first project was to convert the former pony barn into a nature studies and lab facility. He assists in outdoor learning excursions as well as property management.
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