The reversal came after UF received heavy public criticism from students, staff and community members. McCarty Woods was initially declared a future development site in December when the 2020-30 Campus Master Plan was approved by the university s board of trustees.
It had been designated conservation land since at least 2000 and public recreation space for over 40 years at that point.
The Sun first reported the change Jan. 2 as part of a breakdown on the master plan. Further coverage through February and March examined pushback from scientists, faculty, students and local residents as they voiced concerns and disappointment and protested to save the woods.
Home/Education/UF Removes McCarty Woods From Development Plans, But Activists Push On
Students protested the possible development of McCarty Woods at the corner of University Avenue and 13th Street on March 2. This was one of the many events organized by the Save McCarty Woods Campaign in the span of a month. (Alexa Sauvagere/WUFT News)
UF Removes McCarty Woods From Development Plans, But Activists Push On
By Alexa Sauvagere
March 17, 2021
The past three months consisted of heated discussion on whether a patch of woods on the east side of the University of Florida campus should serve as land for possible development.
UF won’t use McCarty Woods as a building spot in 2020-2030 plans
It’s unclear why the university decided not to build on the area March 17, 2021 | 7:00am EDT Participants in the March to Save McCarty place signs on the steps of the UF Administration building on Saturday, March 13, 2021. The march was held to raise awareness about McCarty Woods potential designation as a future construction site, which UF has since rescinded. Photo by Julia Cooper | The Independent Florida Alligator
After weeks of protest, UF announced Tuesday that it will not move forward with a plan to use the McCarty Woods conservation area as a construction site.