LAKE WALES, FLA. - Bok Tower Gardens will host the Green Horizon Land Trust's Annual Dinner on Sunday, March 13 at 5:30 p.m., sponsored by AMEC/Foster/Wheeler Environmental & Infrastructure, Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, Duke Energy and Mosaic.

Mr. Cary Lightsey, Co-Owner of Lightsey Cattle Company, will present "Conservation Easements and Brahma Island."

Rachelle Coleman Selser, Executive Director of Green Horizon Land Trust said, "I am excited to be part of this wonderful organization and I am looking forward to the Annual Dinner at Bok Tower Gardens as an opportunity to share our successes from the past and vision for the future."

Another of the evening's highlights is the presentation of The Blazing Star Award, which honors those who have made significant contributions to the preservation of environmentally-sensitive lands or environmental education. The 2016 recipient is the Lightsey Family.

The Lightsey Family has been ranching in Florida since the 1850's. Cary Lightsey and his brother, Layne, are sixth generation ranchers. Their children and grandchildren, seventh and eighth generations, continue to thrive on the land and in the ranching business. The family has maintained 40% of the land in natural/native condition. Eighty-five percent (85%) of the land is in conservation easement. Ranchers working in partnership with various agencies have provided green space, aquifer recharge, and habitat through their environmental stewardship. The Lightsey Family says that they are just passing through and caring for God's creation.

Past recipients of The Blazing Star Award include: Myra Zilahy (2015); Rick Dantzler (2014); Buck and Linda Cooper (2013); Charles "Chuck" Geanangel (2012); Gaye Sharpe (2011); Virginia McKinley (2010); Marian Ryan (2009); Martha Sehi (2008); Sen. Paula Dockery (2007); Nancy Bissett (2006); Frances and Richard Coleman (2005); Ken and Helen Morrison (2004); John Perry (2003); M.C. Davis (2002); Yvonne Babb (2001).

Several items will be available for bid as part of a silent auction fundraiser at the event, including: two Diane Pierce "Scrub Jay" numbered and signed print; Brooke Pottery porcelain; plants from The Natives and the Tower & Garden Gift Shop at Bok Tower Gardens, and much more.

Entertainment for the evening features light jazz, sounds of saxophone and guitar from local artists, David Prince and Dave Smith, who call themselves "Changes."

A donation of $30 per person includes a guided hike at 4 p.m., beer and wine reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner (catered by Terri Lobb Catering) and program at 6:30 p.m. It also includes free admission to Bok Tower Gardens for anyone wishing to come early for the 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. carillon concert.

Green Horizon Land Trust was created in 1991 to preserve environmentally valuable or sensitive lands and open space areas in and around the Central Florida Ridge for the benefit of the general public, and to educate the public as to the importance of such lands and their preservation.

For more information or to RSVP for the event, visit the web at www.greenhorizon.org, call 863-678-1237 or email greenhorizonlandtrust@gmail.com no later than Monday, March 7.

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