Ashton Biodiversity Research & Preservation Institute, Inc. (ABRPI) is a non-profit 501c3 corporation headquartered at Ashton Biological Preserve. We are located between Archer and Newberry, Florida on the northern edge of the ancient Brooksville Ridge.

Looking to contact us or book a guest speaker? Call us at 352-256-6924 (cell) or 352-495-7449. You can also visit our contact page here. 

Founded in 1996 to preserve critical uplands habitat for the future, ABRPI is named after its founders, Ray and Pat Ashton. We are a private, non-profit conservation area and research facility located in North-central Florida.

Although we conduct research on many types of wildlife native to the region, we specialize in tortoise care. We are a major captive breeding facility for the critically endangered radiated tortoise (Astrochelys radiata). We are also actively involved in conservation of the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), native to Florida.

We pride ourselves on conducting educational and outreach programs designed to get the public interested and involved in caring for Florida’s wonderful ecosystems.

ABRPI is not currently open to the public. Tours are given by invitation only. You must be over 18 years old to tour the facility.

Next Gopher Tortoise Authorized Agent Training Workshop: Tuesday, November 14th to Friday, November 17th, 2017

Check out what people are saying about us!

“Ashton Biological Preserve is a jewel of upland habitat that is refuge to many species of reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, and insects. Their preserve will continue to be a safe haven surrounded by an ever degrading environment.”

– Tony Daly Crews, President, Eastern Diamondback Conservation Foundation

“Volunteering at the Preserve gives me a chance to protect threatened species and learn about North Florida ecosystems. I go out to the Preserve to experience the natural world and learn about native species. The Preserve is a great place to get hands-on experience observing animals in the wild.”

– Ian, UF PhD Student, Agricultural and Biological Engineering