Our Story

People often say, "Can one person make a difference?" Well, in 1952, Rufus Holloway, Sr., one of 9 boys born and raised in Andersonville, Georgia, did just that after having moved to Leesburg, Florida and acquired a piece of land just outside the city. Little did anyone know at the time, that simple act would set in motion a legacy that would shape the future of the community and beyond. That land, initially purchased to run a cattle operation, later became the Holloway Tree Farm which started in 1982 and operated until 2017. During the Tree Farm years, many environmentally friendly, innovative technologies were developed, specifically in the area of irrigation water conservation through rain harvesting and reuse, which won the farm numerous accolades, awards, and magazine covers for its groundbreaking ideas and successful implementation. Through the years, concurrent with the various farm operations, the Holloway family spent countless hours on the farm, riding horses, fishing, and exploring the secluded trails. This connection to the land fostered a deep appreciation for its natural beauty and future potential.    

Many years after the passing of Rufus Holloway Sr., his son, Rufus Holloway, Jr., and the family formed The Holloway Foundation for Renewable Energy and Natural Resources in his memory. Rufus Holloway, Jr. was born and raised in Leesburg and was a long-respected ear, nose, and throat surgeon who practiced in Orlando for his 36-year career. Dr. Holloway always maintained a strong passion for keeping the farm well-maintained and was committed to improving the use of the property over the years, but natural habitat and conservation were always at his core. Although some land was sold, the family retained 80 acres for preservation by the foundation, now a symbol of their commitment to conservation and sustainability. This unique slice of wild Florida features multiple habitats on one property: woods with 300-year-old live oaks, grass and wildflower fields, sandy uplands, and three different wetlands. In addition to an abundance of native plants and trees, the property is home to a great variety of birds and wildlife, including bobcats, foxes, squirrels, armadillos, possums, and raccoons. The foundation farm remains under constant restoration, with the goal of returning the land to its natural state and preserving it in perpetuity from any development.    

Situated at the center of this remarkable property is a 40-year-old, two-story barn made of heart pine harvested in Georgia in 1880. This historic wood was originally used to build a whiskey warehouse in Kentucky’s bourbon country. When the structure was set to be demolished, Dr. Holloway stepped in, purchasing and shipping the lumber to Leesburg, where it gained a second life as the family used it to construct the barn in 1983. Over the years, the barn became the gathering place for many Holloway family holiday celebrations and a space where Dr. Holloway's son, Michael, grew up learning many lessons of farm life, working, developing, and maintaining the land alongside his father, and enjoying countless weekend getaways to fish in the natural ponds on the property. The barn has also hosted many class reunions for Leesburg High School alumni — so much so that it earned the nickname "The Reunion Barn."   

 Today, the barn continues to play a vital role on the property, serving as a venue for educational activities and the focal point for various monthly Foundation events hosted throughout the year. The Holloway Foundation stands as a testament to Dr. Holloway’s belief that one person’s actions can indeed make a world of difference. The foundation has become a hub for groundbreaking research and community initiatives, fostering partnerships with scientists, educators, and environmentalists. It champions the core values held dear: stewardship of the earth, the pursuit of knowledge, and the power of collaboration.    

Rufus Holloway, Sr.’s vision transformed a simple piece of land into a beacon of hope and progress. His story reminds us that when one person dares to dream and take action, the impact can echo for generations. And so, the legacy of The Holloway Foundation for Renewable Energy and Natural Resources continues to inspire and empower, proving that one person really can make a difference.