As August comes to a close, Florida’s summer landscape is alive with new beginnings. Across the Corridor, summer rains are breathing new life into landscapes that may have looked very different just months ago. In places where prescribed fire has recently moved through, fresh green growth is emerging from the blackened ground, demonstrating the key role fire plays in Florida’s connected ecosystems.

This month, we are proud to see a story on the Florida Wildlife Corridor featured on the cover of Florida Trend Magazine. The story explores the many people, programs, and partnerships working together to keep wild Florida connected. The article is supported with stunning imagery from Florida Wildlife Corridor founder Carlton Ward Jr. and Corridor Foundation Media Manager Ethan Coyle.

Our Wild Space Gallery continues to share compelling stories through a new mural that welcomes guests to the gallery by Ernesto Maranje, a presentation by author Jono Miller on the history of the Cabbage Palm, and our current exhibit Ernesto Maranje:To the Edge of the Wild is on display until September 19.

There are also new ways you can continue to support the Corridor Foundation. For National Make-A-Will Month you can plan for the future by including us in your estate plans, or you can dine at any of the 1905 Family of Restaurants in September as part of their annual Community Harvest program.

I hope you take the time to read more about the exciting updates and stories featured in this months newsletter.

In Connection,

Mallory Dimmitt
CEO
Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation

Florida Trend Magazine Florida Wildlife Corridor Cover Story:

A story on the Florida Wildlife Corridor has made the cover of Florida Trend’s September 2026 issue! 

The 15-page spread explores the story behind the Corridor, from its founding and Florida’s land conservation programs to conservation easements, funding sources, and the important role local communities play in keeping the Corridor connected.

The story features insights from Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation CEO Mallory Dimmitt; Florida Wildlife Corridor and Wildpath founder Carlton Ward Jr.; Corridor Foundation board member and Live Wildly founder Arnie Bellini; Saunders Real Estate founder Dean Saunders; Polk County Commissioner Becky Troutman; and more.

The article is brought to life through stunning photography by Carlton Ward Jr. and Ethan Coyle, showcasing the people, places, and wildlife at the heart of our statewide network of land and water.

Click the link here to read the full story by Florida Trend’s Brittney Miller.

Community Harvest:

Eat well and do good this September!

You can support the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation just by dining in September at any of the locations of the 1905 Family Of Restaurants. That includes all seven locations of the Columbia Restaurant, Columbia Cafe, Cha Cha Coconuts, Ulele, and Casa Santo Stefano.

Through its month-long Commuity Harvest program, The 1905 Family Of Restaurants donates 5% of all diners’ checks to charities selected by the guests. Now in the 29th year, the program has provided over $4.8 million to Florida non-profit organizations.

We are so grateful to the Gonzmart family for selecting the Corridor Foundation year after year, allowing us to feed our guests delicious food at our numerous events while saving us thousands of dollars.

New Mural by Ernesto Maranje Unveiled At Corridor Foundation Headquarters & Wild Space Gallery:

We have a new mural at the Corridor Foundation Headquarters & Wild Space Gallery!
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The mural Panther and Egret by Ernesto Maranje highlights the iconic and endangered Florida Panther, whose survival depends on the connected and protected lands of the Florida Wildlife Corridor.⁠ ⁠
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The Florida Panther is known as an umbrella species, meaning if we protect their habitat, then we protect the many smaller species that share the same landscape. By blurring the lines between animal and landscape, Ernesto reminds us that our wildlife and wild places are inseparably connected.⁠
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The mural is now part of The Factory’s permanent collection and welcomes visitors into Wild Space Gallery.⁠ Come see the mural in person at 2606 Fairfield Ave S Bldg 7C, St. Petersburg, FL and see Ernesto’s full exhibit on display until September 19th.

Author Series – Jono Miller Presents The Palmetto Book:

Join Wild Space Gallery for a presentation by author Jono Miller, a natural historian, educator, and activist who has spent 50 years studying the relationship between people and nature.

Miller presents his book The Palmetto Book: Histories and Mysteries of the Cabbage Palm exploring the history, ecology, and cultural significance of the iconic cabbage palm, Florida and South Carolina’s state tree. Miller challenges common myths and reveals surprising facts about its remarkable longevity, relationship to fire, historical uses, and its role in shaping the southeastern American landscape.

September 9, 5–8 p.m. Presentation from 6–7 p.m., followed by a book signing and reception. Books will be available for purchase.

Click the link here to RSVP for the presentation.

Ernesto Maranje – To The Edge of the Wild On Display Until September 19th:

On display at Wild Space Gallery until September 19th, Ernesto Maranje: To the Edge of the Wild⁠.⁠
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In this exhibition, Ernesto Maranje debuts a new series of paintings on canvas and drawings on paper, exhibited for the first time at Wild Space Gallery.⁠ With characteristic vibrant color, loose brushwork, and a realism accented by surrealistic effects, Maranje weaves arresting tales of Florida animals as⁠ they interact with their natural environments.⁠
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At times, the contours between creature and landscape are blurred, dissolving the boundaries that define them as separate. His depictions of ever evolving relationships among flora, fauna, and landscape express a vision of symbiosis and interdependence among all living creatures as they inhabit a simultaneously strong and delicate balance.⁠
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Wild Space Gallery is open Wed-Sat, from 2-6pm and is located at 2606 Fairfield Ave S Bldg 7C, St. Petersburg, FL 33712.⁠
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This exhibition is made possible through the support of the Ruth and J O Stone Foundation.

Make A Will Month:

Tackling the Corridor’s most pressing challenges starts with planning at all levels, including the invaluable planning you do when you include the Florida Wildlife Corridor in your will. August is National Make-A-Will month, and through our partner, FreeWill, you can use a free, easy–to-use online tool to help you make or update your will at no cost to you. 

Creating or updating your will is an important way to care for yourself and the people in your life while planning how your assets can support the people and organizations closest to your heart. We invite you to consider including the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation in your estate plans. Your legacy gift can help protect connected lands, clean water, and healthy wildlife for generations to come. 

Click the link here to make your free will today.

If you have questions about including the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation in your estate plans, or if you would like us to connect with your professional advisor, please reach out to us at Guy@floridawildlifecorridor.org. We are here to help.

Story From The Field:

Florida is more than just one long summer. Subtle seasonal changes throughout the year shape the climate, flora, and fauna that make our state unlike anywhere else in the world.

Summer 2026 Photography and Storytelling Intern Abigail Nelson takes a deep dive into the often-overlooked shifts in wild Florida and the natural rhythms that make each season unique. 

Click the link here to read the full story.