Footage from the 2022 Florida Wildlife Corridor Summit

Corridor Connect: Ecology + Economy for a Better Florida

September 26-28 | Caribe Royale Orlando

Welcome to Corridor Connect, where the realms of ecology and economy will converge for three extraordinary days of networking, solution-building, and strategy development aimed at shaping a better future for Florida. Corridor Connect will bring together leaders from business, conservation and government to identify solutions for balancing Florida’s growth with the protection of our most at-risk resource — the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

Together we will:

  • Take a step forward in Florida’s environmental sustainability and economic growth

  • Examine the multifaceted complexities surrounding the Corridor’s protection.

  • Build and strengthen relationships vital to creating successful partnerships across industries.

  • Engage in dynamic solutions-focused discussions and develop post-summit action plans.

  • Celebrate Corridor conservation wins

Who should attend?

  • Public Partners and NGOs working to protect the Corridor
  • Regional Developers & Landowners
  • Coastal and Marine NGOs in Florida and Neighboring States
  • Academic Institutions
  • State Business Leaders
  • Key Legislators
  • Funders Interested in Hands-On Solution Building
  • National Wildlife Corridor Experts & Leaders
Request an Invitation

Speakers

Mike Alfano

Principal Planner, Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency

Katie Allen

Director of Landscape Conservation, Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Dustin Angell

Program Director
of Education,
Archbold Biological
Station

Fabiola Baeza-Tarin

Conservation Ecologist, Common Ground Ecology

Dr. John Baldwin

Professor and Associate Dean for Faculty Development, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University

Cynthia Barnett

Director, Climate and Environment Reporting Initiatives, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications

Eban Bean

Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist of Urban Water Resources Engineering, University of Florida

Asha Bertsch

Lead Horticulturist, The Underline

Bob Bendick

Director, Gulf of Mexico Program, The Nature Conservancy

Logan Benedict

Adaptation and Landscape Specialist, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Nina Bhattacharyya

Urban Agriculture Specialist, USDA Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovation Production

Zach Bodhane

Director of Government Relations, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

Josh
Bomstein

President,
Creative
Contractors Inc.

Rebecca
Bradley

Founding
Principal,
Cadence

Jon Paul “J.P.” Brooker

Director, Florida Conservation, Ocean Conservancy

Samantha
Brown

Office of Greenways and Trails, Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Ramesh
Buch

Director of Conservation Acquisitions, North Florida Land Trust

Deborah Burr

Program Administrator, Division of State Lands, Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Autumn
Calder

Director, Blueprint
Intergovernmental
Agency

Commissioner Lee Constantine

District 3
Commissioner,
Seminole County, Florida

Matthew Corby

Installation Conservation Manager, Florida Department of Military Affairs, Camp Blanding Joint Training Center

Ernie Cox

President,
Family Lands
Remembered, LLC

Capt. Paul Cross

Director of Operations, Plantation Resort on Crystal River

Gabby Curtiz

Safari Tourism
Guide, Gorongosa
National Park

Rev. Houston R. Cypress, Otter Clan

Board of Directors,
Love the
Everglades Movement

Brenna Dacks

Regional Partnership Manager and Rural Tourism Liaison, VISIT FLORIDA

Joshua Daskin

Director of Conservation,
Archbold Biological
Station

Traci Deen

CEO, Conservation Florida

Callie DeHaven

Director, Division of State Lands, Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Mallory Dimmitt

Chief Executive Officer, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation

Eric Draper

Chair, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation PES Workgroup

Katherine R. English

Attorney, Pavese Law Firm

John Francis

Goodwill Ambassador, United Nations Environment Programme

Mason Gravley

Lead Adventurer, Athletic Brewing

Secretary Shawn Hamilton

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Jennifer Hecker

Executive Director, Coastal & Heartland National Estuary Partnership

Clay Henderson

Author,
Environmental Lawyer,
and Educator

Carter Henne

President, Sea & Shoreline

Erica Hernandez

Conservation Director, Alachua
Conservation Trust

Dr. Jodi Hilty

President and Chief Scientist, Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative

Christina Hite

Co-Founder,
DIX•HITE +
Partners

Kim Holland, PE

Assistant Secretary of Strategic Development, Florida Department of Transportation

Patty
Huff

President,
Friends of the
River of Grass Greenway

Alex Johns

Executive Director of Agriculture, Seminole Tribe of Florida

Dr. Pierce
Jones

Director, Program for Resource Efficient Communities, Center for Land Use Efficiency, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

Lena
Juarez

Executive Director,
Florida
Agritourism
Association

M. Jennison
Kipp

Resource Economist, Program for Resource Efficient Communities, Center for Land Use Efficiency, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

Greg
Knecht

Executive Director,
The Nature
Conservancy in
Florida

Richard L. Levey, Ph.D., AICP

Managing Director, Levey Consulting

Tori Linder

Conservationist, Path of the Panther

Charles E. “Buck” MacLaughlin

Range Operations Officer, 598th Range Squadron, 23rd Wing, Avon Park Air Force Range

Julie
Morris

Director, Florida Conservation Group

Brittany
Moore

Office of Greenways
and Trails,
Florida Department of
Environmental Protection

Lisa Moore

President, Save Crystal River

Sue Mullins

Director, Rural and Family Lands Program, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

James
Murley

Chief Resiliency
Officer,
Miami-Dade
County

Heather Nagy

Strategic Conservation Planning Coordinator, North Florida Land Trust

John H. Nix

Energy Conservation Engineer, Alachua County Public Schools

Sean M.
Parks

District 2
Commissioner,
Lake County,
Florida

Senator Kathleen Passidomo

President, Florida Senate

Matt
Pearce

Chairman,
Conservation
Florida

Beth
Pratt

California Regional
Executive Director,
National Wildlife
Federation

Queen
Quet

Chieftess and
Head-of-State,
Gullah/Geechee
Nation

Jennifer Roberts

Assistant Bureau Chief, District 3 Administration, Florida Park Service

Valerie
Seidel

President and
Principal Economist,
The Balmoral
Group

Brittany Sellers

Assistant Director of Sustainability, Resilience, and Future-Ready Initiatives, City of Orlando

Gautam Shah

Founder, Internet of Elephants, National Geographic Fellow, TED Fellow

Commissioner Wilton Simpson

Commissioner of Agriculture, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Jeb
Smith

President,
Florida Farm
Bureau
Federation

Taylor V. Stein, PhD

Professor and Associate Director, School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, University of Florida

Lindsey
Stevens

Director of the Sustainable Communities Strategy and Protection, The Nature Conservancy in Florida

Jim
Strickland

Owner,
Strickland
Ranch

Gabriela
Tejeda

Conservation Storyteller, 2023 National Geographic Young Explorer

Travis
Thompson

Radio Host, Cast and Blast Podcast & Owner/Operator, Gasparilla Charters

Carlton
Ward Jr.

Founder,
Wildpath

Shane Wellendorf

Land Conservancy Director,
Tall Timbers
Research Station
and Land Conservancy

Geoff West

Director of Development, Florida Power and Light

Benita M.
Whalen

President,
Dispersed
Water
LLC

Nick
Wiley

Chief Operating
Officer,
Ducks Unlimited,
Inc.

Ben & Louann Williams

Owners and
Managers,
Wetland
Preserve LLC

Kent L. Wimmer

Coordinator, Northwest Florida Sentinel Landscape & Senior Northwest Florida Representative, Defenders of Wildlife

James M. Wohl

Owner, Rafter T Ranch

Dana
Young

President and
Chief Executive
Officer,
Visit Florida

Agenda at a glance

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH 

5:00 PM – 7:30 PM  REGISTRATION | RUM BAR

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM  MEET-UP | RUM BAR
Arriving Monday? Pop by the Rum Bar to pick up your summit credentials, grab a drink or bite with fellow attendees and kickoff Corridor Connect!

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

7:00 AM – 7:00 PM  REGISTRATION | CONFERENCE CENTER

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM  FIELD TRIPS: ECONOMY + ECOLOGY IN THE FIELD
Step into the field and get an up-close look at the relationship between Florida’s ecology and economy. Meet local experts and launch conversations into addressing solutions needed to ensure the Corridor’s protection for generations to come.

Join Florida Department of Transportation engineers and scientists to explore the newly completed I-4 wildlife crossing. Reconnecting wilderness that was bisected 50 years ago by a six-lane highway connecting Tampa and Orlando, this crossing is vital to the biodiversity and survival of migrating animals. During the field trip, experience the crossing from a panther’s perspective through a pilot Extended Reality educational platform, and get a demonstration from camera trap specialists on innovative techniques used to capture wildlife images from within the Corridor. Partnering organizations: Florida Department of Transportation, fStop Foundation, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 

When Walt Disney designed the Walt Disney World Resort, he set aside a corridor of undeveloped habitat through the center of the property. Venture into a narrow “last green thread” of the Florida Wildlife Corridor with Disney team members to explore Walt Disney’s land management vision and its realities today. See the undeveloped habitats that make up the Wildlife Management Conservation Area and hear how adjacent lands are managed and how the habitat intersects with Disney’s sustainability efforts to achieve conservation impact. Partnering organization: Disney  

Discover an approach that merges ecology and economy in the face of mounting development pressure. Sunbridge, a 27,000+ acre community in Central Florida, is a living laboratory testing and monitoring innovative strategies for regenerating soils, reducing water consumption, improving stormwater quality, rooting landscapes with native plants, and creating habitat in the built environment that invites pollinators, birds and other wildlife. Meet with experts advancing these strategies with willing communities within the Corridor. Partnering organizations: Tavistock Development Company, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), Corridor Compatible Communites Collaboration Team. 

11:30 PM – 1:00 PM  LUNCH RECEPTION
Reconnect with familiar faces from Florida and beyond, forge new connections, and explore the Innovation Corridor.

1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
WELCOME TO CORRIDOR CONNECT
The Florida Wildlife Corridor spans approximately 18 million acres of contiguous open space, more than 40% of the state. This land is home to Florida’s wildlife and wild places, and is vital to the state’s agriculture, tourism, recreation, and more. As the fastest growing state in the U.S., it is imperative that we work collaboratively to ensure win-win solutions for economy and ecology. Hear from Mallory Dimmit, CEO of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, about what’s in store for the next three days as we dive into these critical conversations and build solutions together!

CORRIDOR TALKS: INSPIRATIONAL SUCCESS STORIES | CARRIBEAN BALLROOM
The past year has seen remarkable achievements, breakthroughs, and impactful initiatives that are shaping our journey toward a permanently protected Corridor. Hear a snapshot of some of the outcomes driven by this community’s collective efforts.

ECOLOGY + ECONOMY: COMING TOGETHER TO PROTECT THE CORRIDOR
Connected, protected landscapes play a pivotal role in Florida’s prosperity. Explore the interwoven link between ecology and economy in sustaining the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Speakers Frank Martz, City of Altamonte Spring, Michael Alfano, Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency, Geoff West, Florida Power & Light, Dana Young, VISIT Florida, Moderator: Jeb Smith, Florida Farm Bureau Federation.

A HISTO-MUSICAL JOURNEY OF GULLAH/GEECHEE SUSTAINABILITY BY QUEEN QUET

INTERTWINED: FEDERAL EFFORTS AND CONSERVATION IN FLORIDA
Uncover the two-way opportunities for how the federal system is synergizing and amplifying efforts taking place within Florida, and how our state’s success can inspire and shape federal policies and programs. Speakers Assistant Secretary Shannon Estenoz, U.S. Department of the Interior, Nick Wiley, Ducks Unlimited, Zach Bodhane, The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP).

REVITALIZING GORONGOSA NATIONAL PARK
Gorongosa National Park is one of Africa’s greatest wildlife restoration stories. As a tourism guide, Gabriela Curtiz has intimate knowledge of the park, and is striving to help communities–and ultimately her country–by inspiring peoples’ connection to nature and preparing for future leadership roles within the park. Speakers Gabriela Curtiz, Gorongosa National Park, Greg Knecht, The Nature Conservancy in Florida.

UNITING HEARTS, LANDS, AND MINDS: Y2Y’S RECEIPE FOR SUCCESS
The Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y) is a joint Canada-U.S. effort to secure an interconnected system of wild lands and waters. Jodi Hilty, Y2Y’s President and Chief Scientist, will share valuable insights from their efforts to bring together conservationists, government entities, landowners and other pivotal organizations.

FORCES OF NATURE: A HISTORY OF FLORIDA LAND CONSERVATION
Step back in time as Clay Henderson, an author, environmental lawyer, educator and conservation torchbearer, celebrates the individuals and organizations who made Florida a leader in state-funded conservation and land preservation.

HOPE FOR WILD FLORIDA
Step into Florida’s unmatched beauty through the lens of renowned conservation photographer, National Geographic Explorer, and creator of the award-winning feature film Path of the Panther, Carlton Ward, Jr. Through breathtaking imagery and heartfelt storytelling, Carlton illuminates the essence of Florida’s unique ecosystems, the threats against its wildlife and lands, and our collective progress protecting the Corridor.

5:00 PM- 6:30 PM  CORRIDOR CELEBRATION!
Toast a year of remarkable achievements! Enjoy live music, explore the Innovation Corridor, add to our Corridor Connect mural, and indulge in delicious bites, cocktails and mocktails.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM  BREAKFAST | CONFERENCE CENTER

8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
IT’S UP TO US!
Ocean Conservancy’s Director of Florida Conservation, J.P. Brooker, welcomes us to day two. J.P. will share how land conservation and healthy waters are directly connected and why the power of unity and a shared vision is more crucial than ever.

STATE OF THE STATE
By 2030, Florida is expected to be home to more than four million new residents. The evolving demographic and geographic changes Florida is experiencing directly impact and inform our efforts to work collaboratively to protect the Corridor. Florida Chamber of Commerce CEO Mark Wilson will help us understand what Florida will look like in order to make informed decisions about how we scale.

THE LEGACY OF OUR LANDS
Through the lens of a long-term perspective, we’ll navigates the complexities of today’s challenges and examine how our choices today chart a course with far-reaching impact for generations to come. Speakers Jim Strickland, Strickland Ranch, Travis Thompson, PT Outfitters, All Florida, Cast & Blast Florida, John Nix, Nix Farms, Alex Johns, Seminole Tribe of Florida, Moderator: Rev. Houston Cypress, Otter Clan, Board of Directors for Love the Everglades Movement. 

10:00 AM – 12:30 PM   THE CORRIDOR ACADEMY
Take an in-depth look at the challenges and opportunities facing efforts to protect the Corridor. Follow a track or explore individual sessions aligning with your work and interests. Tracks include: Agriculture and Working Lands, Collaborative Partnerships, Recreation and Wellness, Compatible Development and Case Studies.

10:00 AM Promises and Challenges of Payment for Ecosystem Services
Paying landowners for the ecosystem services their lands provide presents the opportunity to conserve Corridor Opportunity Areas while supporting rural economies and protecting or restoring key natural resources. Hear outcomes of a year-lon.g collaborative effort to identify ways to scale-up the use of payment for ecosystem services and anticipated next steps. Speakers Eric Draper, Bluefutures, Josh Daskin, Archbold Biological Station, Valerie Siedel, The Balmoral Group, Benita Whalen, Dispersed Water LLC, Matt Pearce, Pearce Cattle Company.

10:55 AM  The Flavors of Florida: Conservation Easements Edition – Florida Forever, Rural & Family Lands, and more from a Landowners Perspective 
Easement programs provide a wide variety of options that fit many property objectives while ensuring both permanent protection from conversion to development and continued compatible working land uses for your property. Hear from experts with the Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Forever Program and the Florida Department of Agriculture’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, as well as a rancher who has negotiated through multiple easements about Florida’s state programs, Natural Resource Conservation (NRCS) and other federal conservation easement programs. We will focus
on conservation easement programs, the differences in missions, easement terms, flexibility, landowner responsibilities and long-term monitoring requirements, participants will learn how different easements work, and considerations for your goals as a landowner, your property, land management, and future plans.  Speakers: Jimmy Wohl, Heartland Real Estate, Sue Mullins, FDACS Rural and Family Lands, Deb Burr, Moderator: Julie Morris, Florida Conservation Group / National Wildlife Refuge.

11:45 AM Forever is a Long Time: Preparation for Future Generations and Maximizing Your Natural Capital
Hear from landowners and land managers about their experiences with the economics of owning land protected by easements. Kate English – a landowner and land use attorney from Hendry County who has facilitated conservation easements for 30 years – and Ben and Louann Williams and Cliff Coddington – who own and manage multiple properties with conservation easements—will provide advice for those considering easements for their properties, including continued operations and potential additional opportunities to generate compatible economic income. This discussion will also cover larger economic considerations including local rural economies related to the protection of easements and other conservation lands. Speakers Kate English, Hendry County Land Use Attorney, Cliff Coddington, Sarasota County Rancher, Ben & Louann Williams, Wetland Preserve, Moderator: Jim Strickland, Strickland Ranch.

10:00 AM Getting Across the Finish Line
Explore the complexity of landscape conservation in and around the Corridor as we highlight the invaluable lessons gleaned from collaborative partnerships. Speakers Shane Wellendorf, Tall Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy, Callie DeHaven, Division of State Lands, FDEP, Erica Hernandez, Alachua Conservation Trust, Ramesh Buch, North Florida Land Trust.

10:55 AM Achieving Connection and Avoiding Sprawl
Dive into a pivotal dialogue and exploration of recent bills and policy measures that have the potential to erode hard-earned Corridor protection gains. Speakers Tom Kay, Alachua Conservation Trust, Jim Murley, Miami-Dade County, Commissioner Lee Constantine, Seminole County, Moderator: Haley Busch, 1000 Friends of Florida.

11:45 AM From Bootcamp to Conservation: How Sentinel Landscapes Help Connect the Florida Wildlife Corridor
Uncover the important link between Sentinel Landscapes and the protection of the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Speakers Matt Corby, Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, Buck Maclaughlin, Avon Park Air Force Range, Kent Wimmer, Defenders of Wildlife, Heather Nagy, Norh Florida Land Trust. .

10:00 AM Breaking Down Barriers and Building Capacity for CCC
These outside the box thinkers are removing barriers and applying novel approaches to advancing sustainable development practices that invite nature into our built environment. Low impact development and green infrastructure practices incorporate nature and natural processes into infrastructure and every-day life. Speakers Eban Bean, UF/IFAS, Jennison Kipp, UF/IFAS, Chris Hite, DixHite – Landscape Architecture & Design.

10:55 AM Making the Business Case for Sustainable Development
Florida’s rapid population inevitably increases the need for growing communities, but how and where our communities grow is the big question. Hear about real world experiences developing and implementing projects and frameworks that shift development patterns and practices and enshrine sustainable development practices. Speakers Ernie Cox, Family Lands Remembered, LLC, Richard Levey, Tavistock Development Company, Pierce Jones, UF/IFAS.

11:45 AM Corridor Compatible Communities Update
For the past year, the Corridor Compatible Communities (CCC) working group has focused on the where and how human communities can be designed. Hear updates and provide feedback on these efforts. Speakers Lindsay Stevens, The Nature Conservancy in Florida, Rebecca Bradley PLA, ASLA, Cadence.

10:00 AM Trail Towns: Connecting Communities to the Corridor
Discover the vital role of Trail Towns in fostering vibrant communities by linking them to the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Speakers Patty Huff, Friends of the River Grass Greenway, Michael Alfano, Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency, Brenna Dacks, VISIT Florida, Moderators: Sam Browne & Britney Moore, Office of Greenways and Trails, FDEP.

10:55 AM Urban Spaces: Working toward Resilient Cities through Small Footprints
Glimpse into the future of urban innovation as we unveil how cities are embracing sustainability and resilience. Speakers Asha Bertsch, Friends of the Underline, Brittney Sellers, City of Orlando Office of Resiliency & Sustainability, Nina Bhattacharyya, Office of Urban Agriculture, USDA, Josh Bomstein, Creative Contractors, Inc.

11:45 AM Agritourism and Ecotourism as Innovation Incubators (45 MIN)
Uncover the powerful synergy between agritourism, ecotourism, and the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Speakers Taylor Stein, University of Florida, Lena Juarez, Florida Agritourism Association, Jennifer Roberts, Sebastian Inlet State Park.

10:00 AM The Florida Wildlife Corridor and Our Changing Climate
The FAU Center for Environmental Studies has teamed with Archbold on the Climate Resilience Action Report to explore how the Florida Wildlife Corridor may interact with the state’s parallel efforts to improve its climate resilience. Speakers Colin Polsky, Department of Geosciences, FAU, Jay Baldwin, Department of Biological Sciences, FAU.

11:45 AM Lake County, Forever Connected
Lake County is at the epicenter of growth in Florida and working hard to maintain its unique identity for future generations. This session highlights Lake County’s efforts to connect people and the natural environment through a countywide conservation strategy that includes joint planning with the cities; mapping of wildlife corridors, blue-ways and valuable farmlands; better development practices; and protection of natural lands offering beneficial ecological services. Speakers Timothee Sallin, IMG Enterprises/Cherrylake, Outside Co-Lab, Sean Parks, Commissioner, Lake County Mary Ellen Sterns, Office of Economic Growth, Lake County Richard Levey, Tavistock Development Company.

12:30 PM – 2:00 PM  LUNCH

1:00 PM – 1:45 PM  O2O: PATH TO CONNECTION
Enjoy a sneak preview of the new film collaboration between North Florida Land Trust, Florida Trails Association, and Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, featuring three veterans who undertook an exploration of the Florida Wildlife Corridor from Ocala to the Osceola National Forests. Following the film, hear from the trekkers and partners to get insights into the expedition and community engagement events and explore how films might help advance collaborative Corridor conservation efforts.

2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
SHARED VISION FOR A ROBUST & RESILIENT FLORIDA WILDLIFE CORRIDOR
State agency leaders have the delicate task of safeguarding the Corridor’s biodiversity while propelling economic vitality. Gain an understanding of how agencies are collaborating to address present-day hurdles and undertaking projects to shape a future where the Corridor thrives. Speakers Secretary Shawn Hamilton, FDEP, Wilton Simpson, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, Moderator: Julie Wraithmell, Audubon Florida.

ECOSYSTEM RESILIENCE IS ECONOMIC RESILIENCE
As Florida confronts escalating climate threats we dissect the impacts of sea-level rise, increasing storms, and shifting ecology on our state’s economic fabric and uncover strategies that fortify both our environment and economic well-being. Speakers Jennifer Hecker, Coastal and Heartland National Estuary Partnership, Richard Levey, Levey Consulting, Kim Holland, Strategic Development, FDOT.

RESTORING KINGS BAY
Eight years ago, a dedicated group of locals rallied together and embarked on a journey to create a closed-loop system to restore one of Florida’s top tourist destinations. Their efforts are poised to have influence in lyngbia algae reduction across Florida and beyond and offer valuable insights. Speakers Lisa Moore, Save Crystal River, Paul Cross, Plantation on Crystal River, Carter Henne, Sea & Shoreline.

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM  SOLUTIONS LABS
Roll up your sleeves in this unique opportunity to collaborate with fellow attendees by developing strategies and action plans that address complex and urgent issues crucial to the Corridor’s sustainability.

Design and explore approaches to close critical gaps and increase wildlife permeability in areas of urgency within the Corridor. Review and mark up maps to solve bottlenecks, address conversion risks, and identify potential wildlife crossing locations. Focal areas will include Peace River, Lake Wales Ridge, Brooksville Ridge, Big Cypress NP to OK Slough, Camp Blanding to Osceola NF, Suwanee River, Green Swamp to Everglades Headwaters, and Wakulla Springshed.

Science has the power to motivate and inspire Corridor conservation by providing credible data on the costs and benefits of protecting Opportunity Areas. In this workshop, using a forthcoming report on the climate resilience impacts of the Corridor as an example, attendees will step through the process of creating actionable science—the production and sharing of research targeting conservation action and the goals of agencies, NGOs, landowners, and more.

Developers, planners, consulting firms, and permitting agencies will review, comment on, and shape the development guidelines being drafted by the Corridor Compatible Communities Collaboration Team.

Explore best practices for carbon markets, local land acquisition referendums, conservation land appraisals, and siting and design for intentional wildlife corridors and solar fields.

Examine the effective utilization of technology for youth and public education and how these tools can simplify complex science for decisionmakers. Technologies such as drones, 360 videos, virtual reality (VR), and extended reality (XR) phone apps will be explored.

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM  GO WILD AT ANIMAL KINGDOM
In recognition of the amazing conservation and environmental work being done in Florida, behold the Magic of Nature with an exclusive evening in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Inspiring guests for 25 years, this park highlights the magic of the natural world and celebrates our relationship to the environment. Join us for a sunset soiree, taking in the ambience of this one-of-a-kind theme park as you dine and connect with fellow attendees. For summit registrants only. 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH 

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM  BRAIN FOOD | CARRIBEAN BALLROOM
We’ve merely begun to explore the challenges and solutions needed to safeguard Florida’s precious natural resources. During breakfast, sit down at a topic-focused table and dive into conversation. If you’d like to host a table or have ideas on topics that should be discussed, let us know!

9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
STORIES CONNECTING LANDSCAPES, PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES
Speakers Dr. John Francis, PlanetWalker, Gatham Shah, Internet of Elephants and National Geographic Explorer, Cynthia Barnett, Journalist and Author, Gabriela Tejeda, Conservation Storyteller and 2023 National Geographic Young Explorer, Dustin Angell, Director of Education, Archbold Biological Station.

FUTURE OF CORRIDORS ACROSS THE AMERICAS
Navigate the complex challenges and opportunities that the Corridor Movement presents globally and the pivotal role of local communities in cultivating networks that make vision a reality. Expand your horizons as we set the stage for exploring corridors that transcend borders and spark inspiration to embark on grander, collective ventures right here in Florida. Speakers Katie Allen, Director Landscape Conservation, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Mallory Dimmit, CEO, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, Beth Pratt, California Regional Executive Director, National Wildlife Federation, Bob Bendick, The Nature Conservancy. 

CHARTING THE PATH FORWARD
Hear from thought leaders as they share unique perspectives, emerging themes, and insights gleaned from our time together; highlighting actionable takeaways that will propel ecology + economy for a better Florida.

12:00 PM  THAT’S A WRAP!

Innovation Corridor

The Innovation Corridor provides businesses, nonprofit organizations and students an opportunity to present innovative, novel, and creative solutions for Corridor protection to state-wide and national leaders in the private and public sectors. We are offering opportunities to purchase a booth or a package including tickets to enjoy the full summit. A limited number of scholarships are available for college student presenters. For pricing and other details, contact Maureen Vicaria at maureen@floridawildlifecorridor.org. 

Learn More
Caribe Royale

Travel Information

Caribe Royale Orlando

Hotel
A discounted room rate of $189/night plus tax and fees is available when you book through our link. The hotel will honor the rate for 3 days before and after the summit, subject to availability. A Government room block is also available.

Parking
Hotel Self-parking $28.00 (plus tax, per night, per vehicle)
Non-registered Hotel Day guest: $30.00 (plus tax, per vehicle)
Valet: $35.00 (plus tax, per vehicle)

Disney Perk:
Transportation is available to the Walt Disney World Ticket & Transportation Center and to Disney Springs. Any hotel guest may reserve a seat on the shuttle so long as space is available. Guests must stop by the concierge desk in the main lobby to reserve transportation.

Sponsorship Opportunities

As a nonprofit organization, we rely on the generous support of sponsors to make this event possible. As a sponsor, you will not only gain valuable exposure for your organization but also play a crucial role in advancing conservation solutions. We are offering a variety of sponsorship levels and perks to accommodate a variety of budgets and objectives. For personalized sponsorship needs please contact Director of Development, Danna Bramlett at danna@floridawildlifecorridor.org.

  • 2 passes to Corridor Connect 2023 (Field Trips not included)
  • Company listed in event app
  • Name included on event website

  • 4 passes to Corridor Connect 2023 (Field Trips not included)
  • Company listed in event app
  • Name included on event website

  • 3 passes to Corridor Connect 2023 (one Field Trip per ticket included)
  • Named sponsorship of one (1) meal (breakfast, lunch or break)
    • Selected based on availability when sponsorship is confirmed
  • Name included on event website

Sponsors

Corridor Connect 2023 is made possible in part by:

Sustainability Sponsor:

Sponsors:

Summit Program Committee

2023 Corridor Connect Committee Members provide program and presenter expertise to ensure that we deliver a collective culture that’s inclusive of all corridor voices and interest. Meet our committee members!

  • Josh Daskin, PhD, Director of Conservation, Archbold Biological Station

  • Mallory Dimmitt, Chief Executive Officer, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation

  • Elizabeth Guthrie, Manager of Conservation Programs – Florida, Ducks Unlimited

  • Jason Lauritsen, Chief Conservation Officer, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation

  • Julie Morris, Florida and Gulf Programs Manager, National Wildlife Refuge Association

  • Heather Obara, Associate Director, Alachua Conservation Trust

  • Jim Strickland, Owner, Strickland Ranch

  • Noah Valenstein, Managing Partner, Brightwater

  • Jane West, Policy and Planning Director, 1000 Friends of Florida

2022 Florida Wildlife Corridor Summit

The inaugural-multi-day Florida Wildlife Corridor Summit took place over three days in April 2022 to convene thought leaders for discussions, collaboration, and problem-solving all geared toward conserving the Florida Wildlife Corridor.