Corridor Connect | Ecology + Economy for a Better Florida

Opening remarks from Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation CEO, Mallory Dimmitt. 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.

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.

Opening remarks from Senator Jason Brodeur and Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation CEO, Mallory Dimmitt.

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, discover successful collaborations, and uncover opportunities to synergize efforts in agriculture, renewable energy, planning, development, and tourism.

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. Learn what’s taking place with NGOs and government collaborations elsewhere in the country and how they’re advancing conservation and benefiting communities.

Gorongosa National Park is one of Africa’s greatest wildlife restoration stories. Once decimated by civil conflict, scientists and conservationists embarked on a massive effort to balance the needs of wildlife and people by ensuring the protection of its animals and landscapes, offering educational programs and agricultural support, and implementing sustainable tourism. 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.

The Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative is a joint Canada-U.S. effort to secure an interconnected system of wild lands and waters stretching across the entire region, harmonizing the needs of people with those of nature. Discover valuable insights and find inspiration in Y2Y’s efforts to bring together conservationists, government entities, landowners and other pivotal organizations.

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.

Ocean Conservancy’s J.P. Brooker welcomes us to day 2, which is built around the vital theme of collaboration and collective problem-solving. JP shares how land conservation and healthy waters are directly connected and why the power of unity and shared vision is more crucial than ever. Get inspired to harness the energy of togetherness while we drive meaningful change and forge a path towards a future where collective solutions lead to accelerated progress.

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. It’s vital we understand what Florida will look like in order to make informed decisions about how we scale.

A visionary exploration of “Planning for the Future” where we embrace the profound responsibility and unparalleled opportunity to leave a lasting legacy. Through the lens of a long-term perspective, we’ll navigates the complexities of today’s challenges and examine how each choice made charts a course ensuring far-reaching impact for generations to come.

State agency leaders have the delicate task of safeguarding the Corridor’s biodiversity while propelling economic vitality. Gain a firsthand understanding of how agencies are collaborating to address present-day hurdles by employing innovative strategies and undertaking visionary projects to shape a future where the Corridor thrives.

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. How can synergies between built and natural infrastructure and nature-based solutions  increase our state’s resilience? Learn about successes and areas needing further support.

Growing up in rural, central Florida, Mason Gravely got to experience bits and pieces of undeveloped Florida. With eyes open after moving away for college, Gravley got to experience the natural wonders of the west coast such as the Grand Canyon, Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks, and Mt. Rainier. Moving back to Florida with his family in 2020, Gravley made plans with two close friends to stay connected to each other and to reconnect to Florida’s quickly disappearing natural environment.

John Francis’ environmental work began in 1971, when he witnessed a tanker collision and oil spill in San Francisco Bay. It was then that he gave up the use of motorized vehicles and began to walk. He started walking because he felt partly responsible for the mess that washed up on the shore. Join us to hear his incredible story and vision for the future.

Dynamic storyteller, Gabriela Tejeda, shares her journey to use photography, film and exhibitions to immerse people in the Everglades.

Cynthia Barnett is an award-winning environmental author and journalist who has reported on water and climate change around the world. Her latest book, The Sound of the Sea: Seashells and the Fate of the Oceans, was named one of the best science books of the year by NPR’s Science Friday, and one of the best nonfiction books of the year by Kirkus Reviews, the Tampa Bay Times and others.

Gautam Shah is the founder of Internet of Elephants, a social enterprise that develops groundbreaking digital tools to engage people with wildlife. Shah hopes to catalyze whole new approaches to engaging the public with wildlife.

Dustin Angell is an environmental educator and conservation photographer living and working in the Headwaters of Florida’s Everglades. As Archbold Biological Station’s Program Director of Education, he builds community relationships and interprets ecological research for audiences of all ages, often by combining discovery-based outdoor education with the creative use of technology and the arts.

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.

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.