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About the Film

The O2O Expedition featured three veterans from three branches of military who undertook a 57-mile exploration of the Florida Wildlife Corridor from the Ocala to the Osceola National Forests. The core of the Expedition involved a 4-day journey which included paddling a section of the Ocklawaha River as well as biking/hiking segments through the Florida National Scenic Trail.

O2O Wildlife Corridor is a 100 mile long, 1.6-million-acre landscape of public and private lands that connect the Ocala and Osceola National Forests.

Film Production

Nels and Anna Akerlund
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About the Expedition: 2023 Ocala to Osceola

The 2023 Ocala to Osceola (O2O) Expedition, titled "Operation Connect, Protect and Restore," was a journey focused on the intersection of land conservation and the healing power of nature for veterans. The "O2O" is a 100-mile long, 1.6-million-acre landscape of public and private lands. It provides critical habitat for black bears, red-cockaded woodpeckers, indigo snakes, and gopher tortoises. The journey included paddling the Ocklawaha River and biking/hiking segments along the Florida National Scenic Trail.
Expedition Name
2023 Ocala to Osceola
Expedition Goal
The Expedition highlights the health and wellness opportunities of the Corridor as well as the importance of working lands, state lands and military installations to statewide connectivity. ⁠

Expedition Maps

Ocala to Osceola Wildlife Corridor Map
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Start & End
A 57-mile trek over four days traveling from Ocala National Forest to Camp Blanding Joint Training Center.
Expedition Team
Brandi Dziegiel
Joe Howard
Austin Jenkins
Expedition Route: 2023 Ocala to Osceola

The Importance of O2O: Path to Connection

The Healing Power of Nature

The veteran trekkers help raise awareness about the importance of natural spaces and highlight the deep human need for a connection with outdoor spaces to support physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Their understanding of the terrain and perspectives on the importance of the connection between our national forests and military training camps make them important partners for the O2O Expedition and beyond. Veterans explored the O2O region with experienced trekkers who are familiar with Florida’s Wildlife Corridor.  

Military & Conservation Compatibility

The trek showcased how military installations like Camp Blanding are essential partners in conservation. These "buffer lands" protect military readiness from urban encroachment while providing massive, undisturbed habitats for wildlife.

Protecting a Critical Link

The Ocala to Osceola Wildlife Corridor (O2O) is a 100 mile long, 1.6-million acre, landscape of public and private lands that connect the Ocala and Osceola National Forests. The O2O includes priority lands for the Florida Ecological Greenways Network (FEGN), and is a significant part of the Florida Wildlife Corridor. If the system of natural landscapes and connector lands is protected, the O2O will continue to provide habitat for Florida black bears and imperiled species like the red-cockaded woodpecker, indigo snake and gopher tortoise. In addition, there are opportunities for protecting iconic Florida ecosystems, including longleaf pine forests, sandhills, and scrub in the O2O.

Advocacting for Working Lands

The expedition drew attention to the importance of private timberlands and ranches in the region. These working landscapes are the "connective tissue" that prevents the corridor from being fragmented by development.
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