Conservation Florida’s 2022 Legislative Reception a “Wild” Success!
Conservation Florida co-hosted the Wild Florida Reception in Tallahassee to Celebrate Florida’s Conservation Legacy
Tallahassee, Fla. (March 16, 2022) — It was “Wild Florida Day” in the Florida Capitol Building as Conservation Florida co-hosted the inaugural Capitol celebration. The day was highlighted by our first ever Wild Florida Legislative Reception on the 22nd Floor of the Capitol Building. The special event marked the tremendous achievements of Florida’s conservation community. With our partners, friends, and state leaders, we celebrated Florida’s land conservation past, present, and future. It was a celebration of Wild Florida and the role we all play in its protection.
“We were thrilled to celebrate land conservation together in our state’s Capitol building. To those working to protect our wild places, our native species, our wildlife corridor, our ranches and family farms, our natural heritage — this reception was a celebration of you and your work. Together, we’re keeping Florida, Florida.” – Traci Deen, CEO, Conservation Florida
The evening of celebration and fellowship brought together a diverse community that continues to stand united in support for land conservation in Florida. The room filled with laughter, conversation, and fellowship as nonprofits, fellow land trusts, agency partners both state and federal, artists, change makers, philanthropists, landowners, ranchers, journalists, TV show producers, and state leaders gathered to celebrate land conservation in Florida.
The night highlighted a 2021 legislative success, the landmark, bipartisan passage of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act. The newly enacted law provides a vision for Florida’s future where connected and protected lands support thriving populations of wildlife and provide clean drinking water for Florida’s growing human population. Working together, we have a real chance to fulfill the vision of a wildlife corridor that spans the state.
In addition to our CEO Traci Deen, the crowd of over 200 people heard from Representatives Sam Killebrew and Melony Bell, followed by Mallory Dimmitt, and artist Paul Shultz, with keynote remarks from Secretary Shawn Hamilton, who heads the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Artwork by talented Florida artist Paul Schulz was showcased around the room, delighting those in attendance with images of wild Florida species.
The Wild Florida Reception featured Florida Legacy artwork by Florida Artist, Paul Schulz. Proceeds from Paul's original painted images "Florida Legacy" and "Florida Heritage" benefit Conservation Florida’s work.
The evening concluded with a free public screening of 'Saving the Florida Wildlife Corridor' in the Capitol Courtyard, which was co-hosted by the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, the Path of the Panther, and the Department of Environmental Protection. The film showcases Floridians whose livelihoods depend on a healthy, connected ecosystem, and it offers a glimpse into the Florida Wildlife Corridor (one of America's most unique and complex conservation opportunities), and highlights the need to collaborate to ensure its protection.
Because many of you asked… here it is:
A not-so-surprising hit of the evening was the introduction of Conservation Florida’s signature cocktail.
About Conservation Florida:
Conservation Florida is a statewide accredited land conservancy working to conserve Florida’s water, wildlife, wild places, and protect the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Our conservation projects support Florida’s native plants and wildlife, fresh water, wildlife corridors, family farms and ranches, the economy, and nature-based recreation. Since its founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has prioritized strategic and evidence-based land protection and has saved over 30,000 acres of critical habitat.
