Where the Turtle Tracks Lead

“…I came across an editorial written by Sarah Collins of Conservation Florida. In her article, Sarah expressed precisely what I was feeling that morning. “Wild Florida is a treasured gift for all of us that needs to be protected and nurtured." I emailed her immediately - thanking her for expressing the sentiments I was feeling. I also asked how I could learn more about Conservation Florida.”

Wildlife Inspires Floridian to Connect with Conservation Florida

Written by: Christy Wilson Delk

Orlando, Florida (October 17, 2022) - Early one morning in June, I rode my trusty beach bike along the Eastern shoreline and spotted turtle tracks leading to a new nest and back to the ocean. I calculated that I missed seeing this ancient and amazing creature by an hour. I vowed to get out earlier the next day.

That same morning, while reading the Orlando Sentinel, I came across an editorial written by Sarah Collins of Conservation Florida. In her article, Sarah expressed precisely what I was feeling that morning. “Wild Florida is a treasured gift for all of us that needs to be protected and nurtured." I emailed her immediately - thanking her for expressing the sentiments I was feeling. I also asked how I could learn more about Conservation Florida.

Responding to an editorial is not something I do often, but I was primed and ready to act. Ready to do something more than to simply enjoy Florida’s unique environmental gifts and display my Protect the Panther license tag. Post-pandemic left me with more time and a commitment to become involved with a Florida-based conservation organization. Specifically, one that has a need for more boots on the ground to help with environmental projects, and has room for those with a willingness to advocate publicly and financially for conservation in Florida.

The following month, Sarah scheduled an introduction meeting to have my questions answered directly by Conservation Florida’s President and CEO, Traci Deen. After meeting with Traci, I was certain that Conservation Florida was a very important part of the broader effort to protect and even restore our precious Florida ecosystems.

Conservation Florida is a statewide accredited land conservancy working to conserve Florida’s water, wildlife, and wild places.

The organization’s 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.

Traci explained how the Conservation Florida mission of protecting Florida’s natural and agricultural landscapes had a primary focus on saving land within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The Corridor is my sweet spot. That’s where the estimated remaining 200-300 panthers need to roam. At that point I told Traci, “I’m all in. How can I help?" It was that simple. The act of reaching out, and making a connection the moment I read Sarah’s article made all the difference for me.

Perhaps, reading this will inspire you to join me in answering the conservation call. Give your time, talent, and treasure to wild Florida. Make time to grab a coffee with me, Traci, or Sarah to learn more. Let this be the OpEd that inspires you the way Sarah's did me. You won't regret it. Together, we can protect wild Florida.

Christy Wilson Delk is a 50-year Central Florida resident, former Rollins College business professor, and business owner. She is currently a full-time outdoor enthusiast and nature lover.

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. The organization’s 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.