Florida Wildlife Federation

Last month we gathered in Palatka for our first Board of Directors meeting of the year—an opportunity to reflect on our conservation efforts and set priorities for the future. On January 25, 2016, our Board and team took a photo holding signs advocating for public lands and state parks. On January 25, 2025, protecting Florida’s public lands remains one of our top priorities. So, to honor our ongoing commitment, we recreated that powerful moment and stood together once again to show that our efforts have never wavered. A highlight of the meeting was visiting the Rodman Dam and Ocklawaha River, a place central to our fight for restoring Florida’s natural waters. It was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on past progress and the work still ahead. 📍 Photo 1: Ravine Gardens State Park (2025) 📍 Photo 2: Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge (2016) #OcklawahaRiver #StJohnsRiver #ReuniteTheRivers #FloridaWildlifeFederation #FWF #KeepFLWild #WildFlorida #FloridaWildlife #FloridaConservation #PublicLands

We are thrilled to share that our Conservation Policy Director, Casey Darling Kniffin, received the Grassroots Activism Award at this year’s Everglades Coalition Conference! Casey’s dedication to protecting Florida’s natural spaces has been nothing short of inspiring. Through her leadership, thousands of advocates were mobilized to protect our renowned state parks and vital conservation lands. This recognition highlights her tireless efforts to engage communities in the fight for Everglades restoration and beyond. In addition to this well-deserved honor, Casey also moderated an inspiring panel discussion on land conservation and its role in creating wildlife corridors. The discussion explored how policy, funding, and public advocacy can work together to safeguard these irreplaceable ecosystems. Thank you, Casey, for passionately advocating for Florida’s wildlife and wild places! 👏💚 📸: Photos courtesy of Everglades Coalition | Michael Leggett #EvergladesCoalitionConference #EvCo #FloridaWildlifeFederation #FWF #KeepFloridaWild #KeepFLWild

🗓️ Save the date! Join us Thursday, February 27, for a crucial discussion on what’s at stake for Florida’s wildlife and wild spaces in the upcoming 2025 Legislative Session. 🏛️ Together with our expert panel, we’ll unpack FWF’s top priorities—defending, funding, and restoring wild Florida—and explore how we’re confronting these critical challenges head-on. This is your chance to stay informed, gain insights from experts, and learn how you can play a role in advocating for Florida’s wildlife and natural spaces. RSVP: https://lnkd.in/dGU8SCsk 

📢 LITIGATION NEWS: Today, conservation groups represented by Earthjustice—including the Florida Wildlife Federation, American Bird Conservancy, Center for Biological Diversity, and ENVIRONMENTAL CONFEDERATION OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA INC—filed a motion in federal court to defend the endangered Florida scrub-jay. At the heart of this case is a lawsuit filed by Pacific Legal Foundation on behalf of a landowner challenging both federal Endangered Species Act protections and Charlotte County’s habitat conservation plan that requires fees from developers to fund habitat restoration and protection for the scrub-jay. If this challenge succeeds, not only could the scrub-jay lose its safeguards, but hundreds of state-specific species—like the Florida panther and Key deer—could also face devastating consequences. 💬 “Florida’s diverse ecosystem is home to many plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. Targeting Charlotte County’s proactive effort to protect the Florida scrub-jay’s habitat from uncontrolled growth is a threat to all of Florida’s unique species,” said Sarah Gledhill, FWF President and CEO. We’re standing firm to ensure this cherished bird and Florida’s biodiversity remain protected. 📖 Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/d4P2DUEc

Join Us this weekend for Conservation Connection 🐾 🍻 Connect with our Board of Directors, staff, and fellow conservation supporters while enjoying local craft beers and delicious bites from the Bacon and Bubbles food truck. Don’t forget to stop by our table for a chance to win exciting prizes! 📅 Date: Saturday, January 25 🕠 Time: 5:30 PM 📍 Location: Azalea City Brewery, 120 South 7th Street, Palatka, FL 32177 🎉 Special Perk: The first 50 guests to check in with proof of RSVP will get a free drink on us! Let’s come together for an evening of conservation, community, and conversation: https://lnkd.in/eHEwiv-X

This Friday, you can join in one of the nation's oldest celebrations! #FloridaArborDay is coming up on January 17. Since 1886, it's been celebrated as an opportunity to plant a tree and help create a greener, healthier future for our communities and wildlife. These cooler months are ideal for planting, so check out our list of native Florida trees that support local wildlife, and find a Florida Arbor Day event near you to make a difference! Read more: https://lnkd.in/dQysvDwq #FloridaArborDay #PlantNative #FloridaNativetrees #FloridaWildlifeFederation #FWF #KeepFloridaWild #KeepFLWild #WildFlorida #FloridaWildlife #FloridaConservation

📣 Exciting news: wildlife crossing coming soon! 🐾 We're celebrating the approval of $6.1 million in federal funding for the US 27 Venus Wildlife Crossing in Highlands County! This project, spearheaded by Florida Department of Transportation, will reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve habitat connectivity, protecting species like the endangered Florida panther and black bear. As advocates for the funding and development of wildlife crossings, we’re thrilled to see these funds allocated. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/d_-pT2sY Photos courtesy of FGCU, Wings of Hope, and Panther posse #VenusWildlifeCrossing #WildlifeCrossing #FloridaWildlifeFederation #FWF #KeepFloridaWild #KeepFLWild #WildFlorida #FloridaWildlife #FloridaConservation

The new year brings us closer to the 2025 Florida Legislative Session, starting on March 4, and concluding on May 2. The Federation will continue an 88-year legacy of bold advocacy during the 60-day session, addressing issues that threaten Florida’s wildlife and championing legislation that supports the state’s land, water, and natural ecosystems. Want to be more involved? Join our Legislative Advocacy Team and help us make a difference this session: https://lnkd.in/dYPZhiPr #LegislativeAdvocacyTeam #FloridaWildlifeFederation #FWF #KeepFloridaWild #KeepFLWild #WildFlorida #FloridaWildlife #FloridaConservation

Our recent livestream explored how art can inspire action and connect us with the natural world. Featuring insights from Grant Livingston, Oona Watkins, and Anthony Sleiman, this engaging discussion showcased how art can drive conservation efforts. Missed the livestream? No worries! The full recording is now available to watch on our website. 👉 Watch here: https://lnkd.in/dwskkRNB Let us know your favorite takeaway from the livestream in the comments! 💬 #ConservationThroughTheArts #FWFLivestream #FloridaWildlifeFederation #FWF #KeepFloridaWild #KeepFLWild #WildFlorida #FloridaWildlife #FloridaConservation

🎉 Celebrating a Year of Conservation Wins! 🌿🏆 In 2024, the Florida Wildlife Federation worked tirelessly to protect Florida’s wildlife and natural spaces, thanks to the unwavering support of our incredible community. Together, we’ve made a lasting impact. Slide through to see our the highlights from this year! Every one of these accomplishments was made possible because of YOU. Together, we’re not just protecting Florida’s wildlife today but creating a brighter, wilder future for generations to come. 💚 Thank you for being a part of this journey. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/daC3GxD9 #FWF2024 #2024InReview #ConservationWins #FloridaWildlifeFederation #FWF #KeepFloridaWild #KeepFLWild #WildFlorida #FloridaWildlife