Conservation Florida

Florida’s National Forests = Nearly 1.2 Million Acres of Wild Beauty ?? A quick look: ???????????? ???????????????? ???????????? (est. 1908) ? 387,000 acres ? More than 600 lakes & rivers ? Protects the world's largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest ? Home to 1/4 of the world’s threatened Florida scrub-jay population ?? ???????????????????????? ???????????????? ???????????? (est. 1936) ? 574,000 acres ? The largest forest in Florida ? One of the most biodiverse forests in the country ? Largest recovered population of endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers ?? ?????????????? ???????????????? ???????????? (est. 1931) ? 237,000 acres ? The northernmost & smallest forest in Florida ? Includes a 20-mile segment of the Florida National Scenic Trail ? A vital wildlife corridor that stretches north toward Georgia’s Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Florida’s National Forests offer so much more than recreation — they help maintain clean air and water, combat severe weather, and provide a home for wildlife. Through strategic land protection, you're connecting Florida’s wild spaces to the National and State Forests, helping ensure connectivity for wildlife. These lands are essential to our health, well-being, and future - for both nature and people. Keep Florida wild at https://lnkd.in/gajkXtRd ?? US Forest Service - Southern Region

IT'S TIME! ??? Firefly season is here! ?? Blue Spring State Park From late winter to early summer, fireflies (aka lightning bugs) illuminate the night sky in some undisturbed natural areas, far from artificial light. But why now? You’re witnessing the end of their life cycle! Starting as eggs, fireflies emerge as larvae that live for one to two years in moist habitats like leaf litter. Next, they transform into adults, living for only 3-4 weeks before perishing. Healthy, intact habitats near waterways, tall grasses, and trees are essential for their life cycle. Without protected lands, these magical beetles — and many others — won’t have a place to call home. ?? Where to see fireflies: ?? Firefly Nights @ Blue Spring State Park ?? Firefly Nights Tram Tours @ Highlands Hammock State Park ?? Firefly Self-Guided Hikes @ Oakland Nature Preserve Inc Firefly sightings are rare and only last for a short period of time! Plan ahead to avoid the busy crowds and experience this wild Florida spectacle while it lasts! And don't forget, land conservation is for nature and people ?? ?? Melissa Gibbs, Professor of Biology at Stetson University

Why so pink? Florida’s thriving wetlands. ?????? Roseate spoonbills get their bright pink feathers from the shrimp, crabs, and crayfish they eat. These tasty treats give them that rosy glow! Their unique spoon-shaped bills help them scoop up food in Florida's coastal marshes, estuaries, and wetlands. ??????????. ????????????????. ?????? ?? ?????????? ?????? ???? ????????. Want to help keep Florida’s wildlife this fabulous — forever? Support land conservation at conservationfla.org. ??: @rmerriganphotography You never miss! ??

Sunset views along the St. Johns River ?? We love seeing Florida's beauty through your lens! Every photo you share, every story you tell, and every act of advocacy keeps land conservation in the spotlight. Together, we’re protecting the wild places that make Florida home — because it takes us all. Are you with us?? ?? Sign up below for updates and e-news to help protect Florida’s water, wildlife, and wild places! ?? ?? https://lnkd.in/g5cJsiEE ??: Chrissy Simmons

It's #SaveTheFloridaPantherDay! Just weeks ago, we spotted this critically-endangered cat in ??Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park -- on the land we permanently protected from development. Did you know... the Florida panther is one of the most endangered mammals on the globe? The future of our state animal depends on the wild land beneath its paws. Sadly, they’re running out of room to roam. Habitat loss and fragmentation continue to threaten their survival. But there is a proven solution: strategic land conservation. This recent sighting serves as a powerful reminder: When we protect their land, we protect their future. Today, on Save the Florida Panther Day, you can make a difference: ? Support land conservation ? Advocate for their protection ? Donate today—your contribution helps protect their home Florida is their home. With your support, we can keep it that way. ?? ?? Read more & take action at the link below: https://lnkd.in/gkiezBtP ?? Brandon A. Güell

HUGE NEWS: Florida’s biggest state park just got even BIGGER! We’ve expanded ??Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, adding more safe & permanently protected land for the critically endangered Florida panther. With only 120-230 FL panthers left in the world — all right here in Florida — every acre counts. Their biggest threats? Overdevelopment and habitat loss. Last year alone, we lost 36 panthers. But just last month, we came ????????-????-???????? ???????? ?? ?????????????? ?????????????? while out exploring this newly protected land in Fakahatchee — a powerful, once-in-a-lifetime reminder of why this work matters. Every acre we save means more room to roam for one of the world’s rarest mammals. Beyond Florida panthers, Fakahatchee is home to countless other threatened & endangered species like the: ? Ghost orchid ? Cardinal airplant ? Ribbon orchid It’s the ?????????????? ?????????????????????? ???????????? ?????????? ???? ?????? ??????????, and we are beyond proud to grow one of Florida’s award winning state parks — and protect the wild heart of our state ?? This conservation project was made possible through funding from incredible Conservation Florida supporters like you and Florida Department of Environmental Protection Division of State Lands — we are so grateful for your support in saving Florida’s wild places! Learn more at the link: https://lnkd.in/gppRNmcG ?? Brandon A. Güell - you're amazing!

Incoming: a total lunar eclipse ?? ?? Get ready for a celestial spectacle! A total lunar eclipse — also known as the Blood Moon — will light up the sky on ?????????? ???? & ????. As Earth's shadow engulfs the moon, it will glow a stunning reddish-orange. You'll be able to see this spectacle all across our wild, wonderful state! ????????, ?????? ???????? For most of us, it will be just before < ?? ??.??.>> but check your local news station for prime-time viewing windows in your county! No special glasses needed — just step outside and look up! Grab binoculars or a telescope for an even closer view. Who’s staying up for this rare sight? ??

We're ONE MONTH away from the Sunshine State Soirée presented by our friends Verizon! ?? Join us for a lakeside evening filled with live music, Florida-fresh cuisine, a premium open bar, exclusive auction items & truly Floridian experiences — all in support of protecting our water, wildlife, and wild places! For 25 years, we’ve worked to safeguard Florida’s wild and working lands. Now, we’re inviting YOU to celebrate with us! ?? April 11, 2025 | 6 PM ??Cypress Grove Estate House, Orlando, FL Claim the last-remaining tickets now: https://lnkd.in/gZgsWEyj Can’t make it in-person? You can still support the evening from afar by donating an auction item, experience OR sponsoring the event!

The rough green snake is a harmless beauty ?? These daytime hunters may look intimidating, but no need to be scared if you spot one! Just admire their skillful hunting: they’re not constrictors (no wrapping around and squeezing their prey). They quietly stalk spiders and insects, swiftly grabbing and swallowing them head first. ?? Every acre saved supports these incredible creatures, and more! Join our mission at conservationfla.org to support land conservation to protect Florida’s wildlife! ?? @deejaydundee

Paradise worth ????????????????????. Florida’s wild landscapes aren’t just beautiful — they’re essential. So essential that the Florida Legislature created the #FloridaWildlifeCorridor Act in 2021 to preserve over 18 million acres across the state, creating a vital, interconnected wildlife corridor. The benefits: ?? Critical ecosystems that filter our water, protect coastlines, and help fight climate change. ?? Unique habitats for plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth. ?? Recreational treasures — from hiking trails to kayaking and wildlife watching. But with 8.1 million acres still left to protect, our work is far from done. Support our mission and help us conserve more land! Volunteer, share our mission, or make a generous donation ?? conservationfla.org ??: @journeyofnow, absolutely stunning work!