State Leaders Attend Wild Florida Reception at the Historic Florida Capitol

The event brought together Florida lawmakers, landowners, scientists, conservationists, philanthropists, TV show producers, biologists and storytellers to celebrate the past achievements of Florida conservationists and to look forward to the future of saving wild Florida. 

Tallahassee, Fla. (February 22, 2023) — Conservation Florida, a dynamic driver of statewide land conservation, held its second annual Wild Florida reception following a celebration of wild Florida and all she has to offer on Wednesday, February 22, at the Historic Florida Capitol. The event brought together Florida lawmakers, landowners, scientists, conservationists, philanthropists, TV show producers, biologists and storytellers to celebrate the past achievements of Florida conservationists and to look forward to the future of saving wild Florida. 

A number of elected officials and Florida leaders were in attendance at the reception, including Attorney General Ashley Moody, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, and Speaker of the House, Paul Renner.

The crowd of over 200 people were treated to art by Florida artist Blair Updike and speeches by Traci Deen, President and CEO of Conservation Florida, Senate President, Kathleen Passidomo, Speaker of the House, Paul Renner, and Pat Durden from the Florida Cattlemen's Association.

“Tonight is a celebration of Wild Florida in all her glory, and a celebration of each and every of you,” Deen said to the crowd. “To those working to protect our wild places, our native species, our wildlife corridor, our ranches and family farms, our natural heritage, tonight is a celebration of you and your work.”

Speakers also urged the crowd to take urgent action for land conservation, highlighted the unique features of the Wildlife Corridor, and emphasized the importance of saving our wild places and spaces. "What's so important about the Corridor is that it's so multifaceted," Senate President Kathleen Passidomo noted. "For the farmers and the ranchers, how important is this that they can continue to farm and to ranch in perpetuity? How wonderful this amenity is for those who want to preserve Florida!"

In his opening remarks, Speaker of the House, Paul Renner expressed that he was happy to be a part of the evening and the mission behind it, and said, “We have this really amazing opportunity to connect The Keys to the Florida-Georgia line to benefit the biodiversity and the wildlife.” Ultimately, Renner said that he, along with fellow leaders and lawmakers, “Need to send a clear signal that we’re committed in the long term…If we don’t get there fast, we won’t get there.” 

Pat Durden of the Florida Cattlemen's Association, another speaker at the event, said, “It’s an awesome time in Florida,” as he believes that, “We’re right on the edge of being able to actually preserve Florida and the wild lands and the Corridor for many, many generations to come.” 

Following the reception, attendees were treated to a premier screening of the first episode of “Protect Our Paradise,” an upcoming docuseries created in partnership through Crawford Entertainment and Conservation Florida, called “Our Corridor,” in the Historic Capitol Courtyard. The series focuses on challenges facing Florida and serves as a catalyst to propel conservation at a statewide level. Each episode will feature a unique aspect of Florida’s environment and some of the people  working to  protect Florida’s wildlife, wild landscapes, and wild waters. The docuseries will air this summer on NBC, ABC, and CBS.

Amidst the reception taking place, Conservation Florida illuminated the Historic Florida Capitol green, celebrating and bringing awareness to land conservation in the state of Florida and the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

The Historic Capitol Museum was illuminated to spread awareness about land conservation and saving wild place amidst the 2023 Wild Florida reception. Photo by Connor Howe.

In her closing speech, Deen highlighted that unity among all those who love the land is what will save the wild places closest to our hearts. She remarked, “Together, we’re keeping Florida wild and we’re keeping Florida, Florida.”

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.