Live Wildly Foundation

In honor of Disability Pride Month, Live Wildly Adventurist George McKenzie JR spent June venturing through the stunning landscapes of Florida State Parks in partnership with the Florida State Parks Foundation, highlighting remarkable spots that celebrate accessibility in the great outdoors. We are excited to share an interactive Story Map that showcases these beautiful, accessible locations. Ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the wonders of our natural world needs to remain a top priority as we design the future of our outdoor recreational spaces. A special thank you to Angeline Meeks for her stunning execution of this Story Map. 💬 We invite you to explore the map and share your insights—your voice can spark positive change! Let's connect, collaborate, and champion a future where nature is truly for all! 🔗 https://bit.ly/3WW78jD #WeAreWildFlorida #LiveWildly #NatureForAll

We're thrilled to announce the launch of the Florida Conservation Lands Acquisition mapping tool, proudly funded by Live Wildly! 💫 This innovative tool is a game-changer for conservation efforts in the Sunshine State, helping to provide up-to-date data visualization of already-protected and opportunity lands within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Dive into the tool yourself to discover the importance of our connected wild lands, and learn how you can support these vital efforts. Let's work together to protect Florida's rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. 🗺️ 🌎 🔗 https://bit.ly/3MdFhpZ #LiveWildly #WeAreWildFlorida #Conservation #FloridaNature #ProtectOurPlanet

What would you say if we told you there was a technique for improving your wellbeing that is 50% more effective than mindfulness and meditation? There is, and it's time spent in nature. 🌿 This new study from Unyoked and AllTrails set out to prove the powerful impact nature can have on our health. After only 2 nights in nature, participants reported improved wellbeing, less burnout, and more connection. Don't just take our word for it, read the study — or better yet, head outside this weekend and feel the effects for yourself ✨

We were thrilled to experience the Solar Farm Summit this week in Chicago and brought back to Florida innovative insights about the emerging field of agrivoltaics. Agrivoltaics combines agriculture and solar power, offering a sustainable solution that benefits the environment, food systems, and farmers. Key Benefits of Agrivoltaics: 1️⃣ Shade for Plants: Reduces heat stress, leading to healthier crops. 🌿🌾 2️⃣ Energy Generation: Produces clean, renewable energy. ⚡️🌞 3️⃣ Water Conservation: Decreases water evaporation, preserving precious resources. 💧🌍 4️⃣ Enhanced Biodiversity: Supports local wildlife habitats. 🦋🐝 5️⃣ Increased Crop Yield: Boosts productivity and efficiency. 🥕🌽 Agrivoltaics represents a significant advancement in our efforts to create a greener planet and a more sustainable food supply. Let’s collaborate to cultivate a brighter future together! 🌻✨ #LiveWildly #Agrivoltaics #SFS24

In Florida, protecting land extends beyond state-level initiatives, with numerous counties championing voter-approved local land protection programs. Of the 67 counties in Florida, 25 have active land protection programs where citizens have rallied behind conservation measures, generating substantial funding to protect invaluable natural habitats. Collectively, these efforts have resulted in the preservation of thousands of acres of land, ensuring the continued existence of critical ecosystems for generations to come while also enhancing quality of life, supporting tourism, and safeguarding against climate impacts. Interested in learning more about county-level initiatives? Contact our Director of Strategic Initiatives Meredith Budd at meredith@livewildly.com

Today, we had the honor of hosting the workshop "Show Me the Money: Funding Land Conservation at the Ballot Box" at the Florida Association of Counties annual conference. Live Wildly's Director of Strategic Initiatives Meredith Budd was joined by panelists Pegeen Hanrahan with Trust for Public Land, Brandon Arrington, Commissioner with Osceola County, and Taco Pope, County Manager of Nassau County. This all-star team discussed innovative strategies and collaborative opportunities for Florida counties and their residents to protect wild Florida in the face of rapid development and environmental changes. Thank you to all who attended and to our panelists, who shared their years of experience and stories about balancing economy and ecology for a thriving Florida.

We are thrilled to highlight our partnership with the Florida State Parks Foundation. From hosting volunteer events at 40 State Parks during Explore the Corridor Week to connecting people to nature through screenings, we’re working together to protect, preserve, and grow Florida's 175 award-winning State Parks while balancing smart growth and a connected resilient landscape. 🎥 Watch Florida State Park Foundation's CEO Julia Gill Woodward and Live Wildly's Director of Strategic Initiatives Meredith Budd discuss the origins of our partnership through Leadership Florida and explore what’s on the horizon for both organizations in July and beyond.

Today we're celebrating a significant milestone in the Picayune Strand Restoration Project 🎉 We were honored to attend and support our partners at the Audubon of the Western Everglades. Plugging the Faka Union Canal was a crucial step in the Everglades Restoration Plan, and a major achievement in the effort to rehydrate wetlands and restore wildlife habitat in Picayune Strand State Forest. Thank you to Charlette Roman, South Florida Water Management District Board Member, for your leadership on this important project 🙏🏼

Live Wildly Foundation had the great pleasure of launching our Join the Movement campaign this past weekend at JJ Grey’s Blackwater Sol Review at the St. Augustine Amp. We are working together to protect Wild Florida. Take the pledge and we will donate $1 on your behalf to land conservation in FL. #jjgreymusic #singoutloud #theampsa #livewildlyFL https://lnkd.in/eSg7YJ4h

We are thrilled to join forces with Moultrie Mobile to further our mission to connect people with nature. Wildlife cameras help people connect with the animals that share our spaces, from ranches to backyards, trails to patios. Join the Movement to protect wild Florida and receive an exclusive discount on Moultrie's trail cameras!