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Tag: land conservation

  • Live Wildly Teams Up With Discovery Channel’s Misty Wells to Explore the Sights, Sounds and Unique Species of the Florida Keys

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    Watch the Discovery Channel’s “Let’s Take It Outside” program this Sunday, Oct. 26, and discover what makes Florida wild


    SAINT AUGUSTINE, Fla., October 23, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Live Wildly – the Florida non-profit working to help people fall in love with nature – will be featured in the upcoming episode of the Discovery Channel’s “Let’s Take It Outside” program, starring angler and outdoor enthusiast Misty Wells.

    The episode will air at 5:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, on the Discovery Channel, and viewers will get the chance to meet two of Live Wildly’s dedicated team members – Senior Director of Conservation Dr. Thomas Eason and Events Producer Michelle Yepez – as they boat across the Florida Keys, catch lobster and discuss what makes Florida’s lands and waters so special. It is also available to watch on demand starting Oct. 26 on Discovery GO and shortly thereafter on Discovery Plus.

    “What a blast to explore Florida’s natural areas with Misty Wells,” said Eason. “We not only got the chance to see the amazing and diverse species that call Florida home, but we experienced firsthand why Florida is known as one of the greatest outdoor recreational spots in the world.”

    Live Wildly is the official sponsor of the sixth season of “Let’s Take It Outside.” Live Wildly’s work to protect Florida’s lands and waters will be highlighted throughout the season, and viewers will be invited to “Join the Movement” to explore, connect with and protect wild Florida.

    “Partnering with the Live Wildly Foundation and its mission is the perfect partnership as we share the same goal to keep Florida wild,” said Wells. “Given the growth and development pressures in Florida, every acre saved for Florida’s future is a win. I am proud to be part of the Live Wildly team and future.”

    Along with hosting “Let’s Take It Outside,” Wells also is a Live Wildly Outdoor Adventurist and will be working with Live Wildly to encourage people to get outside and connect with nature.

    “Misty’s passion for Florida’s lands and waters makes her the ideal ambassador for this movement to protect nature, bringing new audiences into the fold and inspiring them to care about conservation,” said Live Wildly’s CEO Lisa Shipley. “People protect what they love, and working together, we are helping people fall in love with nature.”

    Live Wildly’s mission is the long-term protection of Florida’s lands and waters, starting with a permanently conserved Florida Wildlife Corridor. The Corridor, established in 2021, is an 18-million-acre network of lands and waters stretching from the Everglades to the Panhandle. It not only provides habitat for almost 2,000 different species – including the iconic Florida panther, manatees, and the Gopher tortoise – but also supports more than 100,000 jobs and generates $30 billion in annual revenue through recreation, tourism, agriculture and other industries.

    To learn more, visit www.LiveWildly.com

    Source: Live Wildly Foundation

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  • Live Wildly and Sing Out Loud Festival Raise $130,000 to Protect Florida’s Wild Places

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    More than 25,000 people from around the world gathered in St. Augustine, FL, to celebrate music and nature


    SAINT AUGUSTINE, Fla., October 2, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Live Wildly and Sing Out Loud Festival, with the help of more than 25,000 music fans, raised over $130,000 for conservation in St. Johns County, FL. The funds will go directly toward local land conservation initiatives that safeguard Florida’s wild beauty.

    The funding was raised through a portion of ticket sales from Sing Out Loud Festival’s Live Wildly Showcase, a mission-driven music festival designed to spark deeper connections to Florida’s wild places. Held Sept. 20-21 in historic St. Augustine, FL, the festival weekend featured 14 headliners such as platinum-selling artist Hozier, indie star Beabadoobee and folk-pop artist Vance Joy.

    “Nature, like music, has the power to move people,” said Lisa Shipley, CEO of Live Wildly. “We’re proud to partner with Sing Out Loud to inspire people to protect Florida’s wild lands. People protect what they love. From the food we eat to the air we breathe to the places we recreate, nature plays a vital role in our daily lives.”

    In between world-class acts, festival attendees explored the Live Wildly tent, where they were surrounded by the sights of Florida’s unique natural areas. Inside the air-conditioned, springs-themed environment, guests cooled off while learning about Florida’s iconic freshwater springs and the many species that depend on them. Vibrant imagery and educational displays throughout the venue highlighted the importance of protecting Florida’s fragile ecosystems. Near the center of the event, Live Wildly showcased the return of its 15-foot inflatable Florida panther and debuted a new cub, a nod to the critically endangered species with only a little over 200 believed to remain in the wild.

    This marks the second consecutive year Live Wildly has teamed up with Sing Out Loud to raise funds for Florida conservation. Year-round, Live Wildly collaborates with public and private partners across the state to connect people with Florida’s wild places and inspire lasting support for protecting them.

    “Our partnership with Live Wildly reflects what Sing Out Loud Festival is all about – using the power of music to bring awareness and inspire action,” said Gabe Pellicer, CEO & President of SJC Cultural Events, Inc., the 501c3 organization that produces Sing Out Loud Festival. “Thanks to this collaboration, we’ve shown that when music and conservation come together, we can make a real impact for Florida’s wild places. And that impact goes beyond one weekend of music – it helps safeguard the lands and waters that define Florida’s identity and sustain our communities for generations.”

    Live Wildly’s mission is the long-term protection of Florida’s lands and waters, starting with a permanently connected Florida Wildlife Corridor. The Corridor, established in 2021, is an 18-million-acre network of lands and waters stretching from the Everglades to the Panhandle. It not only provides habitat for almost 2,000 different species – including the iconic Florida panther, manatees, and the Gopher tortoise, but also supports more than 100,000 jobs and generates $30 billion in annual revenue through recreation, tourism, agriculture and other industries.

    Source: Live Wildly Foundation

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  • Live Wildly Applauds Florida’s Continued Commitment to the Wildlife Corridor and the Economic Benefits It Brings

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    Conserving healthy lands and waters within the Wildlife Corridor has potential to bring a 6-to-1 return on investment


    TALLAHASSEE, Fla., April 16, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    The amount of land conserved in and around the Wildlife Corridor with state funding has steadily grown each year since lawmakers established the Corridor in 2021 – and 2025 is poised to be yet another record-breaking year for Corridor conservation.

    More than 133,000 acres of Corridor lands were conserved last year under Florida’s two largest conservation programs, Florida Forever and the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP). That acreage beat the amount of Corridor land conserved with state funding in 2023 (110,465 acres) which, in turn, was nearly three times the amount conserved in 2022 (36,602).

    “Investing in nature is investing in the economy of Florida,” said Lisa Shipley, CEO of Live Wildly. “Florida has become a national example of how conserving natural lands and waters can lead to healthier communities and provide for a robust future.”

    A 2021 study found that the Corridor supports at least 114,000 jobs and provides at least $30 billion in annual value from tourism, agriculture, forestry, and other industries. That same study found that conserving Corridor lands most at risk of destruction from development could bring Florida a 6-to-1 return on investment from increased tourism revenue and the sale of carbon credits.

    Other studies have shown that protecting the Wildlife Corridor can shield communities from devastating floods and heat waves. The Corridor is home to about two-thirds of Florida’s floodplains which absorb water and act as natural buffers against flooding. The Corridor’s healthy forests keep temperatures cooler than in surrounding urban areas, offering tourists and Floridians a refuge from soaring heat and the health risk it brings.

    “The name ‘Wildlife Corridor’ may lead some to think it’s focused solely on helping Florida’s iconic animal species,” said Shipley. “But the Corridor’s green infrastructure also serves as the foundation of Florida’s economy and quality of life.”

    This year, the state is once again on track to conserve more lands and waters within and around the Wildlife Corridor than in previous years.

    In March, state policy leaders approved a ground-breaking $84.5 million for the permanent conservation of 19,486 acres across 7 properties within the Corridor. The funding, which comes from Florida Forever and the RFLPP, will connect fragmented natural areas across the Corridor while supporting agricultural production as well as habitat for gopher tortoise, sandhill crane, the Florida panther, and other species.

    Also in March, Florida opened its first new state park in seven years. The Upper Shoal River Park was established on 2,500 acres of land adjacent to the Corridor, purchased with funding from Florida Forever. It will protect habitat for numerous wildlife species while offering Florida residents and tourists new hiking, fishing, and paddling opportunities.

    “We applaud the state’s commitment to keeping the Wildlife Corridor healthy and productive,” said Shipley. “The future of Florida’s communities and economies depend on it.”

    Created with unanimous approval of the state legislature in 2021, the Florida Wildlife Corridor is the nation’s largest state-wide conservation effort of its kind spanning 18-million-acres from the Florida Panhandle to the Everglades.

    Contact Information

    Meredith Budd
    Deputy Director
    meredith@livewildly.com

    Michelle Yepez
    Brand Campaign & Events Advisor
    michelle@livewildly.com

    Source: Live Wildly Foundation

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  • Live Wildly and Trust for Public Land Congratulate Florida Voters for Landslide Election Wins That Protect Healthy Lands and Waters

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    Floridians cast record-setting votes for protecting nature; nearly $350 million approved for local conservation efforts


    TAMPA, Fla., November 20, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    The Trust for Public Land, a national nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors, and the Live Wildly Foundation, a non-profit working to advance conservation in Florida, congratulate Florida voters for overwhelmingly passing conservation ballot measures on Election Day that will secure nearly $350 million over the next 20 years to protect safe drinking water, preserve wildlife habitat, expand outdoor recreation, promote efficient development and support other actions that conserve local lands and waters.

    Conservation measures were on the ballot in Clay, Lake, Osceola and Martin counties. All won with landslide support. The Lake County measure, in fact, passed with an unprecedented 80% of the vote, setting the record for the most votes garnered by a ballot measure in that county’s history.1

    “It is exciting to see communities across Florida prioritize water quality, wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation at the ballot box. We look forward to seeing these four counties implement great land protection projects in the coming years,” said Will Abberger, Director of Trust for Public Land’s Conservation Finance Program.

    Abberger added that TPL worked with communities across the country to approve ballot measures that secured $16 billion for protecting America’s lands and waters.

    In Florida, the four ballot measures not only directly secure millions of dollars each year in local conservation funding, but they also position the counties to receive additional matching grants at the state and federal levels.

    “While political divides have dominated the headlines, these wins demonstrate that conservation has broad support from voters across the political spectrum,” said Meredith Budd, Director of Strategic Initiatives with the Live Wildly Foundation which worked with the Trust for Public Land to back the measures. “Floridians understand that healthy lands and waters are the backbone of Florida’s thriving communities and economies.”

    Florida’s outdoor recreation industry supports 485,000 jobs and generates $3.5 billion in state and local tax revenue each year.2 Florida state parks and trails support 50,000 jobs and directly contribute $3.6 billion annually to local economies.3 Florida’s healthy lands are home to nearly 50,000 farms and ranches across the state which generate nearly $8 billion a year.4

    The four conservation ballot measures passed on Election Day are:

    ■ In Clay County, voters authorized $45 million in bonds that will generate more than $3 million each year over the next 20 years to acquire and manage lands that protect drinking water sources, conserve wildlife habitat, support working forests and farms, reduce flooding, and support outdoor recreation. The measure passed with 73% of the vote.

    ■ Lake County voters approved a $50 million bond that will generate $4 million each year for land acquisition to protect water resources, wildlife corridors, and recreational areas. The measure passed with 80% of the vote.

    ■ Osceola County approved a $70 million bond that will generate $5 million a year to preserve lands from development by acquiring, managing, restoring and improving natural areas for the protection of water quality, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation. The measure passed with 84% of the vote.

    ■ In Martin County, voters approved a sales tax that will generate an estimated $183 million in conservation funding over ten years. The funds will be used to clean and restore waterways, protect drinking water, preserve wildlife habitat, expand recreational opportunities, support farmers, and enhance ecotourism. The measure passed with 64% of the vote.

    1 Historic win for conservation: Lake County Conservation Referendum passes with unprecedented 80% Approval | Clermont Sun | midfloridanewspapers.com
    2 OIA_RecEcoState_FL
    3 Impact | Florida State Parks Foundation
    4 Florida Agriculture Overview and Statistics / Agriculture Industry / Home – Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
     

    Source: Live Wildly Foundation

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  • Music Fans Raise Over $160,000 to Protect Florida Lands and Wildlife

    Music Fans Raise Over $160,000 to Protect Florida Lands and Wildlife

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    Live Wildly Inspires Floridians to Protect the Places They Love at Sing Out Loud Festival


    TAMPA, Fla., October 3, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Live Wildly Foundation, in partnership with Sing Out Loud Festival, and with the help of over 27,000 music fans, raised over $160,000 last weekend for land conservation across St. Johns County, FL.  

    The funding was raised through a portion of ticket sales from Sing Out Loud Festival’s Live Wildly Showcase, a two-day music concert held Sept. 21-22 in historic downtown St. Augustine, FL.

    The funds raised from ticket sales will be distributed evenly between the City of St. Augustine’s Conservation Program and St. Johns County’s Land Acquisition Management Program. Funds are specifically earmarked for the purchase of conserved lands within St. Johns County. 

    Along with enjoying music from headliners Noah Kahan, Eric Church, Norah Jones, Ryan Bingham, JJ Grey & Mofro, and others, festival attendees had the opportunity to explore Live Wildly’s immersive showcase tent that surrounded concertgoers with the sights and sounds of wild Florida. 

    Nearly 1,500 concertgoers signed Live Wildly’s “Join the Movement” pledge to be a guardian of Florida’s wild soul. For every pledge signed, Live Wildly is donating $1 toward land and water conservation. Since the pledge launched on May 1st, 11,377 people have signed, including musician and NE Florida native JJ Grey, who encouraged his fanbase to “join the movement to protect wild Florida.” 

    “Florida holds a special place in my heart, and I am deeply passionate about protecting its wild spaces for future generations,” Grey stated on social media. “Through this partnership with Live Wildly, I am honored to join forces with like-minded individuals and organizations to ensure that our state’s natural heritage remains intact in the face of rapid growth and development.” 

    “It was amazing to tap into the passion and energy of music lovers, to help them learn more about wild Florida, and to inspire them to take action to save it,” said Lisa Shipley, Live Wildly’s CEO. “Music and nature are so compatible. They feed our souls and inspire us to see ourselves within a bigger picture. The more you immerse yourself in them, the more you love them and understand how important they are in your daily life.” 

    Live Wildly’s partnership with Sing Out Loud Festival is part of the non-profit’s ongoing work to engage communities and support on-the-ground conservation action. 

    “There are hundreds of music festivals, but only one that pairs a stellar lineup with the message of protecting Florida’s natural lands,” said Gabe Pellicer, CEO & President of SJC Cultural Events, Inc., the 501c3 organization behind Sing Out Loud Festival. “Hosting more than 25,000 music fans while raising awareness and funds for land conservation in our community is what makes Sing Out Loud Festival truly unique. It’s a testament to the power of live music. I’m still beaming from the incredible sense of unity we felt, and we’re truly honored to be a part of it.” 

    Live Wildly’s first priority is ensuring the ongoing protection of the Florida Wildlife Corridor, an 18-million-acre network of connected lands and waters stretching from the Everglades to the Panhandle. Created in 2021, the Florida Wildlife Corridor is the nation’s largest statewide conservation effort of its kind, providing habitat for almost 2,000 different species including the iconic Florida panther, manatees, and the Gopher tortoise. The Corridor’s lands and waters also support more than 100,000 jobs and contribute $30 billion in annual revenue to the state through recreation, tourism, agriculture, forestry, and other industries. But only about half of the Corridor is currently under legal protection, leaving the rest open to threats of subdivision or unsustainable development. 

    “Thriving communities and economies go hand-in-hand with healthy lands and waters,” said Shipley. “People protect the places they love. That’s why Live Wildly is dedicated to helping people fall in love with the wild places around them.” 

    Over the past year, Live Wildly has partnered with such organizations as the Florida State Parks Foundation, Florida Bicycle Association, and the Florida Trails Association to organize events that drive people outside, connect them to nature, and inspire them to take action to save it. 

    In addition to Sing Out Loud’s Live Wildly Showcase, Live Wildly partnered with Flagler College students on a river cleanup along the San Sebastian River and hosted a screening and panel discussion of the award-winning film Path of the Panther at Ringhaver Student Center at Flagler College. 

    Elsewhere in St. Augustine, Live Wildly sponsored the creation of a massive outdoor mural painted by local artist Brook Page in St. Augustine Beach that will feature species from the Florida Wildlife Corridor. 

    ABOUT SING OUT LOUD FESTIVAL 

    Sing Out Loud Festival is the annual, epic celebration of live music in historic St. Augustine, Florida. Since 2016, Sing Out Loud has featured more than 1,400 national, regional, and local musicians, and welcomed more than 300,000 live music enthusiasts. The festival features ticketed concerts, free local artist showcases, artist development workshops, and specialty programming like the St. Augustine Songwriters Festival, and more. Entering its 8th year, Sing Out Loud Festival’s marquee weekend was the two-day Live Wildly Showcase at Francis Field on Sept. 21 and 22. For more information, please visit www.singoutloudfestival.com.  

    ABOUT LIVE WILDLY FOUNDATION 

    Founded in 2022, the Live Wildly Foundation applies an entrepreneurial approach to protecting wild Florida while seeking to balance smart growth, a robust economy, and a connected, resilient landscape. Through creating diverse coalitions, fostering collaboration, and empowering stakeholders to advance conservation efforts, Live Wildly strives to achieve a harmonious and sustainable future in which economic prosperity coexists with a thriving and resilient ecological landscape. Their first priority is the Florida Wildlife Corridor. This 18-million-acre wildlife superhighway is a model for public-private partnership, citizen advocacy, and grassroots support. Live Wildly encourages people to ‘Join the Movement’ to protect wild Florida. For more information, please visit www.livewildly.com.  

    Source: Live Wildly Foundation

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