Corridor Connect, co-hosted by Horse Farms Forever, held a gathering on May 21 in Ocala, bringing together local landowners along the Florida Greenway including many horse farm owners, The Saint Bernard Foundation, Duke Energy Corporation and Cherrylake. Also in attendance were artists and community members, all working to keep the Florida Wildlife Corridor connected and thriving. 

Ben Masters and Ann Louise Drake – ©Tammy Gantt

The event included conservation stories, hands-on workshops and resources, as attendees had the opportunity to connect directly with the people and tools shaping conservation in Marion County and beyond.⁠ National Geographic explorer Ben Masters, well known for his documentary on his travel from Mexico to Canada aboard mustangs; his Texas ocelot research and overall conservation efforts, was the keynote.

The day also included a film screening of Saving the Florida Wildlife Corridor followed by a panel discussion with local landowner Holland Drake and Pegeen Hanrahan of Trust for Public Land; a landowner expo featuring more than a dozen partners sharing on-the-ground expertise. There were also conservation programs and opportunities for landowners, workshops focused on conservation options for working lands and tools for closing gaps in the Florida Wildlife Corridor.⁠

Sara Fennessy of Horse Farms Forever – ©Tammy Gantt

The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association is a founding member of Horse Farms Forever, whose efforts include protecting the Farmland Preservation Area in Marion County.

Return to the May 26 issue of Wire to Wire