Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation

We are excited to partner with such an important group that advocates and protects Florida– this beautiful place we call home. We came in touch with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation when Allisa, Tide for a Cause Partner from Roots Creative Co., started working with their team on the new mural they spearheaded in Brooksville with Brooksville Main Street. When she met the team, we knew we had to make a special Tide for a Cause to showcase the foundation and the project. Maxine at Tidal was thrilled to learn more and see how we could help others get to know their mission!

The Mission

To champion a collaborative campaign to permanently connect, protect, and restore the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

The foundation exists to champion the Corridor vision. We align efforts to lead the conservation of the Corridor’s highest priorities, we accelerate connectivity by providing tools and resources that elevate partners’ work, and we celebrate collective Corridor successes through storytelling and art. These actions raise awareness of the Corridor and inspire support statewide and beyond.

Where exactly is the Corridor?

The Florida Wildlife Corridor covers nearly 17.7 million acres of Florida. 9.6 million acres of the Corridor are existing conserved lands, or 54% of the Corridor. 8.1 million acres of the Corridor are considered as opportunity areas for future conservation or 46% of the Corridor.

The vision of the Corridor is depicted beautifully in this watercolor map; an original painting by Mike Reagan, designed by Carlton Ward Jr, Tom Hoctor, Richard Hilsenbeck, Mallory Lykes Dimmitt, and Joe Guthrie. Explore the maps that follow to gain further insight into the rich natural heritage of our State, especially within these important lands. You can view and download all of the maps at this link.

A Closer Look at the Mural

The mural is titled "Keeping It Wild" and was created by artist Justin Alsedek (Gypsea Arts). You can visit the mural at Brooksville City Hall at 201 Howell Avenue in Brooksville, Florida. This mural project started with a conversation between Brooksville Main Street and Florida Wildlife Corridor and has turned into something great for our county and community, as it will help us continue to talk about the importance of protecting our land and wildlife here in Hernando County. The project saw great community support from Hernando residents, the Hernando County Fine Arts Council, and the City of Brooksville for sharing the space for the mural.

The geography surrounding the city of Brooksville connects the Green Swamp with the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge and the Nature Coast. But this stretch of the corridor is vulnerable. It contains numerous unprotected lands critical to keeping the corridor connected for both wildlife and people alike. Each mural in our campaign highlights the beauty of the Florida Wildlife Corridor and the town’s importance in protecting this global treasure. The area surrounding Brooksville is a critical link in the corridor and is a refuge for many species of plants and animals. It is also a renowned destination for outdoor recreation. To highlight Brooksville’s role in protecting the nearly 18-million-acre Florida Wildlife Corridor, award-winning artist Justin Alsedek created this mural on the walls of Brooksville City Hall.

Mural Website

What is the history behind the foundation?

The Florida Wildlife Corridor project was founded by Dr. Tom Hoctor, Director of the Center for Landscape and Conservation Planning at the University of Florida and Carlton Ward Jr, a Conservation Photographer focused on Florida’s living heritage. Richard Hilsenbeck, Director of Conservation Projects for the Florida Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, co-founded the initiative. Mallory Dimmitt co-founded the Florida Wildlife Corridor organization and served as its first executive director and more recently, its first CEO.

Their vision and collaboration were inspired by the bear research of David Maehr and the commitment of his students, Wade Ulrey and Joe Guthrie, to continue his legacy. Through this project, the team hopes to transcend cultural, perceptual, and geographic boundaries, connect people to the places we need to protect, and ultimately help reconnect and restore the fragmented lands and waters in Florida.

Learn more about our history here.

What are the current projects you have going on with FWCF?

In addition to the mural campaign, we’re working on a number of initiatives toward achieving our critical mission. We’re gearing up to promote our latest Expedition film, bringing awareness to a fragile area of the Corridor in the O2O region (between the Ocala and Osceola National Forests); creating working groups following our 500-person Corridor Connect Summit last month in Orlando; developing an educational curriculum for youth, meeting with legislators and decision makers; exhibiting art related to our mission in our new gallery called “Wild Space,” meeting with partners on wildlife crossings around the state and much more!

What is the best way for the public to help support your mission?

Get out and explore the Corridor! People protect what they love. Talk to elected officials about our critical mission and what wild Florida means to you. Watch our Expedition films to gain a better understanding of the Corridor. Make a donation to help fund our mission. Get more ideas here!

Are there any upcoming events or projects the public can support?

Follow us on social media to keep up to date on exciting projects that you can participate in. You can attend an outdoor screening of our latest expedition film at our St. Pete headquarters on Veterans Day, November 11. Event Info and RSVP

How can nonprofit groups get involved?

Sign up for our monthly Newsletter to stay “in the know.” Newsletter Sign Up
Pick up a Brooksville “Corridor Pride” sticker at City Hall or Brooksville Welcome Center
Take a picture at the beautiful Brooksville Mural and post it to your social media.