In 2024, the Florida Wildlife Federation (FWF) worked tirelessly to protect Florida’s wildlife and natural spaces, driven by the unwavering support of our incredible community. From advocating for critical conservation policies to engaging communities in hands-on efforts, every milestone we achieved was made possible because of you. Your passion, dedication, and belief in our mission have helped ensure a brighter future for Florida’s wild places and the species that call them home. Together, we’ve made a lasting impact this year.  

This year, FWF stood at the forefront of a critical battle to protect Florida’s state parks from development projects that threatened to undermine their ecological integrity and public access. Proposed plans included the construction of golf courses, luxury hotels, and recreational facilities in nine state parks, which would have disrupted fragile ecosystems, displaced wildlife, and altered the natural landscapes that Floridians cherish. 

FWF mobilized a powerful coalition of supporters, conservation groups, and concerned citizens, using petitions, public comments, and outreach campaigns to amplify the message: Florida’s state parks should remain natural sanctuaries for wildlife and people. We also advocated at state hearings and worked with lawmakers to push back against these proposals, emphasizing the importance of preserving these spaces. 

Thanks to these efforts, the proposed developments were successfully halted. This victory not only protected vital habitats for countless species but also ensured that these public lands remain untouched havens for recreation, education, and the simple enjoyment of nature. It’s a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when we come together to stand up for Florida’s wild places. 

This year, we were inspired by the incredible support Floridians have shown for conservation! Local land referendums passed with overwhelming “YES” votes in Clay, Lake, Martin, and Osceola counties, marking a monumental win for Florida’s natural landscapes. These victories highlight our collective commitment to protecting habitats, water quality, and natural areas that sustain Florida’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife. 

The success of these measures will result in millions of dollars being directed toward land acquisition, habitat restoration, and environmental stewardship. These funds will ensure the long-term protection of critical natural lands, preserving them not only as wildlife habitats but also as spaces for recreation, clean water, and a stronger connection to nature. 

We supported these measures by educating communities, hosting informational events, and mobilizing voters. Floridians responded with an overwhelming mandate for conservation, sending a clear message that our natural areas are worth protecting. 

From the wetlands that purify our water to the forests and fields that provide shelter for iconic species like the Florida panther, these victories are a vital part of our broader efforts to conserve Florida’s wild lands for generations to come. Land conservation is at the heart of what we do, and with your support, we’ll continue to fight for these protections.  

This year, devoted ourselves to advocating for the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA)—a historic, bipartisan effort that could transform conservation in Florida and across the nation. If passed, RAWA would provide $39.5 million every year to Florida, giving us the tools to proactively protect at-risk species and prevent them from becoming endangered. 

We reached out to lawmakers, partnered with conservation allies, and rallied communities to support this critical legislation. Through public education campaigns and grassroots advocacy, we worked to ensure that Floridians understood the enormous impact RAWA could have on our wildlife and natural spaces. 

Although RAWA hasn’t been passed yet, the progress we made this year has brought it closer than ever to becoming a reality. This funding would allow us to restore habitats, implement recovery plans for vulnerable species like the Florida panther and manatees, and tackle major challenges like habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change. It’s a game-changer for the future of conservation in our state. 

In 2024, we intensified our efforts to protect Florida’s wetlands, which are among the state’s most critical and endangered ecosystems. Wetlands provide essential services: they act as natural water filters, mitigate flooding, and serve as habitats for countless species of wildlife. However, these vital landscapes face constant threats from overdevelopment and mismanagement. 

FWF played a pivotal role in legal and advocacy efforts this year to safeguard these invaluable ecosystems. We partnered with legal experts, environmental organizations, and local communities to challenge policies and projects that threatened to degrade or destroy wetlands. A major milestone was the federal court decision that invalidated Florida’s authority over certain wetland protections, a ruling that stemmed from years of persistent advocacy. 

Our actions included providing expert testimony, mobilizing public support, and submitting detailed comments to regulatory agencies. Through these efforts, we helped ensure that projects impacting wetlands were held to the highest environmental standards, preventing irreversible damage to these critical areas. 

Protecting wetlands is more than preserving habitats—it’s about safeguarding Florida’s water quality, preventing catastrophic flooding, and supporting a diverse array of species that depend on these ecosystems. By standing firm against overdevelopment, we’re helping to secure a future where wetlands continue to thrive as an integral part of Florida’s natural landscape. 

This year, we harnessed the power of grassroots advocacy to make conservation a top priority for Florida’s policymakers. Through our campaigns, FWF empowered thousands of Floridians to take action, resulting in over 250,000 letters, emails, and phone calls sent to lawmakers at the state and federal levels. 

A significant focus of these efforts was stopping the proposed state park developments, and supporters also advocated for critical initiatives like wetlands protection, habitat restoration, and the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. By equipping individuals with easy-to-use tools and resources, we made it simple for them to raise their voices and make a difference. 

The overwhelming response demonstrated Floridians’ commitment to conservation and sent a strong, united message to policymakers: protecting Florida’s wildlife and wild spaces must be a priority. Together, we’re proving that when we speak up for nature, we can create lasting change. 

We connected with communities across the state through a variety of impactful events and initiatives, fostering a deeper connection to Florida’s wildlife and inspiring action for conservation. 

We hosted tree-planting events in partnership with local organizations and volunteers, planting hundreds of native trees in areas where they could make the most difference. These efforts not only help restore habitats and improve air and water quality, but also provide critical resources for wildlife, including food and shelter.  

Our 2024 photo contest celebrated the incredible beauty of Florida’s landscapes and wildlife. From amateur photographers to seasoned professionals, participants submitted stunning images that captured the essence of Florida’s natural wonders. The contest brought attention to the state’s diverse ecosystems, reminding everyone of what’s at stake in our conservation efforts. Winning entries were shared widely, inspiring even more people to appreciate and protect Florida’s wildlife. 

Additionally, we organized wildlife awareness campaigns to educate Floridians about the challenges facing native species and ecosystems. Through educational materials, social media outreach, and community events, we encouraged individuals and families to take simple steps—like planting native plants, reducing waste, and advocating for conservation policies—that collectively make a big impact. 

FWF places a strong emphasis on fostering the next generation of conservationists by encouraging young Floridians to explore the outdoors and connect with the natural world. Through hands-on educational programs and guided experiences, like FGCU’s Wings of Hope Panther Posse, we provided students this year with opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of Florida’s ecosystems and the iconic species that depend on them. 

Our initiatives included outdoor field trips, wildlife tracking workshops, and habitat exploration activities. Students had the chance to learn about the delicate balance of Florida’s ecosystems, the threats they face, and the conservation efforts aimed at protecting them. These programs were designed to go beyond the classroom, offering immersive experiences where young minds could see firsthand the beauty and complexity of Florida’s wild spaces. 

A standout focus of these efforts was educating students about the Florida panther, one of the state’s most iconic and endangered species. By introducing them to the challenges panthers face, such as habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict, we aimed to spark a sense of responsibility and stewardship for their preservation. 

These programs didn’t just teach facts—they inspired action. Many students left these experiences with a newfound passion for conservation and a desire to protect the natural wonders of their home state. By investing in Florida’s youth, we’re planting the seeds of a lifelong commitment to safeguarding the environment and its wildlife. 

This year, FWF proudly launched our new livestream series designed to bring expert voices, critical environmental topics, and actionable solutions directly to our community. This platform has quickly become a vital resource for engaging and empowering Floridians to protect our state’s natural resources across the state. 

Our first two broadcasts tackled these timely and important issues: 

• Civic Engagement in the Upcoming Election (October): focused on the importance of civic participation in shaping conservation policies. Our guest speaker discussed how voters can identify misinformation, including AI-generated content, and make informed choices to support Florida’s environment during election season. 

• Reuniting the Great Florida Riverway (November): highlighted the efforts to restore the Great Florida Riverway and remove the Rodman Dam, which has blocked critical waterways for decades. The discussion shed light on the ecological and economic benefits of reconnecting these vital waterways, from improving water quality to restoring habitats for manatees, fish, and other species. 

Both livestreams drew an engaged audience and inspired participants to take action in their own communities.  

We’re excited to build on this momentum with even more impactful topics and expert discussions in 2025. Stay tuned as we continue to provide a platform for meaningful dialogue and actionable conservation solutions. 

None of these accomplishments would have been possible without YOU. Your support has helped protect Florida’s wildlife and wild spaces, creating a brighter, wilder future. 

As we look to 2025, we’re excited to continue this vital work together. To help usstart the new year strong and make an even bigger impact, we hope you will consider a year-end gift to support the Florida Wildlife Federation. Thank you for being an essential part of this journey—let’s keep the momentum going!