OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Horse Farms Forever (HFF), Marion County’s leader in farmland preservation, held its fourth annual Conservation Summit Thursday, discussing “smart growth,” which aims to balance conservation & development in the Ocala metro area.

The 550-person crowd joined together to hear “Conversations about Conservation,” from keynote speakers Carlton Ward Jr., National Geographic Explorer; Mallory Dimmitt, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation; and Traci Deen, Conservation Florida. 
Keynote speaker Carlton Ward, Jr. founded the Florida Wildlife Corridor project in 2010 and has since trekked 2,000 miles during two National Geographic supported expeditions to advocate for the corridor’s protection. He is now working as an ambassador for the recovery of the Florida panther. Courtesy: Lisa Varner/352today

Different from years past, Summit speakers largely focused on the Florida Wildlife Corridor – created after Ward’s documentation of the state’s endangered state mascot: the Florida panther. The Florida Wildlife Corridor Act brings $800 million in funding to protect and preserve dedicated greenspace areas that connect the Everglades to the Panhandle, as well as protecting our natural water resources.

RELATED: 2 endangered Florida panthers struck and killed by vehicles, wildlife officials say

Although the Florida Wildlife Corridor and the Farmland Preservation Area do not overlap, the message is clear: farms and ranches play an essential role in conserving resources, protecting endangered species, and balancing development demands. Horse Farms Forever and the Florida Wildlife Corridor have partnered together to unify conservation efforts statewide. 

During the Summit, John and Shirley Rudnianyn received the 2023 Acorn Conservation Award from Horse Farms Forever. The Acorn Conservation Award is given to an individual or family who has made a significant contribution to the preservation of land and horse farms in Marion County.
During the Summit, Horse Farms Forever’s Busy Shires (center right) and Bernie Little (right) present John (left) and Shirley (center left) Rudnianyn with the 2023 Acorn Conservation Award. The award is given to an individual or family who has made a significant contribution to the preservation of land and horse farms in Marion County. Courtesy: Olana Osborn/352today

HFF chose the Rudnianyn’s as this year’s honorees because of their “lifelong love and stewardship of land in Marion County.” 

HFF says they were recently involved in the acquisition of approximately 18,000 acres in the Fort McCoy area and have assembled a team of land specialists to assist in the restoration of the Fort McCoy properties which include foresters, soil and wetland scientists, the St. Johns River Water Management District, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Ducks Unlimited, and Quail Forever. Management plans include timber, cattle, and variety land enhancements to benefit wildlife which will include sustainable harvesting opportunities for hunters and their families.

The Fort McCoy Forest properties are key parcels of land in the Florida Wildlife Corridor which could help connect the Ocala National Forest to Paynes Prairie State Preserve and the Osceola National Forest. John is currently working to try to conserve a large portion of the Fort McCoy properties through several Florida conservation programs.

Horse Farms Forever is continually working with local and State authorities to sustainably grow while preserving Marion County’s unique and precious natural resources.

“Rubbish” the mascot for the Marion County litter awareness campaign danced to his theme song. Courtesy: Lisa Varner/352today
His entertaining performance conveys the message to pick up your trash and throw it away. Courtesy: Lisa Varner/352today