By Kathalyn Gaither
Many folks have explored Florida’s vast wilderness and shared their experiences along the way. But on Tuesday, a photographer, a bear biologist, a conservationist and a filmmaker began a journey of 1,000 miles to bring awareness to the need for a statewide network of connected natural areas throughout Florida.
Photographer Carlton Ward Jr., biologist Joe Guthrie, conservationist Mallory Lykes Dimmitt and documentary filmmaker Elam Stoltzfus began their Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition in Everglades National Park and will travel for 100 days to reach their final destination – the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in southern Georgia.
All along the journey, the group will document the diverse habitats – watersheds, forests, farms and ranches – over which they travel. The message they hope to get out is the need to preserve Florida’s forests, waterbodies and wildlife habitats as a way of ensuring clean air, water and protection for many of Florida’s wildlife species, including the threatened Florida black bear and endangered Florida panther.
The 1,000-mile expedition route will take the team through and around many ecosystems and well-known landmarks, such as Babcock Ranch, Kissimmee Chain of Lakes and the St. Johns River. Reporters, politicians, landowners and other guests will join the team at various points throughout the journey.
Interested followers can tag along on the 1,000-mile trek with the team as they explore migration corridors, learn about the farming and ranching communities and discover potential eco-tourism opportunities along the way.
To track their 100-day adventure and experience the journey virtually, follow the team on the Florida Expedition website or Facebook and read about their adventures on Twitter.
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