UF Center for Landscape Conservation Planning
The Center conducts applied research on conservation, land use, and green infrastructure while provi
We are honored to announce that the Ecological Society of America has awarded our Director, Tom Hoctor, the Sustainability Science Award. Congratulations, Tom!!!
From the news release:
This award recognizes the authors of the scholarly work that makes the greatest contribution to the emerging science of ecosystem and regional sustainability through the integration of ecological and social sciences. This year’s award is given to the authors of “Marshaling science to advance large landscape conservation," published in Conservation Science and Practice Aug. 27, 2024, for their groundbreaking contribution to sustainability science.
This research team has demonstrated the transformative power of actionable science in preserving the 18-million-acre Florida Wildlife Corridor, one of the world’s most ambitious habitat connectivity projects. By combining rigorous research with innovative tools like the Florida Circuit Model and by fostering partnerships with landowners, government agencies, corporations and nongovernmental organizations, their work has contributed to the permanent protection of over 191,000 acres and the allocation of $2.3 billion in state funding. Their efforts serve as a model for co-produced science that inspires impactful conservation outcomes.
The article highlights a trifecta of critical approaches to conservation action: “Documenting the Development Threat,” “Prioritizing the Corridor” and “Communicating and Convening Science.” The team has lifted conservation prioritization to a new level, enabling local governments and nongovernmental organizations to make land-use decisions backed by data. This model has been instrumental for organizations such as The Nature Conservancy and the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation for their planning of conservation areas and promoting innovative development practices. Moreover, the team’s dedication to effective science communication and collaboration has ensured the practical application of their findings. Their cross-organizational cartographic standards, educational outreach and workshops have united stakeholders under a shared vision of sustainability.
Archbold Biological Station Florida Natural Areas Inventory
We are thrilled to announce our own Isabella Guttuso Browne's nomination for a Sabal Award this year, a community choice award for in the category of "Emerging Leader" for her role in the protection, connection, and restoration of the Florida Wildlife Corridor!! Please read her letter below and VOTE by MAY 9th with this link: lnkd.in/evxFvm3h
Congratulations for this nomination, Isabella!!
#floridawildlifecorridor #floridawildlifecorridorfoundation 1000 Friends of Florida Live Wildly
The last couple of weeks were busy for Mike Volk and Isabella G Browne, who lead the Center’s Urban Green Infrastructure initiative. They had meetings with our coastal communities from the NE to SW corners of our state! From St. Augustine to Matlacha, they are working with UF partners like FIBER, CLUE/IFAS and UF Historic Preservation to identify strategies to address coastal challenges for these historic communities. UF College of Design, Construction and Planning Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation Live Wildly Florida Conservation Group 1000 Friends of Florida UF Historic Preservation Program