Speak Up for Florida’s Conservation Lands

News Release
September 15, 2016
Contact: Mark Middlebrook
(904) 509-0918

Florida Conservation Coalition “Speaks Up” for Florida’s Conservation Lands:
Senator Bob Graham Joins Conservation Groups for Florida Forever Rally

Jacksonville, FL — On Saturday, September 24, Florida Blue and the Florida Conservation Coalition will host Speak Up for Florida Forever, a call to action to preserve and protect Florida’s natural lands and working landscapes. Event partners include 1000 Friends of Florida, Timucuan Parks Foundation, St Johns Riverkeeper, North Florida Land Trust, Defenders of Wildlife, and Florida Wildlife Corridor.

Speak Up for Florida Forever
Saturday, September 24, 10 am – 4 pm
Camp Milton Historic Preserve
1225 Halsema Rd. N. Jacksonville, FL 32220
www.facebook.com/events/577643479074587/
http://floridaconservationcoalition.org/item/1072393
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/HG9yt5WYsAq

This free family-friendly event takes place at Camp Milton Historic Preserve from 10 am – 4 pm and features prominent speakers, live music, guided tours of Camp Milton’s nature trails and historical sites, Civil War reenactors, education activities for kids, food trucks, and environmental exhibitors. Speakers include former U.S. Senator and Florida Governor Bob Graham and Florida Senator Audrey Gibson.

Speak Up for Florida Forever is being held to raise awareness about the need to conserve environmentally sensitive lands and fund Florida Forever, the state’s premier conservation and recreation lands acquisition program.

“Our conservation lands are essential to protecting our waterways and our state’s economic future,” said Senator Bob Graham, a longtime environmental advocate who founded FCC with other conservationists in 2011. “They provide critical wildlife habitat and untold recreational opportunities. They are a significant part of the Florida we love and which attracts new residents and new economic opportunities to our state.”

“For more than 15 years our foundation has helped purchase, protect and restore conservation lands in Jacksonville,” said Mark Middlebrook, executive director of Timucuan Parks Foundation. “Protecting Florida’s fragile water and land resources continue to be critical to the state’s future.”

Ryan Smart, President of 1000 Friends of Florida, explains, “As Dr. Seuss’ Lorax said, ‘Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.’ It is up to us the citizens to get involved and speak up for the natural lands and waters of our state. We hope that this event will help provide a platform for citizens to do just that.”

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