"Look deep, deep into nature and then you will understand everything better. "

-Einstein-

A Sampling of Grants We Funded in 2008

The Wildlife Foundation of Florida is dedicated to Florida's wildlife through the funding of grants that not only preserve endangered species, but also investigate Florida's unique flora and fauna, in order to better protect and conserve Florida's wilderness, and to better afford Florida's citizens and visitors increased and prolonged enjoyment of our great outdoors. By funding research and educational grants, the Wildlife Foundation of Florida enhances the efforts of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to protect our unique ecosystems and to educate our citizens, young and old, outdoorsmen and city dwellers, to the bounty of wildlife and wild places available in Florida and how to live in harmony with our wild neighbors. If you would like to help us support these grant programs, purchase one of the license plates below, from http://www.BuyaPlate.com TODAY!

Saving the Red-cockaded Woodpecker

The red-cockaded woodpecker, a medium sized woodpecker who lives in live longleaf pines across the southeast, was Federally listed as an endangered species in 1970. To combat the problem of their declining population, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) created the Safe Harbor Program. This program is perfect for private landowners who are interested in restoring or enhancing habitats that may benefit this endangered species but are concerned about incurring additional regulatory restrictions on the use of their land. It effectively “freezes” a landowner’s ESA responsibilities as long as the owner agrees to restore, enhance or create habitat that benefits red-cockaded woodpeckers.

The Wildlife Foundation of Florida is helping to conserve the Red-cockaded woodpecker by supporting this important program. Visit http://www.myfwc.com/safeharbor if you are interested in becoming a part of FWC's Safe Harbor program.

Catching a Criminal

These funds will allow the FWC to contract for development of an internet search engine targeting regulated fish and wildlife species. FWC Law Enforcement investigators will use this tool to prevent the illegal introduction of non-native fish and wildlife into Florida, as well as illegal traffic of listed species.

The Wildlife Foundation feels it's important to monitor trafficking of regulated species to ensure these animals are not released into the wild, thus endangering the Florida's native wildlife and habitat.

Gophers on the Move

As gopher tortoises lose habitat to development in the Florida peninsula, there is an increased emphasis on moving displaced tortoises to the Panhandle, where populations are depleted due to past over-harvest. These funds will allow the FWC to conduct genetic testing on gopher tortoises in the Panhandle to determine how these resident populations might differ from those in the peninsula. This information is vital to the FWC’s effort to conserve this native species.

The Wildlife Foundation wants to help gopher tortoises all over the state of Florida. We believe that helping to relocate them to areas more able to sustain them will help conserve this great species.

Being Good Neighbors

In Florida, living with Black Bears is a part of life; however, doing so is not always easy. The FWC wishes to make this process easier through education of the public. They created a pilot community based management program that will engage local citizens, businesses and government in developing community-level advocacy for black bears in select areas.

The black bear is an important part of Florida ecology and history. The Wildlife Foundation recognizes the importance of these magestic creatures. If you would like to know more about what the FWC is doing to help these beautiful animals, visit them on the web at http://www.MyFWC.com.

FWC Goes to the Keys Classroom

The goal of this program is to educate school students in the Florida Keys about how ecologically dependent their community is upon the marine ecosystem. The program will also promote the mission of the FWC (managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and for the benefit of people). The overall benefit will be seen in the creation of a new generation of environmental stewards. The Wildlife Foundation of Florida has helped fund the Burrowing Owl Conservation and Management Program, providing the necessary telemetry equipment that allows FWC scientists to follow these owls for a more thorough understanding of what is needed to bring them back from their endangered status.

The Wildlife Foundation believes in the importance of teaching Florida's youth about conservation for Florida's future survival.

Photographic Identification of Right Whales

These funds will support efforts to enhance photo-identification of north Atlantic right whales. This will lead to better understanding of population demographics, reproductive success, and habitat use patterns. Information will be submitted for inclusion in the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium database where these data can be used to discern population-wide problems, develop recovery strategies, and evaluate the impact of management and conservation efforts.

This grant was made possible through a generous donation by the William Howard Flowers, Jr. Foundation. Since 2007, the William Howard Flowers, Jr. Foundation has contributed $10,000 to the Wildlife Foundation of Florida to support the FWC’s right whale conservation efforts.