2023 Florida Ranches Calendar to highlight conservation successes across the state
In a time where political divisiveness seems to be the norm, it’s encouraging to see that protection of Florida’s natural environment is a non-partisan issue that Florida legislators can agree on. The Firefly Group is thrilled to announce that the 2023 Florida Ranches Calendar is now on sale and features many of the ranches recently approved for conservation easements during the state’s summer legislative session.
Florida is a national leader in land protection, with two state land protection programs that protect our ranchlands: Florida Forever and the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. These programs purchase conservation easements over ranchlands and protect the properties in perpetuity.
In August 2022, the Florida Governor and Cabinet approved more than $56 million dollars in funding for the permanent conservation of nearly 20,000 acres within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
The Florida Wildlife Corridor connects notable lands and waters that will help protect Florida wildlife and preserve critical parts of Old Florida into the future. Partnerships and connections are needed at every level for Florida’s existing conservation lands to remain viable while also helping to support the sustainability of agricultural lands and working cattle ranches.
Now in its eighteenth year of production, the award-winning Florida Ranches Calendar once again uses stunning photographs by Carlton Ward Jr., a National Geographic Photographer, founder of wildpath, and eighth generation Floridian. The photos are coupled with informative descriptions to tell the story of these ranches and the important role they serve in the conservation of some of Florida’s most precious environmental resources.
“The Florida Ranches Calendar is a year-long reminder that ranchers are our state’s oldest environmental stewards, and their lands are a critical part of the green infrastructure that is the foundation of Florida’s economy and quality of life,” said Stacy Weller Ranieri, president of The Firefly Group and publisher of the calendar. “We are especially delighted to feature six properties in the 2023 Calendar that all received significant permanent conservation easements within the past year, helping to protect those lands in perpetuity."
The Florida Ranches Calendar makes a perfect holiday gift that can be enjoyed all year long. To order, go to www.floridaranchescalendar.com, call 772-287-5272, or email tiffany@fireflyforyou.com. Be sure to follow the Florida Ranches calendar throughout the year on Facebook and Instagram.
Sponsors of the 2023 Florida Ranches Calendar include: Arcadia Stockyard; Archbold Biological Station; Blackbeard’s Ranch; Bonnie Landry & Associates; Carlton Ward Photography; CBRE Commercial Real Estate Services; Dean Mead Attorneys at Law; The Florida Conservation Group; Deering Park; Family Lands Remembered; Farmton; The Firefly Group; Flatwoods Consulting Group; Florida Cattlemen’s Association; Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation; Florida Crystals; Florida Department of Agricultural & Consumer Services - Fresh from Florida; Florida Mineral Salt & Agriculture Products, LLC; Frasier Family Farm; Kimley-Horn & Associates; Kitson & Partners; Lucido & Associates; M Ranch; Meritage Homes; The MilCor Group; National Wild Turkey Foundation; Palm Beach Aggregates; Phillips Infrastructure Holdings/4G Ranch; Romans Three Ranch/Doyle Carlton III & Family; Southport Ranch; Sunrise Grove; Strickland Ranch; Urban Economics Inc; and wildpath.