Join Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast for Back from the Brink, the story of the Florida panther, on Thursday, April 14 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at the Foundation’s headquarters, 400 Palmetto Avenue in Osprey. The Florida panther is Florida’s state animal, and has been on the federal endangered species list since 1973. This informative and interactive talk features Bill Samuels, the founder, and president, of the Florida Panther Project. Mr. Samuels has spent the last 20+ years educating the public and officials in order to protect this magnificent creature. Reservations required. Seating is limited. Register online at www.conservationfoundation.com or call (941) 918-2100.
Bill Samuels has been an avid outdoorsman and conservationist most of his life. He grew up outside of Washington, D.C., and spent countless hours exploring the woods, fields and streams of Maryland and the Virginias. His love and appreciation for the outdoors remained with him when he and his family moved to Florida in 1985.
He quickly became interested in the Florida panther and as a volunteer instructor with the then – Florida Game & Fish Commission, saw firsthand the contention among residents, ranchers and different government groups regarding the Florida panther. This led him to create the Florida Panther Project and work to bring opposing viewpoints to the table and gain consensus on many panther-related issues. Learn more at www.floridapantherprojectinc.org .
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast saves land, forever, preserving those special natural lands that make our region extraordinary. Working with landowners, businesses, and government, they protect the character and natural integrity of the bays, beaches, barrier islands and their watersheds on Florida’s Gulf Coast. A nationally accredited land trust, the Foundation purchases natural areas, holds land preservation agreements and educates for responsible land and water stewardship in Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee Counties. Learn more at www.conservationfoundation.com.