Cordials and Conservation A Native Conservation Speaker

By Kamille Cooper

Starting in April 2023, we are introducing a new conservation speaker series— Cordials and Conservation This series of intimate events will feature guest speakers alongside dinner and craft cocktails, while guests learn about conservation initiatives right here in our backyard.

Florida is part of The North American Coastal Plain. This is the 36th Global Biodiversity Hotspot, ranging from the southwest, to the southeast and the northeast. Florida is the most biodiverse area in this hotspot with 269 endemic species and the highest diversity of plant families in the US. Unfortunately, many of these species are threatened due to human activity.

We are committed to protecting Florida plant and wildlife species via partnerships throughout our state. Cordials and Conservation will highlight the plight of our ecosystems, plants and wildlife, while recognizing the wildlife heroes working to conserve our biologically rich and diverse region.

Each event will feature a guest speaker and conservation topic such as:

• Striped newts: discuss our partnership with the Coastal Plains Institute to breed newts specifically for release into the Apalachicola National Forest

• Manatees: examine the manatee crisis in the Indian River Lagoon, lessons learned and next steps to support marine wildlife and manatees

• Monarchs and milkweed: discover information about Florida initiatives to protect the diversity of native milkweed while planting it in the landscape to support healthy monarch butterfly populations

To learn more or express your interest in attending one of these unique events, reach out to: development@jacksonvillezoo.org