Vital Florida Wildlife Corridor Expanded

The Conservation Fund has permanently protected an important piece of the Ocala-to-Osceola (O2O) Wildlife Corridor east of Gainesville — providing a lifeline for Florida’s iconic black bears. The property links two of the state’s largest bear populations in the Ocala and Osceola National Forests, helping wildlife move safely across the landscape and ensuring the corridor remains intact. 

Florida’s wildlife corridors face intense threats from development. Experts estimate that 60,000 acres a year are being lost within the broader Florida Wildlife Corridor due to growth pressure. But thanks to swift action and collaboration, this stretch of forest will remain a refuge for wildlife and people. 

The land is an addition to the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. Now, families and communities will have more space to enjoy the outdoors while knowing this landscape is safe from development pressures that are rapidly reshaping Florida.