This episode was recorded live at Where Waters Meet: Stories of Hope from Florida’s Gulf Coast Estuaries, a National Estuaries Week event hosted by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program and Sarasota Bay Estuary Program at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton.

The conversation brings together scientists, journalists, and working waterfront advocates to explore stories of hope in estuary recovery, the connection between land and water, and how communities can protect Florida’s natural resources amid continued growth.

The panel, hosted by Mason Gravley, featured:

• Max Chesnes (Tampa Bay Times),
• Karen Bell (A.P. Bell Fish Company),
• Ryan Schloesser (Mote Marine Laboratory),
• Courtney Saari (Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute),
• Shaun Swartz (City of St. Petersburg)

Why it matters now: On November 3, 2026, voters in seven counties, including Manatee and Sarasota, will consider local conservation measures that could help protect natural lands, drinking-water sources, wildlife habitat, and public preserves. Learn more about each of the seven ballot measures here: 2026 Land Conservation Measures - 1000 Friends of Florida

Read more about the event below:

• sarasotabay.org/stories-of-hope-from-floridas-gulf-coast-estuaries
• Read the event coverage in the Anna Maria Island Sun

The takeaway: Healthy bays begin with healthy land. Protecting the places between our communities and our coast is essential to Florida’s conservation future.

Meredith is the Deputy Director of the Live Wildly Foundation, where she applies an entrepreneurial approach to conservation while seeking to balance smart growth, a robust economy, and connected, resilient landscapes. As the organization’s senior strategist, Meredith engages with federal, state, and local governments, institutions, and the nonprofit and private sectors to build and maintain strategic relationships and identify opportunities to deepen Live Wildly's impact.

Her passion for environmental conservation grew from a lifelong curiosity about the natural world. From the lush landscapes of Central and South America to the island nations of the South Pacific, Meredith spent nearly five years after college exploring natural wonders around the world. Upon moving back to Florida in 2012, she dedicated her career to protecting wildlife and the lands they call home. She has more than a decade of experience in the environmental field and brings expertise in imperiled species policy, habitat conservation planning, and wildlife conflict resolution.

Meredith also serves as Board President of the Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge and Audubon Western Everglades. Prior to joining Live Wildly, she worked as the Regional Policy Director with the Florida Wildlife Federation and as an Environmental Policy Specialist with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. She enjoys spending time with her two dogs, Miss Luci and Mr. Pickles.

In this episode, we cover a lot of topics:

• The value of travel
• Human wildlife coexistence
• Working with a diverse group of stakeholders in conservation
• Local land conservation efforts
• Current statewide policy issues affecting conservation and local communities
• What an ‘entrepreneurial approach to conservation’ means
• The relationship between a robust economy and resilient landscapes
• The role that voters, local and state elected officials, and private investors play in Florida conservation

Resources mentioned:

• Live Wildly: Balancing Economy and Ecology in Florida
• Water and wildlife corridors | Archbold Biological Station
• Climate and wildlife corridors | Archbold Biological Station
• Community Conservation ~ Greenprinting - North Florida Land Trust
• Land Conservation and Open Space Referenda Map - North Florida Land Trust
• Nancy Payton Preserve – Florida Hikes

This episode was hosted and edited by Zach Franco.

For nearly 40 years, David Price dedicated his career to one of Florida's most treasured places. On his final day as president of Bok Tower Gardens, Mason and David walked the grounds and sat for an in-depth conversion of a reflection on a lifetime of conservation, leadership, and stewardship.

From the globally significant Lake Wales Ridge to the iconic Singing Tower, this conversation explores the legacy of a place, the evolution of conservation in Florida, and the enduring value of beauty in an increasingly busy world.

David joined Bok Tower Gardens in 1986 as Director of Horticulture for 20 years, and went on to serve nearly 20 years as president. During his tenure, the gardens expanded from 125 acres to more than 760 acres, doubled attendance, and strengthened their role as both a cultural destination and a conservation leader in Florida.

David shares the stories behind the growth of Bok Tower, the challenges of leading a beloved institution, and the lessons he's learned from spending four decades caring for one extraordinary landscape. We also discuss why the Lake Wales Ridge is one of North America's most important ecosystems, how conservation has changed over the past 40 years, and what gives him hope for the future of wild Florida.

This episode is a conversation about legacy, long-term stewardship, including being a founding member of Green Horizon Land Trust which has conserved over 7,000 acres. If you haven’t, please plan to visit the beautiful gardens and iconic singing Bok Tower soon.

boktowergardens.org

greenhorizon.org