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.