In March of 2024, the “Everglades to Gulf Conservation Space” grew to become the most recent unit within the Nationwide Wildlife Refuge system. Because the 4-million-acre conservation space is protected with acquisitions, easements, and landowner incentive packages, it’ll defend wildlife corridors, improve entry to outside recreation, and bolster local weather resilience.

To kickstart the conservation course of, Paul Grey, PhD, rancher and Everglades science coordinator at Audubon Florida, donated seven acres of land to the Everglades to Gulf Conservation Space.

We chatted with Dr. Grey to be taught extra about his hopes for conservation within the area.

Q. When did you first grow to be concerned in ranching in Florida?

A. I got here to the College of Florida in 1988 to do my dissertation on Florida’s Mottled Duck, our endemic model of the Mallard. I labored extensively on ranches as a result of that’s the place most Mottled Geese dwell and I developed an in-depth appreciation for what sources ranches have.