The Florida panther is an elusive animal long associated with southwest Florida, but its residential range has changed over time due to a diminishing or disappearing habitat.
To teach residents more about The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) efforts over the last four decades to bring the Florida panther back from the brink of extinction, Wendy Mathews of The Nature Conservancy will deliver the April Discovery Lecture Series program, “Florida Panthers – A Peek Into the Life of Florida’s State Animal” at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 2, at Marine Discovery Center, 520 Barracuda Blvd., in New Smyrna Beach.
The discussion will review conservation efforts and it includes details about the panthers’ lifestyle, range and the factors affecting the population’s survival.
Mathews also will discuss information about the Florida Wildlife Corridor and how The Nature Conservancy and its partners are working to connect the landscape across the state to provide for wildlife protection and movement, including how panthers may now be located in Volusia County
Mathews, a Senior Conservation Projects Manager in the Land Protection Department, joined The Nature Conservancy in 1992. In this role, she is responsible for the implementation of TNC’s land protection work, including conservation real estate transactions, conservation easements and identifying new projects that advance TNC’s mission. She also manages TNC’s Florida panther project.
Mathews has spent her career with TNC as an ecologist in the Land Protection Department working to protect the best of Florida’s natural and agricultural landscapes. Working alongside various organizations and agencies, she has helped conserve at least half a million acres of land statewide.
MDC’s Discovery Lecture Series is free, but donations to the center are always appreciated. Pre-registration is requested. Early arrival is encouraged, as seating is limited.
For information, contact the Marine Discovery Center at (386) 428-4828.