June 7, 2024

Opening weekend of 'Connect & Protect' exhibit at Wild Space Gallery in St. Petersburg

Photo by Carlton Ward Jr./Wildpath

Connect & Protect is a traveling photography exhibit that celebrates more than 200,000 acres approved for protection since the signing of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act in 2021. Through stunning imagery across landscapes, the exhibit creates a compelling portrait of the beauty and diversity of Florida's wild lands and present a demand for their conservation.

The exhibit features Wildpath photographers Carlton Ward Jr., Lauren Yoho, George McKenzie Jr., and Katie Bryden, along with Max Kelly, Dean Saunders, and FDEP personnel.

Connect & Protect is on display from June 8 - August 24, 2024. An opening reception will be held this Saturday, June 8 from 5-9 PM at the Wild Space Gallery in St. Petersburg. Learn more about the Wild Space Gallery and future events from the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation.

Carlton Ward Jr. reminds graduates to always focus on our shared path during commencement speech at University of Florida

Wildpath founder, Carlton Ward Jr., gave the keynote address to nearly 20,000 people last month at University of Florida's 2024 spring commencement. His message was focused on unity and the shared paths we create together.

"There will be times when the path feels dangerous or treacherous or narrow or lonely. When that happens, take a step back and reframe your view. There is always a shared path. There is always a unifying story."

Carlton ended his inspiring speech by taking a group photo of all the graduating "Florida gators" with a camera trap set up high in the stadium.

Watch Carlton's full speech here.

2025 Florida Ranches Calendar photo contest now open

The Florida Ranches Calendar is accepting submissions for the 2025 photo contest now through June 30! Winners will have their photo featured in the calendar among photos by conservation photographer Carlton Ward Jr. and others from the Wildpath team. You can view the contest flyer with more information here.

The Florida Ranches calendar pays tribute to Florida’s cattle ranches through powerful and captivating photography. It is used to tell the story of Florida oldest stewards of the land and the critical role they play in preserving Florida environmental, agricultural and cultural heritage.

For more information on how to submit your photo, please visit the Florida Ranches Calendar website.