MISSION
To educate and empower the people of Florida to become a voice for our wildlife, advocate for environmental stewardship, and coexist within our unique ecosystems.
PURPOSE
To bring people together in a shared vision to preserve and protect Florida’s wildlife, habitats and ecosystems. We accomplish this via science-based education and the development of appreciation and respect for the natural world and our place within it.
Imagine Our Florida, Inc. was founded after the lessons we learned from our iconic Florida Black Bears killed during the 2015 Florida Black Bear Hunt. Monitors volunteered to count dead bears brought into checkpoints to assure the hunt was stopped when the harvest quota was reached. Through their experiences, it was clear that there was a disconnect between humans and the natural world, a lack of respect for these sentient creatures, and a lack of knowledge that would allow Floridians to coexist with black bears and many other species.
We learned that the opposition to the hunt was shared by a diverse group of people throughout the state and if the state made a decision that would respect the views of the majority, a new approach was needed. During our research, it became clear that black bear habitat is diminishing and compromised due to development and other anthropogenic activity. We learned that the need for advocacy extended beyond a single species, resource, or ecosystem and that advocating for wildlife and wild spaces benefits us all.
Our science-based educational programs are designed to show how in the absence of human intervention, Nature will regulate wildlife populations through embryonic diapause, trophic cascade, and other natural means. We teach people to connect with our wildlife by understanding their role in the ecosystem and how like us, they too want to live and raise their families peacefully. We change fear into respect through an understanding of animal behavior. We teach folks how to safely coexist with bears and their wild friends.
Empowered by knowledge and understanding, Floridians are prepared to advocate within their communities, cities, counties, and our state on behalf of Florida wildlife, their wild spaces, and our shared ecosystems.
Connect. Respect. Coexist.
Imagine Our Florida, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Science-based Educational Organization corporation.
Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services registration #CH49275. Imagine Our Florida, Inc. 215 Albrighton Court Longwood FL 32779. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, WITHIN THE STATE, 1-800-435-7352, OR VIA THE INTERNET AT WWW.800HELPFLA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE