February 9th Membership Meeting

Florida Wildlife Corridor

The Florida Wildlife Corridor comprises nearly 18 million acres of contiguous wilderness and working lands crucial to the survival of many of Florida’s 131 imperiled animals. In addition to protecting wildlife, conserving these wild spaces is critical to our overall well-being—offering recreation opportunities, strengthening resilience against intensifying storms, and protecting water quality.

After a successful career in higher education and with a “seize the day” spirit, our speaker, Lynn Cherry created a small business which she recently sold and is now retired, Carpe Diem Community Solutions, to continue her quest in helping communities. Her extensive community-based experience in training, moderating and facilitating group discussion encompasses focus groups, board retreats, strategic long-range planning, visioning, and community forums. What began as a girl scout, Lynn now has a passion for Florida’s outdoors.

In 1995, she led the state acquisition process to acquire and support the development of Camp Helen State Park in Panama City Beach.  These efforts lead to the first in the nation partnership between a state park and a community college.  Lynn is the recipient of The Nature Conversancy Florida Chapter Grassroots Leader, Bay County Audubon Society Conservationist of the Year, Florida State Parks Citizen Support Organization of the Year, and the Florida State Parks Best in the District awards.  Additionally, Lynn served for 20 years as a Board of Director for the Friends of Camp Helen State Park and is an Emeritus Board member.  She presently serves on the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation and the Florida State Parks Foundation Board of Directors. Lynn has a master’s degree from Florida State University and a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University.