Mark Emery Inspires at Springs Forever! Conservation Summit

by Busy Shires | Nov 21, 2024 | Events, News, Uncategorized, Watching

Mark Emery’s stunning photographs of the springs showcased just how important Marion County’s springs are to ensuring clean drinking water for residents, visitors, as well as farms and businesses. Emery is an Emmy award-winning cinematographer, composer and photographer for National Geographic, the Smithsonian Network, BBC and PBS.

Event photos by Sean Dowie Photography.

Celebrating the Springs

Through Mark Emery’s photographs, Margaret Ross Tolbert’s paintings, and Dr. Jason Gulley’s inspiring story about the restoration of Crystal River, this year’s Summit raised awareness about the importance of protecting the Farmland Preservation Area because, it not only helps to protect the equine industry, it also helps to protect the aquifer recharge areas for Rainbow Springs and Silver Springs.
(L to R) Gulley, Tolbert, Emery

A Master Storyteller

Mark Emery, an Emmy award winning cinematographer, shared his spectacular photographs and videos of the springs at Horse Farms Forever’s Fifth Annual Conservation Summit where over 450 guests joined us on Thursday, November 14 at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Arena.

Emery spoke passionately about the global importance of Silver Springs and the Silver River, as it is the world’s largest artesian spring and one of the most beautiful rivers in the world. The river’s primeval woodlands made it the perfect backdrop for many films including the original Tarzan movie. Film crews are still drawn to the Silver River, which was named for its silvery appearance.

We don’t realize what an international treasure this is, and it’s right here in our backyard.

Mark Emery

Cinematographer, Composer, and Photographer, Mark Emery Films

As a lifelong resident of Marion County, Emery has seen the difference in the water quality at Silver Springs, as well as the number and type of fish in the Silver River. He is hopeful that restoration work to join Silver Springs and the Ocklawaha and St. Johns Rivers will reestablish the fish species and create more suitable habitat for manatees.

He also shared colorful stories about wrestling alligators and milking rattlesnakes at Ross Allen’s Reptile Institute in the 1960s.

Over 450 guests joined Horse Farms Forever at our Fifth Annual Conservation Summit held on Thursday, November 14 at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Arena.

Full Immersion

Renowned artist of the springs, Margaret Ross Tolbert talked about how the springs and the translucent quality of the water are her muse.

The paradisiacal springs of North Florida are my paintings’ subject and metaphor. The springs paintings begin on site at the water’s edge and often in the water. I swim in the springs, I sketch underwater; and I’m inspired to write when I am beside them.

Margaret Ross Tolbert

International Artist of the Springs

Her large-scale paintings have been installed in many museums and airports across the United States. Most recently, an 18-foot painting of Silver Springs was installed at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, Turkey.

“I am proud that a painting of our very own Silver Springs welcomes people to the US Embassy in Turkey, and that a spring serves a symbol for our nation,” said Tolbert.

Conservation in Action

National Geographic Explorer and geology professor Dr. Jason Gulley spoke about the science of the springs and how the successful restoration project in Crystal River gives him hope about the future of Florida’s springs.

Crystal River got its name because the water was turquoise and crystal clear. But due to some poor decisions about waste water and sewage treatment, algae smothered the aquatic grasses that were the foundation of the healthy, spring fed estuary. It got so bad, if you held your hand in front of your face, you could barely see your hand.

Jason Gulley, PhD

National Geographic Explorer, Geology Professor, Cave Diver

The restoration project at Crystal River has become the model for the rest of the state. Dr. Gulley’s photograph of a mother manatee and her calf was taken in the restored Hunter Springs, which is located in Crystal River. The photo is among several highly commended in the BBC’s 2024 Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

From Tiny Acorns, Mighty Oaks Grow

Horse Farms Forever was honored to present the Acorn Award to Guy Marwick because through his decades-long leadership, he has helped protect thousands of acres of environmentally sensitive land in Marion County and across Florida. Guy, who now serves as the Executive Director of The Felburn Foundation, was the original Founder and Director of the Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center. The museum opened over 30 years ago in 1991 as a partnership with Marion County Public Schools and over 15,000 children visit the museum every year.

(L to R): HFF President Bernie Little, Guy Marwick, President of the Great Florida Riverway Trust, Margaret Spontak.

Springs Forever! Poster Contest

To help nurture and encourage the next generation, Horse Farms Forever sponsored a poster and essay contest for all K-12 students in partnership with the Marion County Soil and Water Conservation District. The winners were presented with ribbons and gift certificates.

Division 10th–12th:

1st Place: Julianna Butler (Dunnellon)
2nd Place: Matthew Bishop (Acceleration Academy)

Division 7th–9th:

1st Place: Laylia Johnson (Fort McCoy)
2nd Place: Mia L Senteno (North Marion)

Division 4th–6th:

1st Place: Lilly Dubon (Reddick)
2nd Place: Lucas Butler (Dunnellon)
3rd Place: Taelor Crawford (Reddick)

Division 2nd–3rd:

1st Place: Sloane Freeman (Reddick)
2nd Place: Lexi Smith (Sparr)
3rd Place: Hannah Bowman (Sparr)

Division K–1st:

1st Place: Logan Freeman (Reddick)
2nd Place: Leo Plaskett (Anthony)

The Vital Connection Between Springs and Farmland

The purpose of this year’s Springs Forever! Conservation Summit was to create awareness about the Farmland Preservation Area and why it is not only the lifeblood for the horse industry, but it is also the lifeblood for our springs and the groundwater for the citizens of Marion County.

Thank you for joining us!

And a big THANK-YOU to our Title Sponsor, Brook Ledge Horse Transportation and our Presenting Sponsor, Advent Health Ocala!

GALLERY

Photos by Sean Dowie Photography

AdventHealth made a compelling presentation about their new Harnessing Health Equine Worker Health Initiative at the Summit. www.HarnessingHealthOcala.com

L to R: Amy Mangan, Executive Director, AdventHealth Ocala Foundation, Erika Skula, President & CEO, and Billye Mallory, Community Relations Manager

Mermaid Britt Renee with Alice Sasnett-Valle, Gifted Educator & Enrichment Facilitator and the students from Reddick -Collier Elementary

A big THANK-YOU to our Title Sponsor, Brook Ledge Horse Transportation and our Presenting Sponsor, Advent Health Ocala!

Springs Forever Title Sponsor Thank U (3)

And to all our Sponsors:

GOLD

Live Oak Stud Ocala Marion County Florida

Niall Brennan Farm Horse Farms Forever Ocala Marion County

Saint Bernard Foundation

Paul & Ann Kaplan

Matt & Courtney Varney

Bill Kearns

Nicole Hornblower

SILVER

Imagine

BRONZE

MARKETING PARTNERS

Volunteer Board Opening: Make a Difference for Farmland

by Busy Shires | Oct 26, 2024 | Events, News, Plan

Land Development Regulation Commission

The Land Development Regulation Commission (LDRC) is the commission that has the most impact on how Marion County grows. The LDRC makes recommendations in regards to the adoption and amendment of the Land Development Code and the Zoning Code.

Opening:

Land Development Regulation Commission (1 Full Member – Full Term 11/2028)

If you have expertise in planning, environmental science, agriculture, or the development industry, then the Land Development Regulation Commission (LDRC) is for you!

The LDRC’s role in shaping future growth is even more important now, as the County is updating its policies in the Comprehensive Plan through the Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR). The Comprehensive Plan is like a road map for the community and it will guide where and how Marion County grows over the next 20 years.

If you meet the qualifications and are willing to volunteer your time, then we encourage you to apply. If you have previously applied and were not selected, your previous application to the LDRC will stay active for one year from the date that it was submitted. If a previous applicant wants to be considered for the current LDRC vacancy, they must send an email to CommissionAdmin@MarionFL.org stating that they would like their previous application to be considered.

HOW TO APPLY:

Land Development Regulation Commission (1) Full Member – Full Term 11/2028

Responsibilities: Members shall be qualified electors in Marion County, preferably knowledgeable in the areas of planning, environmental science, agriculture, and the development industry, as well as in technical fields related to land development regulations. They should have the ability to evaluate and recommend specific regulatory standards and criteria to the County Commission regarding the adoption and amendment of the Land Development Code and Zoning Code. Additionally, members are responsible for preparing an annual report recommending amendments to the Land Development Code or Zoning Code.

The members of the LDRC are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. To be eligible, you must be a qualified voter and resident of Marion County. This is a volunteer position.

Applications for said vacancies may be obtained at the Marion County Board of County Commissioners’ Office located at 601 S.E. 25th Ave., Ocala, Florida; or by calling 352-438-2323.

To apply, download this form:

Application

Duties:

To review and consider all proposed land development regulations and amendments thereto.
To hold public hearings regarding proposed land development regulations and amendments thereto.
To make recommendations to the county commission regarding consistency of proposed land development regulations or amendments with the county’s approved and adopted comprehensive plan.
To review and make recommendations to the county commission regarding the adoption and amendments to the Land Development Code.
To monitor and oversee the effectiveness and status of the Land Development Code and recommend to the county commission such changes in the code as may be required.
To make its special knowledge and expertise available, upon reasonable written request and authorization of the county commission to any official, department, board, commission or agency of the county, state or federal governments.

Previous applications to the LDRC stay active for one year from the date that they were submitted. If a previous applicant wants to be considered for the current LDRC vacancy, they must send an email to CommissionAdmin@MarionFL.org stating that they would like their previous application to be considered.

The deadline for receiving applications is Friday, November 1, 2024 at 4 p.m. The Marion County Board of County Commissioners plans to appoint members on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 or as soon thereafter as possible.

It is the vision and mission of Horse Farms Forever to inspire conservation of horse farms through education, awareness and idea exchange so as to preserve natural pasture land focusing on horses and their habitats, to protect soil and water on which they depend, and minimize land use conflicts
in Marion County, Florida.

We are watchful of government and others to preserve and protect horse farms and farmland for future generations - especially in the Farmland Preservation Area. We are neither anti-growth nor anti-development; we encourage urban growth to remain inside the Urban Growth Boundary.

Horse Farms Forever® is a Florida not-for-profit corporation registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as a charitable organization and approved as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) corporation by the Internal Revenue Service. Horse Farms Forever® does not have a political mission. Our status as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization does not allow us to participate or intervene in political activities. The organization will neither advocate on behalf of political candidates nor advocate for the passage of legislation.

A Golden Opportunity

by Horse Farms Forever | Oct 17, 2024 | Events, News

Be Seen Making a Difference

There is an amazing groundswell of interest in investing in the future of Marion County by keeping it open and beautiful. Take a peek below at the businesses, non-profits and farms who have aligned with us as Sponsors for this year’s Conservation Summit already. There’s room for more!

The Summit is a golden opportunity to be seen by Horse Farm’s Forever’s members and leaders in the equine and business community. And your sponsorship supports the important conversations about conservation that we must have in Marion County as it continues to grow.

The CEP looks forward to Horse Farms Forever’s Conservation Summit each year. Whether we are hearing about survey results, growth patterns, or from award-winning filmmakers, the Summit is an event not to be missed!

Kevin Sheilley

President and CEO, Ocala Metro CEP

Become a Summit Sponsor

Join the Conversation

We are encouraged by the diversity of our sponsors for this year’s Springs Forever Conservation Summit. Our mission truly has friends in many places. Take a look below at the people and organizations that recognize along with us that our springs and aquifer are a precious resource worth celebrating and preserving. Then, come to the Summit! Our sponsors will be there when the doors open at 4pm, ready to share an inspiring conversation about conservation with you.

A celebration of Marion County’s First Magnitude Springs and the mighty Floridian Aquifer through film, art, music, and science. Featuring filmmaker and composer, Mark Emery; artist Margaret Ross Tolbert; and geologist Jason Gulley.

Thursday, November 14th at Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co.
Doors open at 4pm for poster and print signing/meet and greet
Program is 5-7pm in the auditorium
Tickets are $45 and include light fare and beverages
Seats are filling fast. Please preregister.

Here's a preview from our Keynote Speaker, Mark Emery:

GOLD

The Saint Bernard Foundation

Paul & Ann Kaplan

Matt & Courtney Varney

Bill Kearns

SILVER

Imagine

BRONZE

MARKETING PARTNERS

Become a Summit Sponsor

Guy Marwick Honored with 2024 Acorn Conservation Award

by Busy Shires | Oct 4, 2024 | Events, News

Horse Farms Forever is honored to present the Acorn Conservation Award to Guy Marwick, Founder of the Silver River Museum and Director of The Felburn Foundation. The Award will be presented at the Springs Forever! Conservation Summit to be held on Thursday, November 14 from 5 to 7 PM at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Arena.

The Acorn Conservation Award is given to an individual that has made a significant contribution to the preservation of land and horse farms in Marion County. Guy has been instrumental in protecting thousands of acres of environmentally sensitive land in Marion County and across Florida.

In the early 1970s, Guy was inspired to help protect the environment after reading Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring. Since then, he has devoted much of his career to protecting the environment, either through science-based education or through boots on the ground land conservation.

His passion for science education started when he was a teacher at Osceola Middle School in Marion County. He saw the need for active learning programs in his classroom, which led to him founding and serving as the Director of the Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center over thirty years ago. The museum opened in 1991 as a partnership with Marion County Public Schools and over 20,000 people visit the museum every year, with 10,000 being school children on field trips.

Guy’s dedication to land conservation was fueled by watching the wilderness that he explored as a child in Broward County be developed. Through his leadership, he has championed the preservation of Silver Springs and the Silver River. In 2013, he was instrumental in the designation of Silver Springs as a State Park, which now encompasses 4,000 acres. Guy also helped protect over 10,000 acres of the spring shed surrounding Silver Springs through the preservation of the 465-acre Silver Springs Sandhill property, the 4,900-acre Silver Springs Forest Conservation Area, as well as the 4,568-acre Indian Lake State Forest.

In addition, Guy helped spearhead Marion County’s Pennies for Parks program, which through a $20 million bond issue in 1988, created several new parks including Brick City Adventure Park, Independence Park, the Wrigley Fields sportsplex near Citra, and it also helped expand and upgrade Carney Island on Lake Weir. As Director of The Felburn Foundation, Guy finds inspiration as the Foundation has not only helped protect land in Florida, but also waterfalls in the Carolinas, caves in Georgia and springs in Kentucky. In addition, the Foundation has built libraries and educational facilities, funded environmental research, and even helped protect endangered animals as far away as Africa and Australia.

“Every year, through my work at the Felburn Foundation, we get to do about 50 really great projects,” says Guy. “This gives me hope for the future because we are accomplishing something that will help make the world a better place.”

For this year’s Conservation Summit, Horse Farms Forever is creating awareness about how important the Farmland Preservation Area is, not only for the equine community but also for springs and the Floridan Aquifer, which is the main source of our drinking water. The Farmland Preservation Area serves as part of the recharge area for two of Marion County’s First Magnitude Springs – Rainbow Springs and Silver Springs.

Photo by Mark Emery

Please join us as we celebrate the many accomplishments of Guy Marwick, a champion for Marion County’s springs and an ardent protector of our environment and natural resources.

The Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center provides unique hands-on learning opportunities for Marion County Public School students, staff and the general public. Visitors learn about the cultural and natural history of Florida, and the importance of protecting and conserving cultural and natural resources.

Their primary mission is to educate Marion County Public School students about Florida history and science, and assist them in achieving the highest scholastic standards possible. They strive to promote good stewardship of our environment with the hope of providing a better tomorrow.

Each school day, students are bused to the museum for classes. Fourth-grade students visit as part of their Florida history requirement. Students in 4th and 5th grades also visit for science instruction. Over 20,000 people visit the museum each year, 10,000 of whom are children on field trips.

The museum is located within Silver Springs State Park. It is closed during the week to the public as Marion County school children attend classes. On weekends, the museum is staffed by park service personnel and volunteers and is open to the public both Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Admission is $2 per person. Children under age six visit for free.

2024 Summit Sponsors

Title Sponsor

Presenting Sponsor

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Marketing & Media Partners

Become a Summit Sponsor

GOLD

Paul & Ann Kaplan

Matt & Courtney Varney

Bill Kearns

SILVER

Imagine

BRONZE

MARKETING PARTNERS

Become a Summit Sponsor

Springs Forever Summit Announces Lead Sponsors

by Horse Farms Forever | Sep 16, 2024 | Events, News

Delivered Once Again!

Horse Farms Forever is immensely grateful for the unwavering support and commitment of our 2024 Conservation Summit Sponsors. We continue to be delighted by the enthusiasm shown by the businesses and individuals of Marion County for our open spaces and beautiful places. Brook Ledge Horse Transportation is once again leading the herd as our Title Sponsor for the fifth year in a row.

Those blue and white horse vans are a common sight around Ocala. Each time you see one, we hope you’ll give a smile and a silent salute to a proven partner and ally in farmland preservation. Better yet, come to the Summit and thank them personally!

Here’s Brook Ledge’s Manager, Brian Roberts, leading off last year’s Summit with a few words about why horses and horse farms are so important to Marion County:

Welcome Advent Health!

And now Advent Health Ocala has stepped forward as Presenting Sponsor, joining Brook Ledge at the head of the herd. Advent Health has been a faithful supporter of our mission and our Summit for many years. They understand the vital link between community health and the environment. They also have a special place in their hearts for our horse farms and the people who work in the equine industry. This has led to the establishment of the AdventHealth Ocala’s Harnessing Health: Equine Worker Health Initiative. Also, AdventHealth Ocala Foundation is investing $10,000 to seed the hospital’s Care 360° program fund. Care 360 is a no-cost program that coordinates transportation, meal delivery and more for underserved patients, including the equine worker population. We are excited to be aligned with this innovative program that will help to sustain the vital staff that keep our Marion County equine industry world class.

Dive In

This year we celebrate the beauty and value of the Springs and the Floridian Aquifer that flows beneath our feet. The Farmland Preservation Area was established in part to protect the springsheds of Silver Springs and Rainbow Springs. The health of our water and our farmland are interconnected on a deep level. The Farmland Preservation Area serves as a valuable recharge area for the Springs and the mineral-rich drinking water nourishes our livestock and all of us. The beauty and recreational opportunities provided by the Springs are a big part of the unique and valuable identity of Marion County.

Photo by Mark Emery

Come and celebrate the Springs with us on November 14th, from 5-7pm at Ocala Breeders’ Sales. There will be a poster and print signing by Mark Emery and Margaret Ross Tolbert along with light fare and sponsor tables at 4pm with the main event starting at 5pm. This event will be a visual feast with the video and images shared by Mark Emery and the inspiring multimedia art of Margaret Ross Tolbert. The Florida Springs Institute will balance all of that art with their presentation on science of the Springs and how to keep them protected. We will also honor the Felburn Foundation’s Guy Marwick with the Acorn Award. And come to cheer on the next generation as we display and present awards to the winners of the Springs Forever Art Contest for Marion County’s K-12 students.

Summit Sponsorship Flyer Final 2024 copy

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There are still Conservation Summit Sponsorship Opportunities Available!

Learn More About Sponsoring the 2024 Conservation Summit

Springs Forever! HFF Conservation Summit Focuses on Our Water and Springs

by Horse Farms Forever | Sep 5, 2024 | Events, News

Horse Farms Forever, Inc.® is pleased to announce Mark Emery, an Emmy award-winning cinematographer, composer, and photographer for National Geographic, the Smithsonian Network, BBC, and PBS as our Keynote Speaker at the 2024 Conservation Summit to be held on Thursday, November 14, 5-7pm at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Arena. Renowned artist of the springs Margaret Ross Tolbert and National Geographic Explorer, cave diver and geology professor Jason Gulley will also join us.

Mark’s stunning photography and videos of the springs will help create more awareness about how important Marion County’s springs are to ensuring clean drinking water for residents and visitors.

Get Tickets Today!

Learn More About Mark

Delivered to you by:

Title Sponsor

Presenting Sponsor

Thank You!!

Poster & Print Signing

Mark Emery will sign prints of his photographs. Margaret Ross Tolbert will sign posters of her paintings.

Prints and posters will be available for purchase at the event. The pre-event starts at 4:00 PM and will be held at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Arena.

Inspiring Art

The springs have inspired artists for centuries. We welcome special guest speaker Margaret Ross Tolbert, internationally renowned artist of the springs and author of AQUIFERious. Tolbert’s Water’s Margins exhibit was recently featured at the Appleton Museum of Art. From large-scale paintings to more intimate works created underwater on pieces of slate, Tolbert uses an array of kaleidoscopic blues and earth tones to express her passion for and understanding of these unique subaquatic environments.

Enlightening Science

Also joining us will be Jason Gulley, PhD, professor of Geology at the University of South Florida, photographer and National Geographic Explorer. Jason’s research and photography career have taken him on expeditions to all seven continents, from underwater caves in Florida, the Caribbean and Africa as well as to glaciers in Alaska, the Arctic and the Mt Everest region of Nepal.

He has a PhD in geology from the University of Florida (2010) and is a technical diving and rebreather instructor. Jason’s research emphasizes the human impacts on the environment, cave systems, the Aquifer, and especially Florida’s springs.

Springs Forever Art Contest

To help nurture and encourage the next generation, Horse Farms Forever is sponsoring a poster and essay contest for all K-12 students in partnership with the Marion County Soil and Water Conservation District. The winners will be presented with ribbons and gift certificates at the Summit. We will display the art and essays online and at the event.

Acorn Award Recipient

Horse Farms Forever is honored to present the Acorn Award to Guy Marwick because through his decades-long leadership, he has helped protect thousands of acres of environmentally sensitive land in Marion County and across Florida. Guy, who now serves as the Executive Director of The Felburn Foundation, was the original Founder and Director of the Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center. The museum opened over 30 years ago in 1991 as a partnership with Marion County Public Schools and over 15,000 children visit the museum every year.

Our Farmland Protects the Springs

Florida is home to more than 1,000 artesian springs that are dependent on groundwater from the Floridan Aquifer System.
There are three First Magnitude Springs in Marion County and together, these springs discharge over 1 billion gallons of water per day: Silver Glen Springs, Rainbow Springs, and Silver Springs, which is the largest artesian spring in the world.
The Springs Protection Zones for Rainbow Springs and Silver Springs are located within the 193,000-acre Farmland Preservation Area, which was designated in 2005 by Marion County to protect the rare agricultural soils and springsheds in the area. You can see the springsheds on the above map as the yellow shaded areas. The red line is the boundary of the Farmland Preservation Area.
HFF is raising awareness about the importance of the Springs Protection Zones in the Farmland Preservation Area to help protect the recharge areas for the Floridan Aquifer. The aquifer is referred to as “the lifeblood of the springs” and is the source of much of Florida’s drinking water.

Join us!

November 14th, 5-7pm with book and poster signings at 4pm.

Tickets are $45 and include auditorium seating, light fare and beverages. Doors open at 4pm.

At Ocala Breeder’s Sales with ample free parking.

Questions? Email Busy Shires, Horse Farms Forever Director of Conservation Strategies or call (386) 853-4437.

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