Springs Forever Summit Announces Lead Sponsors

Springs Forever Summit Announces Lead Sponsors

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.

There are still Conservation Summit Sponsorship Opportunities Available!

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

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

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.

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.

farmland preservation map

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.

      .

      SVN | McDonald & Company Joins HFF as a Founder Member

      Horse Farms Forever® welcomes Bartow McDonald IV and SVN | McDonald & Company as our newest Founder Member. The commercial real estate firm joins over 70 businesses and horse farm owners, as well as thousands of members that have all joined forces to help inspire the conservation of horse farms and agricultural lands in Marion County.

      Bartow serves as managing director for SVN | McDonald & Company, where he enjoys working on commercial real estate deals throughout Florida. Prior to joining SVN, Bartow served as the vice president of acquisitions and development for Cope Properties, Inc. While his expertise is in large, commercial properties, he also has a passion for helping landowners find the best solution for the conservation and preservation of their family lands.

      “The balance between development and conservation is an important conversation for everyone in Marion County,” said Bartow. “Horse Farms Forever leads the initiative in this conversation, which we encourage and support.”

      At SVN | McDonald & Company, we specialize in connecting clients with the perfect commercial real estate opportunities in Ocala, FL. With our extensive network, personalized service, and in-depth expertise, we’re committed to helping you achieve your goals in the vibrant Ocala market.

      SVN | McDonald & Company also represents many landowners and their families in large and often complex land transactions involving generational wealth. We are experts in helping clients understand the complexities and navigating their options for the development, conservation and preservation of their lands.

      For Bartow, his conservation ethic sits close to his heart as his wife, Laura Drake McDonald,  is a co-owner of the majestic Drake Ranch along with her siblings and cousins as the fourth generation of the Drake family. 

      In 2002, Laura’s father Trusten (Trusty) Drake, III and her uncle, George (K) Drake, Sr. preserved 5,800 acres of the Drake Ranch by placing it in a conservation easement with the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The Drake Ranch is one of Marion County’s crown jewels, and it preserves over 6.5 miles on the east side of the scenic Withlacoochee River.

      “Marion County is blessed with the wonderful natural resources of land, soils and water,” said Bartow. “The abundance of scenic open spaces, horse farms and ranches have come to define our community and this is what makes it so special.”

      “For generations of our family, saddling a horse has meant a long day in the swamp rounding up cows and their calves, chasing a bird dog on the scent trail of a bob white quail, or while navigating a steep switchback in the backcountry of the Rocky Mountains,” said Bartow. “A saddled horse is the quintessential symbol of harnessed power, beauty and big horizons. The horse is a companion that lets us run faster, jump higher and go further. And by itself, the horse is majestic and a creature that is a joy and delight just to behold.”

      The McDonald family’s love of horses, the outdoors, and conservation are a true inspiration! Horse Farms Forever thanks them for their generous support to help preserve the character and culture that horses, horse farms, and the Farmland Preservation Area make unique to Marion County.

      Laura and Bartow McDonald on the family’s Drake Ranch.
      Photo courtesy of the McDonald family

      Horseback riding with Laura in the Rocky Mountains.
      Photo courtesy of the McDonald family

      Bartow and his wife Laura with their family. (Drake and Esther McDonald, Mac McDonald, and Stiles McDonald)
      Photo courtesy of the McDonald Family
      Bartow enjoys sight fishing and bow hunting. Two things that will get me up before sunrise, he says.
      Photo courtesy of the McDonald Family
      Members Spotlight Late Summer 2024

      Members Spotlight Late Summer 2024

      Welcome, New Friends and Thank You, Faithful Partners!

      Horse Farms Forever and our critical mission are carried forward by the longstanding commitments of our Board and members. Take a quick tour through our Member’s Logos and you’ll get a sense of the size and diversity of our herd. This bodes well for the future of horse farms in Marion County!

      See who has renewed this month, and allow us to introduce you to our newest herd mates.

      New to the Herd
      We welcome you!

      FOUNDER

      BRONZE

       

      RENEWING Organizations

      Corporate Founders – Gold

      kinsman Farm Horse Farms Forever Ocala Marion County

      Kinsman Farm – Corporate Founder 

      Cloverly Farm – Corporate Founder 

      Live Oak Stud Ocala Marion County Florida

      Live Oak Stud – Corporate Founder 

      Corporate Members 

      ICard Merrill – Silver

      Imagine Thoroughbreds – Silver

      RENEWING Individuals & Families

      Bill Kearns Founder

      Family Leaders

      Paige & Thomas Campbell
      Nancy & Patrick DeCavignac

      NEW Friends

      Thomas Hotte
      Laurie Augusta
      Peg White
      Bill Kasseo
      Katie Rocco
      Susan Starling
      TJ Cottongim
      Lisa Fender
      Joie Wilson
      Doborah Allan-Lucas
      Elaine Leknes
      Alyson Scotti
      John Kendrick
      Jacqueline Ford
      Mireille Doffegnies
      Daniel Balys
      Beverly Moreau
      Jane Zima

      RENEWING Friends

      Cathy Barnes
      Carol Tremblay
      Jenaay Brown
      Elizabeth Goodwin
      Alexis Evanich
      John Crowe
      Jill Norair
      Ron Beschmann
      John D. Corbitt
      Julie Bembenek
      Kit Maurer
      Linda Petz
      Julia Davies
      Debra Stevenson
      Francis Rath
      Debra Stevenson
      Blandina Rojek
      Mary Hogan
      Sarah Almida Dennis
      Nancy Alford
      Stephanie Goetz
      Kimberly McDowell
      Mary Windsor-Nespolo

      Questions About Membership and Sponsorship?

      Sara Fennessy, Executive Director

      859-553-5510

      Always Watching

      We work hard to keep you informed, and to represent our members' interests in preserving our horse farms, farmland and the unique character and culture of Marion County's 193,000 acre Farmland Preservation Area.

      Join the herd. Every voice matters.

      Land Development Regulation Commission Vacancy!

      Land Development Regulation Commission Vacancy!

      Do you have expertise in the areas of planning, real estate, land development, or agriculture? If so, Marion County has a vacancy on the Land Development Regulation Commission (LDRC). This is an exciting opportunity to serve your community and learn first-hand the inner working of the Land Development Code and how it relates to the Comprehensive Plan.

      The LDRC’s role in shaping future growth is even more important now, as Marion 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.

      The LDRC members should be representative of the technical fields related to land development regulations including the ability to evaluate and recommend specific regulatory standards and criteria.  Preferably, they should be familiar with the areas of planning, environmental science, agriculture and the development industry. The current LDRC members include a land surveyor, several engineers, a land developer and a realtor. This is a volunteer position.

      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. Applications may be obtained at the Marion County Board of County Commissioners’ Office located at 601 S.E. 25th Ave., Ocala, Florida; online at https://www.marionfl.org/my-commissioners/advisory-boards via an online application or by downloading and emailing a PDF: or by calling 352-438-2323.

      The deadline for receiving applications is Friday, August 2nd, 2024 at 4 p.m. 

      The Marion County Board of County Commissioners plans to appoint members on Tuesday, August 20th, 2024 or as soon thereafter as possible.

      The LDRC has several important duties:

      1. To review and consider all proposed land development regulations and amendments thereto.
      2. To hold public hearings regarding proposed land development regulations and amendments thereto.
      3. 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.
      4. To review and make recommendations to the county commission regarding the adoption and amendments to the Land Development Code.
      5. 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.
      6. 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.
      7. To adopt rules of procedure consistent with law and the Land Development Code as are necessary for administration and governance of its proceedings.
      8. To perform such other functions, duties and responsibilities as may be assigned to it by the Board or by general or special law.

      Advisory Board Main Page: https://www.marionfl.org/my-commissioners/advisory-boards

      Link to the Online Application: https://www.marionfl.org/my-commissioners/advisory-boards/advisory-board-application

       

      Signs of Change

      Signs of Change

      Signs of Protest

      Who remembers the “Save It, Don’t Pave It” signs from 2018 that were all over Marion County when the Florida Department of Transportation was proposing a toll road through the Farmland Preservation Area? Those signs did a lot to raise awareness that organized citizens to stop the coastal connector and led to the birth of Horse Farms Forever.

      Signs of Unity

      Now you may have noticed that since then those signs have been replaced by Horse Farms Forever signs on fences all over the county. These signs are given to our members who choose to display them on the fences of their farms and businesses. They send an important message from our members to all who live here and to those just passing through:

      • HFF Members care about our horse farms.
      • They want horses and horse farms to continue to characterize Marion County forever.
      • Marion County has a watchdog organization (HFF) to help guide its growth in a direction that protects its open spaces.
      • Our members are proud to be a part of that mission.
      • Our members are numerous!

      Much like the “neighborhood watch” signs that you see on our streets for crime prevention, the Horse Farms Forever signs make it clear that farm owners and equestrians all over the county, and particularly in the Farmland Preservation Area, are engaged in the conversation about conservation. These signs signal shared values and commitment to what makes Marion County unique and defines our quality of life. They invite your neighbors to ask questions, which gives you as a member the opportunity to help spread the word about preserving our open spaces and beautiful places in a natural and neighborly way.

      Sign Up!

      If you are a member at the $100 level or more and don’t have a fence sign, we welcome you to request one. A volunteer will reach out to you to set up the installation. The simple statement of a sign on your fence, added in with all the other fence signs out there around the County, sends a strong message without saying a word. We hope you’ll take us up on the offer.

      Not Yet A Member?

      Join us! You can request a Fence Sign on your membership form.

      Contact the County about the EAR:

      For any additional questions regarding the EAR process, please email Planning@MarionFL.org with your subject line including 'EAR' or call us at 352-438-2675 & ask for a planner.

      https://www.marionfl.org/agencies-departments/departments-facilities-offices/growth-services/planning-zoning/ear

      The workshops will be livestreamed. Check the County’s agenda webpage for the link: https://marionfl.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx