Signs of Change

by Horse Farms Forever | Apr 10, 2025 | News

HFF Website Featured Image (1200 x 400 px) (12)

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Now you may have noticed that since then those signs have been replaced by Horse Farms Forever signs on fences all over the county.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.

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.

Join us! All members who donate $100 or more can receive a sign to display on your property! Be sure to request a Fence Sign when completing your membership form.

Join Us

Dark Green Minimalist Women Empowerment Instagram Post (500 x 500 px) (1200 x 400 px)

Marion County is known around the world for its open pastures, scenic beauty, and rich agricultural heritage—but none of it stays protected by accident. That’s where Horse Farms Forever steps in. We’re hosting a special fundraiser to preserve the places that make Marion County extraordinary—and thanks to a generous friend of Horse Farms Forever, every dollar you give will be matched.

Double the impact. Double the preservation power.

Donate Today

Protect – we are always watching. When a threat is identified, we quickly assemble a threat response.

Promote – we are out in the community and on social media, raising awareness and inspiring appreciation for all that we have here in Marion County.

Preserve – we guide and encourage landowners who wish to conserve their land.

Plan – we are working with the County on changes to the Comprehensive Plan that will make conservation easy and financially advantageous for farm owners.

Join Today!

View Current Threats

Mark Emery Inspires at Springs Forever! Conservation Summit

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

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

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

Signup

There are still Conservation Summit Sponsorship Opportunities Available!

Learn More About Sponsoring the 2024 Conservation Summit

Conservation Summit 2024

by Michelle Grald | Aug 6, 2024

Summit 2024

Summit Home

Signup

Agenda

Special Guests!

Chances are, if you have attended our annual Conservation Summit, you have had the chance to meet our friends at Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses! We are thankful for the amazing work they do and the lives they touch every day. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet them!

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.

Learn More