Why is conservation a cause you and Jean are passionate about?
There’s risk in not appreciating something until it’s gone. I grew up in Florida and spent much of my time outdoors—on the water and in the woods. The land was wide open and I often crossed paths with wildlife. At the time, I didn’t realize how special those experiences were. But, as the years have gone on, both Jean and I have seen Florida continue to develop. Many of those open spaces are long gone and much of the wildlife too—they just don’t have anywhere to go. We know this isn’t unique to Florida; these are challenges facing the planet as a whole.
Why do you support WWF?
Jean and I have traveled extensively and I used to love to sail. We don’t do either much anymore, but those experiences gave us a broader view of global conservation, both the challenges and the opportunities. WWF is one of the few conservation organizations out there that recognizes that to be successful on a large scale, you have to take a broad approach. Their work doesn’t just focus on protecting species or restoring habitats; they look at every aspect of a problem and work from multiple angles towards a solution. They are goal-driven and their solutions are effective and sustainable. Previously, we had been nominal donors to WWF, but after learning more about how they operate, we decided to join the Legacy Circle.
What are some other ways you give back?
Over the years, we’ve become anxious about doing more. The property surrounding our home is habitat for lots of wildlife, including bald eagles, indigo snakes, and gopher tortoises. We worked to get 80 acres of our property placed under a land stewardship plan that protects wildlife habitat and conserves water, soil, and other natural resources. We both love spending time at home enjoying the beauty right outside our front door.
