The mission of the Florida Black Bear and Wildlife Conservation Festival is to increase awareness and promote safe coexistence of humans and wildlife by fostering community appreciation of the Florida black bear and other native Florida species, as well as, Florida’s unique ecosystems that serve as wildlife habitat. Beginning in 1999, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, U. Forest Service and Defenders of Wildlife, along with others, recognized the need for community education to promote safe co-existence with the Florida Black Bear for the many residents and visitors participating in recreational activities in and around the Ocala National Forest, creating the Florida Black Bear Festival in cooperation with the City of Umatilla and Umatilla Chamber of Commerce. As the festival has continued to grow and broadened the focus to include preservation and conservation of other native Florida species and the unique ecosystem that serves as wildlife habitat, new Partners and organizations have become stakeholders in this very unique event, including the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway, Lake County, Trout Lake Nature Center and the Florida Trail Association. This event is one of the most unique festivals in Florida with a strong focus on education, conservation and preservation. Visit umatillachamber.org/blackbearfest for more information regarding event activities, field trip schedules and many links to educational information offered by the Partners of the Florida Black Bear and Wildlife Conservation Festival.
