Blazing Star Award | Julie Morris

Julie works with all levels of government agencies and private entities to develop conservation plans for protected wildlife species, identify high-priority ecological landscapes, and develop conservation and strategies and incentives programs.

Julie Morris

Executive Director, Florida Conservation Group

Julie Morris has over 25 years of experience in the Florida conservation field and has a wide range of experience—from working as a research wildlife biologist and land manager to implementing land protection and developing conservation policy at regional, state, and federal levels.

Julie founded Florida Conservation Group (FCG) in 2015 with fellow ranchers and scientists. Through FCG, she has represented private landowners in the conservation of over 65,000 acres of land and has represented government entities in the conservation of many thousands of additional acres.

Julie has worked with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC), Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to develop and implement incentives-based conservation efforts, including a payments-for-ecosystem services pilot project for gopher tortoises and Florida panther habitat and corridor protection planning. She held leadership roles in the Southwest Florida Conservation Blueprint pilot project for FWC, the protection of the USFWS Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area, the development of the Southwest Florida Landscape Conservation Design for the USFWS and the establishment of the USFWS Everglades to Gulf Conservation Area.

Julie founded Florida Conservation Group (FCG) in 2015 with fellow ranchers and scientists. Photo by Carlton Ward Jr.

Julie works with all levels of government agencies and private entities to develop conservation plans for protected wildlife species, identify high-priority ecological landscapes, and develop conservation and strategies and incentives programs. She is also engaged in state and federal conservation policymaking, community education, and on the ground outreach. She is an expert in developing and implementing land acquisition programs, from program design to implementation. Julie has extensive expertise and experience in land acquisition and easement programs, agricultural cost-share programs and payment for ecosystem services programs. Her passion is assisting landowners in protecting their natural and agricultural lands.

Julie holds a Master’s degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from the University of Florida and Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies from Rollins College. She runs her own cow-calf operation in the Myakka Valley.