O2O: Path to Connection

A Message from Paul Grove, WEDU PBS President & CEO

Hiking in Florida state parks has become a favorite activity for my family. My wife, Michelle, and I are making our way through all 175 state parks. We often see traditional Florida wildlife like tortoises, egrets, herons, and hawks. On a recent visit to Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park in Port Richey, while hiking a rustic footpath through a hammock near the salt marsh, we encountered both an alligator and an eastern diamondback rattlesnake, reminding us just how wild Florida's outdoors can be.

These hikes have deepened our appreciation for efforts to protect the land and water for wildlife and people. The Florida Wildlife Corridor comprises nearly 18 million acres of contiguous wilderness and working lands crucial to the survival of many of Florida's 131 imperiled animals. In addition to protecting wildlife, conserving wild spaces is essential for mitigating climate change.

This month, WEDU PBS is proud to share a new documentary from our friends at the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation. O2O: Path to Connection features the story of three veterans from three branches of the military who undertook a 57-mile expedition of the Florida Wildlife Corridor from the Ocala to the Osceola National Forests. 

The film highlights a four-day expedition that explores the importance of the land and military installations that create statewide connectivity. The veterans paddle a section of the Ocklawaha River and bike and hike segments through the Florida National Scenic Trail. The experience was filmed and developed into a short film. O2O: Path to Connection airs on WEDU on Thursday, August 15 at 8 p.m.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Mallory Dimmitt, the CEO of the Corridor Foundation, to answer questions about the project. Here are excerpts from the interview.

Paul Grove: I know The Florida Wildlife Corridor comprises nearly 18 million acres of contiguous wilderness. How does the O2O Wildlife Corridor fit into that space?

Mallory Dimmitt:The O2O Wildlife Corridor is a 100-mile long, 1.6-million-acre landscape of public and private lands that connect the Ocala and Osceola National Forests.

Paul Grove:What do you want viewers to take away from the film?

Mallory Dimmitt:Conserving wild spaces isn’t just about protecting imperiled wildlife. The film highlights the deep human need to connect with outdoor spaces to support physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Paul Grove:Why did you select three military veterans for this adventure?

Mallory Dimmitt: We want to highlight nature's healing theme, making veterans the logical choice as trekkers and storytellers for the film. Their understanding of the terrain and perspectives on the connection between national forests and military training camps make them important partners.

Paul Grove:How can WEDU viewers support the Florida Wildlife Corridor?

Mallory Dimmitt:The simplest thing is to get outside and explore. Use this film as an inspiration to check out places in the Corridor and then share with others. We want people to know that it exists, fall in love with it, and want to see it protected.

O2O: Path to Connection is streaming now on our website.