Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Excellence Fund

The Department's undergraduate and graduate research program trains the next generation of conservation scientists and natural resource managers, its extension programs provide fundamental knowledge to the public on wildlife and conservation science, and the Department's research is at the cutting edge, generating new knowledge on the ecology and conservation of wildlife, their habitats, and natural environments in Florida and throughout the world. The Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Excellence Fund is used to advance the mission of the Department and quality of Department programs, allowing strategic funding of key activities to maximize the Department's impacts. To contribute to the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Excellence Fund, click here.

Tall Timbers Research Station Fire-Wildlife Fund

The mission of the Tall Timbers Research Station is to foster exemplary land stewardship through research, conservation, and education, with a primary research focus on the ecology and management of fire-dependent ecosystems and wildlife.  It supports research and extension that encourages citizens of the state of Florida to use prescribed fire to benefit wildlife and biodiversity. This Fund was established in collaboration with Tall Timbers to support research and extension activities by graduate students and faculty in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation in the area of ecological relationships between fire regimes and wildlife diversity in Florida and the Southeastern U.S.  These activities include conducting research and educating the public on the ecological effects of prescribed fire. 

Thad H. Owens Memorial Endowment for Wildlife Ecology Ecology and Conservation

Engagement in undergraduate and graduate research provides students the opportunity to hone their professional and analytical skills, sharpen their critical thinking and communication abilities, and gain valuable experience to prepare them for graduate education or the next step in their career. Named in honor of a former Wildlife undergraduate student, the Thad H Owens Memorial Endowment supports the purchase of equipment for student use in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. To contribute to the Thad Owens Memorial Fund, click here.

Nancy Kay Czerwinski Looney Memorial Fund

A scholarship fund has been established in memory of Nancy Kay Czerwinski Looney. Nancy was a UF alumni who was passionate about nature, wildlife and our environment. The department greatly appreciates her and her family's gracious gift. Please make checks payable to the UF Foundation, Inc. and mail to the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, PO Box 110430, Gainesville, FL 32611-0430; or you may give online by clicking here. Write in the comments box that the donation is "in memory of Nancy Kay Czerwinski Looney"

Monica Stokely Memorial Scholarship

Named in honor of a former Wildlife undergraduate student, the Monica Stokely Memorial Scholarship promotes education of women in natural resources and wildlife science. Each year a number of scholarships are awarded to students pursuing their degree in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, targeting those in their Junior or Senior year who are passionate about natural resources, are solid students, and have demonstrated significant service to the Department or discipline. To contribute to the Monica Stokely Memorial Scholarship, click here.

Florida Wildlife Federation Scholarship

The Florida Wildlife Federation established this scholarship to promote education and training of wildlife ecologists and conservationists. This scholarship is awarded each year to one undergraduate and one graduate student in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. The scholarship is targeted toward students who show promise to make significant contributions to the future conservation of wildlife and their habitats in Florida, and who demonstrate commitment to the ideals of the Florida Wildlife Federation. For additional information about the Florida Wildlife Federation, see https://floridawildlifefederation.org/. To contribute to the Florida Wildlife Federation Scholarship, click here.

Southern Cone Conservation Leadership Fund

The Southern Cone of South America, composed of Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay, has a spectacular diversity of landscapes, fish and wildlife resources, and equally diverse conservation challenges. The Southern Cone Conservation Leadership Initiative (SCCL) aims to help fill the need in this region for trained professionals who can lead conservation initiatives, promote informed decision-making, and advance university programs in biodiversity conservation and natural resource management. Gifts to this fund support graduate fellowships and small research grants for student theses for students from the Southern Cone, or other SCCL activities (click here for more information on SCCL and the activities your funds will support). To contribute to the Southern Cone Conservation Leadership Initiative, click here.

Ordway-Swisher Biological Station

The Ordway-Swisher Biological Station comprises 9100 acres of longleaf pine forest, sandhill habitat, and pristine lakes, swamps, and seasonal ponds. The Station is becoming a globally significant research and education facility and was recently selected as one of twenty cores sites site for a major national ecological observation program. To achieve its potential the Station needs funding to develop a major new campus, upgrade its road system, construction of new buildings, and funds to support the Station's research and education programs. For additional information about the Ordway-Swisher, click here. To contribute to the Ordway-Swisher Biological Station, click here.

Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Major Gifts Program

The Department stands ready to partner with individuals and organizations to advance mutual goals in research, education, extension, and conservation. To explore the potential of partnering with the Department and potential contributions through the Department's major gifts program, contact Dr. Eric C. Hellgren, Department Chair, by phone at (352) 846-0552 or by Email at hellgren@ufl.edu.