Florida Chapter of The Wildlife Society

Drone Workshop & Fall Meeting

October 29–30, 2026 • FWC Ocala Conservation Center

Join the Florida Chapter of The Wildlife Society for an engaging Drone Workshop and Fall Meeting focused on practical, innovative applications of drone technology in wildlife conservation, natural resource management, research, and field operations.

This two-day event will bring wildlife professionals, students, land managers, researchers, and conservation partners together at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Ocala Conservation Center for classroom-style presentations, outdoor demonstrations, and opportunities to learn from practitioners using drones (Unmanned Aerial Systems [UAS] and Remotely Operated Vehicles [ROVs]) in real-world settings.

Workshop Highlights

·         Basic information on different types of drones and their capabilities

·         Flight and safety considerations, licensing requirements

·         Emerging technologies and innovations in drone use

·         Applications for prescribed fire, wildlife surveys, habitat monitoring, herbicide application, habitat restoration and conservation projects

·         Classroom presentations paired with outdoor flight demonstrations

·         Networking with wildlife professionals and partners across Florida

Why Attend?

Whether you are new to drones or looking to expand your knowledge of current tools and techniques, this workshop will provide a valuable overview of drone fundamentals, logistic considerations, and practical conservation, restoration, and management applications. Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of how drones can support efficient, safe, and innovative field work.

Event Details

Dates:                   Thursday, October 29th and Friday, October 30th, 2026      

Hosted by:          The Florida Chapter of The Wildlife Society (fltws.org)

Location:             The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Ocala Conservation Center and Youth Camp in the Ocala National Forest

7325 NE 170th Ave, Silver Springs, Florida 34488

Registration Fee: FLTWS Members $95.00 | Non-members $145.00 | Students $65.00

An optional lodging fee of $15 per night for on-site bunkhouse-style lodging.

Lodging:

  • Onsite: Reasonable accommodations are available on-site in air-conditioned communal bunkhouses/cabins for Wednesday, 10/28, and Thursday, 10/29, nights.  This option will be available during registration for an additional fee of $15 per night. Linens are not included in the bunkhouses/cabins, so please bring your own bedding (sheets/blankets/pillows/sleeping bags) and towels. Men and Women will be housed separately.

  • Nearby: Additional motel and hotel accommodations can be found in nearby Silver Springs, FL. Options include:

    • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Silver Springs

    • Days Inn by Wyndham Silver Springs

    • Rodeway Inn Silver Springs – Ocala East (Choice Hotels)

    • Silver Springs State Park

Preliminary Agenda

Agenda is tentative and subject to change as speakers, demonstrations, and registration details are finalized.

Registration is now open! Click HERE to register

For additional information, please contact Jodi Slater at jslater@sjrwmd.com or 386-329-4536.