Florida Uncut

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Latest Episodes:

Hilary Swain: A Legacy at Archbold Biological Station Sep 09, 2025

Since 1995, Dr. Hilary Swain has served as the Executive Director of Archbold Biological Station in Venus, Florida, leading one of the nation’s premier field stations dedicated to science, conservation, and education. In her role she oversees two flagship properties: the 8,800-acre Archbold Biological Station on the ancient Lake Wales Ridge, and the 10,500-acre Buck Island Ranch, a fully working cattle ranch and living laboratory within the headwaters of the Everglades.

Over the past 30 years she has played a pivotal role in advancing land conservation and the understanding of prescribed fire, as well as the role of agricultural lands on the environment across Florida. Through those decades of leadership at Archbold, she has championed science as a foundation for conservation action, ensuring that Florida’s life, lands, and waters remain connected for generations to come. Evidence of her impact can be seen through the fact that under her leadership and regional impact, Archbold’s network of contiguous acres of conservation grow from 8,000 acres to 157,000 acres.

As Hilary prepares for her upcoming retirement, this conversation was a special opportunity to reflect on a remarkable career and lasting legacy in Florida conservation.

In this episode we discuss:

How long-term science at Archbold informs the survival of threatened species, ecosystem resilience, and the protection of the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
Why balancing working lands, water, and fire management is vital to large landscape conservation.
Hilary’s role in building collaborations across agencies, nonprofits, and landowners—and why these partnerships matter for Florida’s future.
What it takes to lead a team of more than 60 staff, students, and visiting scientists in one of the most ecologically important—and rapidly changing—states in the country.
How early career roadblocks led to open doors elsewhere.
How she’s reflecting on her 30 years of leadership and what she hopes for the future of Archbold.

You can learn more about Archbold and all their fantastic work at archbold-station.org.

This episode is part one of a four part series on the work of Archbold Biological Station and Buck Island Ranch. More to come! Thank you to Zach Franco and Tahlia Warrick for making these happen.

Don’t forget to join us at Tampa Theater on September 18th! Buy tickets here: https://tampatheatre.org/movie/voices-of-the-corridor/

The best shirts for folks who love Florida: Okihasi - Florida's Coastal Shirt

Charles Hines: Florida Gulf Coast Trail Jul 25, 2025

Trails are one of the most powerful tools we have for connecting people to nature and fostering a lasting sense of place. By providing direct, immersive access to the outdoors, trails invite us to build personal relationships with the landscapes around us. Whether it’s a shaded stretch of pine flatwood on a rail trail, a sandy path along a coastal estuary or a boardwalk hovering above a cypress swamp, these experiences deepen appreciation and often plant the seed for stewardship. When people fall in love with the places they explore, they’re far more likely to protect them. Trails don’t just lead us through nature, they anchor us to it, transforming passive admiration into active care.

This week we’re joined by Charles Hines, who knows a thing or two about trails. He’s the Florida Gulf Coast Trail Program Director for Trust for Public Land and former Sarasota County Commissioner. Charles shares the bold vision behind the 420-mile trail spanning seven counties across Southwest Florida, and how projects like this are reshaping how Floridians connect with nature, recreation, and each other. We’ll dive into the progress of the Gulf Coast Trail vision, how it will connect with other trail networks, and the vast community benefits of such infrastructure investments.

A native of Florida, Hines has a background in law and has played an active role with many community nonprofits and civic organizations, including the Bay Park Conservancy, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, Charlotte Harbor Estuary Program, Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization, West Coast Inland Navigation District, and Florida Association of Counties.

Resources:

https://www.tpl.org/our-work/florida-gulf-coast-trail
https://www.yourobserver.com/news/2025/jul/03/bikers-new-legacy-trail-bridge/

Subscribe to Florida Uncut to hear from more voices shaping wild Florida.

Florida Uncut: Live at the Wild Space Gallery Jul 17, 2025

In this special episode of Florida Uncut, we’re bringing you our first-ever live recording, captured this past weekend at the Wild Space Gallery in St. Pete.

The conversation centers around the behind-the-scenes efforts that brought the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation’s 2024 expedition film to life. Every two years, the Foundation leads a week-long journey, on foot, bike, and water, through a region of the Corridor that needs greater public awareness and protection.

This year’s expedition took place in Southwest Florida, tracing a route from the Western Everglades to the Caloosahatchee River, an infamously challenging crossing point for the endangered Florida Panther.

Our panel features several team members (Ethan Coyle, Alex Freeze, and Joe Whalen) who helped make the expedition possible. You'll hear untold stories from the trail, hilarious moments of gear failure, and candid reflections on the logistics, challenges, and triumphs that didn’t make it into the final film.

If you're near St. Pete, be sure to check out the companion gallery exhibit, “Blazing the Trail: From Strand to Slough,” on display at the Wild Space Gallery through August 30. The exhibit dives deeper into the people, process, and wild beauty behind the making of this year’s expedition film.

I want to give an enormous thank you to Ethan, Alex, and Joe for the amazing conversation. I love working with them. I want to also especially thank Leslie Elsasser, Noel Smith, Kat Duval, and Tony Palms for opening up the Wild Space Gallery to tell these stories and for the opportunity to host our first live podcast. I am so thankful and still buzzing from the experience!

Wild Space Gallery on Google Maps. Don't miss it! Be sure to come check out the exhibit by August 30th. The gallery is open Wed-Sat 2-6pm.

Also, mark you calendars for the film premiere of our expedition on September 18th at the Tampa Theater.

Joe Howard: O2O Expedition Trekker Jun 18, 2025

Would you like to attend a live recording of Florida Uncut? Be sure to save the date of July 12, 5–9 PM for a new exhibition "Blazing the Trail: From Strand to Slough" and a live recording of "Wild Takes: Florida Uncut Podcast Live" from 5-8pm at the Wild Space Gallery in St. Pete! I’ll be there interviewing the folks behind the scenes of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation’s last expedition, and upcoming film.

In this episode, we catch up with Joe Howard, one of the original trekkers on the O2O: Path to Connection expedition. Joe reflects on his journey across the Ocala to Osceola Wildlife Corridor, an ambitious, 57-mile boots-on-the-ground adventure aimed at raising awareness for one of the most critical wildlife linkages in Florida.

We’re speaking with Joe, a career Florida state parks manager, nearly two years after the trek because the story didn’t end on the trail. Just last week, the Florida Cabinet approved a major land acquisition in the O2O region, securing nearly 78,000 acres of high-priority conservation land. It’s a huge victory for Florida’s Wildlife Corridor, and for the vision Joe and the O2O team helped bring to life.

Tune in as we talk with Joe about the power of storytelling, what it meant to be part of the expedition, and how it feels to see real policy action happen in a place he walked to protect.

Watch O2O: Path to Connection here

Read more about the approved funding for the 77,877 acres of land here.

Alex Freeze: Corridor Connect Director May 29, 2025

Alex Freeze has been part of the movement to connect and protect wild Florida for well over a decade and now works as the Corridor Connect Director at the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation. Alex brings a wealth of experience as a conservation photographer, environmental educator, and advocate for Florida's natural landscapes. Did I mention she was a field producer for the Emmy award-winning film, Path of the Panther?

In this conversation, Alex shares her journey from being a 6th-generation Floridian to a leading voice in conservation, highlighting her work in visual storytelling and her role in coordinating collaborative conservation efforts across the state. We explore the challenges and triumphs of preserving Florida's unique ecosystems, the importance of community engagement, and the innovative collaborative strategies Alex employs to advance the Corridor an acre at a time.

Alex is also the driving force behind the upcoming Corridor Connect summit, Florida’s premiere statewide gathering of conservation professionals happening June 3-5, 2025. It’s a powerful convening of storytellers, scientists, landowners, and policymakers to collaborate on one of the most urgent conservation efforts in the country. Be sure to follow the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation on socials to hear and see what goes on!

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Alex’s master’s thesis on students’ impression of conservation photography: https://www.montreat.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/exploring-student-impressions-of-conservation-photographs-a-potential-strategy-for-classroom-environmental-education.pdf
Dear Tampa Film: https://www.nwf.org/Our-Work/Waters/Gulf-Restoration/Dear-Tampa
10 things you can do to help the Florida Wildlife Corridor: https://floridawildlifecorridor.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/10-things.pdf

Connect with Alex Freeze:

Website: alexfreeze.com
Instagram: @alexofthewild

Learn More About the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation:

Website: floridawildlifecorridor.org
Instagram: @floridawildlifecorridor
Facebook: Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation

Learn more about the summit: corridorconnect.org/page/summit-2025

Brent Setchell: Wildlife Crossings Apr 14, 2025

In this episode of Florida Uncut, we sit down with Brent Setchell, Drainage Design Engineer with the Florida Department of Transportation’s District 1, to talk about something most drivers rarely see—but Florida’s wildlife depends on: wildlife crossings.

Brent grew up immersed in the outdoors, and now he’s helping ensure Florida’s wild places remain connected. From panthers and bears to otters and deer, these crossings save lives—animal and human alike. But what goes into building one? When and where is the right time to act? And how many crossings do we actually need?

We dig into the data, the planning, and the unexpected benefits that come with making Florida’s highways a little more humane and its wild spaces more connected. Brent also shares the story behind one of the state’s standout crossings near the Hilochee Wildlife Management Area, as well as the first overpass wildlife crossing currently under construction on I-4.

Resources/links from episode:

Watch FDOT and fStop’s film, Building Wild Spaces, Connectivity on I-4here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3TPkSaQ4e8&t=51s
Map of current and upcoming Florida wildlife crossings: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=a105b26615f64b19b543eb9ab61fe197&extent=-9237486.6341%2C2933269.2122%2C-8868754.4097%2C3305670.414%2C102100
Learn more about the Lakeland Mural Unveiling with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation on 4/18 at 3pm. I’ll be there! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lakeland-mural-unveiling-tickets-1308877881979
Request an invitation to the Corridor Connect Summit, happening June 3-5! https://corridorconnect.org/page/summit-2025

Support Florida Uncut on Patreon.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations

Damon Moore: Oyster River Ecology Mar 05, 2025

Damon is a restoration ecologist and practitioner with 20 years of experience designing and implementing habitat restoration projects in southwest Florida. He played an instrumental role in local large-scale habitat restoration projects including the restoration of Perico and Robinson Preserve, among many other habitat improvement projects across Manatee County.

In late 2022 Damon founded the nonprofit Oyster River Ecology to scale up local habitat restoration projects including large scale oyster restoration in the Tampa Bay & Sarasota Bay watersheds. Damon has led an effort to conduct a massive oyster restoration project in the Manatee River, once called the "Oyster River" with a goal of restoring 132 acres of oyster reefs in the river.

Damon will provide a deep dive into the local history of oysters in the Manatee River and share details about work already in progress to bring oysters back to their historical abundance in the Manatee River.

You can find out more about Damon and opportunities to get involved at oysterriverecology.org.

You can also follow along:

https://www.instagram.com/oyster_river_ecology_inc/

https://www.facebook.com/OysterRiverEcologyInc

https://www.youtube.com/@oysterriverecology

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations

Mike Elfenbein: Protecting Big Cypress Jan 22, 2025

For this episode I'm sitting down with Mike Elfenbein, an incredibly dedicated advocate for wild Florida. You might find Mike hunting pythons barefoot in the Everglades, or dressed in a suit and tie (shoes optional) on Capitol Hill pushing for further focus and protection for Florida's wildlands.

Mike now resides on Florida's southwest coast where he serves as the executive director for the Cypress Chapter of the Izaak Walton League. of America.

Mike’s conservation journey started in the fishing industry and evolved after a pivotal invitation to go hunt in Big Cypress as a kid. His passion for wildlife conservation is now highlighted by his desire to show people the places and provide similar opportunities and invitations he was given. From airboats to fishing trips, Mike has learned that getting more folks to see wild Florida is the best way to protect it.

“My mission is to protect the Big Cypress National Preserve and everything connected to her."

Mike’s previous leadership positions include serving on the board and as executive director of the Fishing and Conservation Trust and as a delegate for the Everglades Coordinating Council.

Whether you're a newcomer to Florida or have roots that run deep, Mike is sure to fire you up for protecting our precious state.

Learn more about and follow Mike’s work:

Mike’s Instagram: instagram.com/mike_2lf/
Cypress Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America: cypressiwla.org

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations

Blair Updike: The Florida Gallery Dec 17, 2024

In this episode, we hear the inspiring story of a Lake Wales native, Blair Updike, who turned a childhood passion into a professional art career—and is now working to put Florida art back on the map. With no artistic background in her family—her father invented the Grove Goat, and her mother was an accountant—her journey began after an inspiring demo by Highwaymen artist Robert Butler.

After years working in marketing and sales at her family’s manufacturing business, art resurfaced when she painted her youngest child. That moment sparked a full-time career and, most recently, the launch of The FL Gallery online in June with the support of AllFla.

Florida art, she believes, is neglected, and its stories are vital to the state’s identity. By combining artist promotion with engaging art history, The Florida Gallery has struck a chord with Floridians, reaching over 2 million people and gaining 20k+ followers. Participating artists are seeing huge growth in awareness, and future collaborations with museums and organizations are in the works.

Join us as we explore how art can tell Florida’s story and why working together is key to supporting its artists and the protection of wild Florida.

All Blair’s links:

Find Blair’s prints here: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/blair-updike
Personal website www.bupdikeart.com
Personal Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bupdikeart/
Florida Gallery Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefloridagallery/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations

Ned Hancock: Fifth-Generation Landowner Oct 30, 2024

I don’t know about you, but I am not land rich. My quarter-acre yard won’t be doing much for the conservation of wild Florida. I don’t have the opportunity or burden of the decision to put my land in conservation. I don’t know what it’s like to weight the pros and cons, go through the application process, talk with my family, etc.

That’s why I was thrilled to sit down with the fifth-generation citrus grower and landowner, Ned Hancock, to hear about his family’s decision to apply to put their 2,600-acre parcel in conservation. I wanted to know the motivations behind their efforts to apply for a Rural and Family Lands Protection Program easement, the difficulty of the process and getting all stakeholders onboard, and how other nearby landowners feel about the future of Florida.

Ned is passionate about his land, his county, and his state with roots going back generations. Their land is situated in the Peace River Valley, a critical economic and environmental region, as well as an important piece of the Florida Wildlife Corridor but not as well protected as other parts of the state.

Read more about Ned’s story at Florida Conservation Group’s blog: https://floridaconserve.org/2024/08/20/ned-hancock-peace-river-valley/
Learn more about Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Rural and Family Lands Protection Program: https://www.fdacs.gov/Consumer-Resources/Protect-Our-Environment/Rural-and-Family-Lands-Protection-Program

Reach out to Travis Thompson or Mike Elfenbein about Amendment 2:
Mike: https://www.instagram.com/mike_2lf/?hl=en
Travis: https://www.instagram.com/travisthompson

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations

Travis Thompson: All Florida Oct 25, 2024

Travis Thompson is a 5th generation Floridian from Winter Haven, Florida. He’s the Executive Director of the conservation non-profit All Florida, as well as a co-owner of Duck Ranchin’ the state’s largest waterfowl hunting operation. Through his work, he advocates for the things that make Florida special - our woods, water, wildlife, and the way of life that connects us to those things. From spraying to snook fishing, cattle to citrus, Travis and his team are in rooms every day around the state of Florida working on authentic conservation solutions.

Travis has been a huge part of Amendment 2, the Right to Fish and Hunt. I had a lot of questions about this amendment that Travis was gracious enough to answer. If you have more questions after our conversation, Travis makes the invitation to reach out directly to him.

You can learn more about Travis and his work below:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travisthompson
All Florida: https://allfla.org/

Don’t forget to vote!

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations

Kaylyn Glenn: Gladeswoman Sep 11, 2024

Kaylyn, a proud 10th generation Floridian, is deeply connected to the unique landscape of Southwest Florida, near the Western Everglades. Raised barefoot among oak hammocks and cypress tree domes, she inherited a legacy of pioneering ancestors who settled in this region, fueling her passion for protecting this remarkable place.

Overcoming the challenges of teen single motherhood and poverty, Kaylyn has gained invaluable experiences that have shaped her commitment to safeguarding Florida’s natural treasures.

With over a decade of hands-on experience in agriculture, land management across the Southern United States, and invasive species removal, she has become a proactive advocate and spokesperson for the state’s environmental challenges.

Outside of her professional life, Kaylyn enjoys backpacking, exploring new destinations, embarking on historical adventures with her son and family across Florida, and relishing trail rides and hikes with her beloved hound dogs.

Thank you for joining and supporting her on this journey. Together, let’s work to protect

Learn more about Kaylyn and the works she does:

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations

State Park Development Update Aug 26, 2024

There have been a ton of updates since the last episode about the proposed plan to develop nine Florida state parks. Namely, part of the project proposal has been withdrawn. Great news but the story isn’t over…

Places to follow for most up-to-date news and additional info:

Max Chesnes - Environmental Reporter, Tampa Bay Times
Florida Wildlife Federation, who broke the story
Ryan Worthington, the Florida Excursionist
Florida Madcaps Podcast - Crisis in the State Parks

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations

State Parks Development Proposal Aug 21, 2024

Hey folks! This is a unique call to action to let your voice be heard about the new proposed developments (golf courses, resorts, etc.) inside of our state parks. Listen to the episode and read the article below to learn more about what is being proposed, as well as how to make your voice heard and be involved.

Tampa Bay Times article: https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2024/08/20/are-changes-coming-floridas-state-park-system/

Numbers to call:

Governor's office: 850 717 9337

All meetings are Tuesday, August 27th from 3-4pm ET. Locations and emails are listed below:

Hillsborough River State Park

Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa, Community Room D
HillsboroughRiverSPpublicmeeting@floridadep.gov

Honeymoon Island State Park

The District, 11141 U.S. 19 N., Suite 204, Clearwater
HoneymoonIslandSPpublicmeeting@floridadep.gov

Oleta River State Park

Florida International University, Biscayne Bay campus, Kovens Conference Center, Room 114, 3000 NE 151 Street North, Miami.
OletaRiverSPpublicmeeting@floridadep.gov

Jonathan Dickinson State Park

The Flagler of Stuart, 201 SW Flagler Ave., River Room, Stuart
JonathanDickinsonSPpublicmeeting@floridadep.gov

Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park

Downtown Event Center, 416 NE First St., Fort Lauderdale, Lecture Hall, Building C, second floor (Enter at Main Entrance B — clearly marked on the outside of the building.)
Dr.VonD.MizellEulaJohnsonSPpublicmeeting@floridadep.gov

Anastasia State Park, First Coast Technical College

The Character Counts Conference Center, Building C, 2980 Collins Ave., St. Augustine
AnastasiaSPpublicmeeting@floridadep.gov

Camp Helen State Park

Lyndell Conference Center, 423 Lyndell Lane, Panama City Beach
CampHelenSPpublicmeeting@floridadep.gov

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Grayton Beach State Park

Watercolor Inn & Resort, Watercolor LakeHouse, 34 Goldenrod Circle, Santa Rosa Beach
WaltonCountySPpublicmeeting@floridadep.gov

Florida Wildlife Federation info sheet and email template here

To email the governor: https://www.flgov.com/email-the-governor/

Example email:

Subject:

Concern Regarding Development of Golf Courses and Resorts on Environmentally Sensitive Land

Body

Dear Governor DeSantis,

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the proposed development of golf courses and resorts on environmentally sensitive land within our state parks. Florida's state parks are home to some of the most unique and delicate ecosystems in the world, providing critical habitats for a wide variety of plant and animal species. These hard fought areas are not only essential for biodiversity but also serve as natural buffers against our harsh climate and hurricanes and attract millions of tourists seeking natural settings away from Florida’s bustling roadways and entertainment opportunities.

Developing these lands for commercial purposes threatens to not only disrupt these ecosystems, potentially leading to the loss of endangered species, degradation of water quality, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters, but also the economics that will continue

Moreover, preserving these natural areas is vital for maintaining the ecological balance that supports our state's tourism industry, which relies heavily on the beauty and accessibility of our natural landscapes. While golf courses and resorts may attract short-term economic gains, the long-term environmental costs could far outweigh these benefits. I urge you to consider the lasting impact that such development would have on our state's natural heritage and to seek alternative locations for these projects that do not compromise the integrity of our state parks. Protecting our environment should be a top priority, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy and benefit from Florida's natural beauty. In Florida, the environment is the economy.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, ZIP]

[Email Address]

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Dr. Tom Hoctor: The Corridor Before It Was the Corridor Aug 15, 2024

There are not many folks more central to the idea of a “connected and protected” Florida than Dr. Tom Hoctor. He’s the director of the Center for Landscape Conservation Planning at the University of Florida and is the co-founder of the Florida Wildlife Corridor, considered one of the most ambitious landscape conservation plans in the country.

As we’ll learn, the concept of a statewide ecological corridor is not new. Decades of scientific research has led to the understanding that connected landscape-scale conservation is imperative to the survival of many species and among the best methods of preventing habitat loss and fragmentation.

Before it was called the Florida Wildlife Corridor, this idea of a connected greenspace in the Sunshine state was known as the Florida Ecological Greenways Network,

More info about Dr. Hoctor and links to topics discussed:

Faculty page, University of Florida
Florida Wildlife Corridor History
University of Florida Center for Landscape Conservation Planning
University of Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR)

Do you have an idea for a guest for the show? Submit guest suggestions here.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations

The Florida Madcaps Aug 04, 2024

I have missed posting an episode for the last couple of months, but the good news is I’m catching up today with three guests at once!

Joining us for a talk about conservation, recreation, and education are the Florida Madcaps, made up of Chelsey and Chris Stevens and Ryan Worthington. They’re three friends who love to volunteer, guide, and educate Floridians on our best natural resources. Although they all do their own form of volunteering and advocacy, they join forces weekly to produce the Florida Madcaps podcast to talk about these topics.

I figured I’d start sharing other podcasts to listen to as they’re more consistent and do a great job sharing new places to explore in wild Florida.

Episode resources:

Listen to the Florida Madcaps anywhere you get podcasts.
Website: https://thefloridamadcaps.buzzsprout.com/
Social: https://www.instagram.com/florida_madcaps_podcast/
You can follow Chelsey and Chris, aka the Sunshine State Seekers here: https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/
You can follow Ryan, aka the Florida Excursionist here: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/
Their episode about the 2024 Legislative Session and Environmentally Harmful Bills with Ryan Smart of the Florida Springs Council can be found here.
Bradenton Herald’s recent feature of Florida Uncut can be read here: https://www.bradenton.com/news/local/article289855064.html

If you have an idea for a future FU guest, please submit that to our guest suggestion form here.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations

Show Update! Jul 22, 2024

Hey folks!

The show was recently featured in the Bradenton Herald and we have a lot of new listeners. You can read that article here: ‘Saved or paved.’ Palmetto-based podcast host explores Florida conservation stories

If you have an idea for a future Florida Uncut guest, please fill out this form.

Looking forward to bringing you more stories very soon!

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations

Joshua Daskin: The Florida Wildlife Corridor and Climate Change May 26, 2024

How does the Florida Wildlife Corridor help provide resilience to climate change?

Florida is ground-zero for climate change impacts as our natural and human communities grapple with increasing heat, flooding, sea level rise, and wildfire risk.

In today's episode, we talk with Joshua Daskin, the Director of Conservation at Archbold Biological Station, about a recent assessment with Florida Atlantic University that identified the overlaps between land conservation in the Florida Wildlife Corridor and the resilience of the state's nature and people to advancing climate change. Archbold's conservation program uses the report's results to credibly motivate the Corridor's protection.

At Archbold, Josh works to expand the use of science in conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems. He leads Archbold's conservation strategy, connecting researchers with agencies, landowners, NGOs, and science collaborators to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of conservation actions from Archbold's own 20,000 acres to the statewide Florida Wildlife Corridor and beyond.

Since 2021, he has been a leader of the scientific arm of the campaign to conserve the Corridor.

Josh earned a B.S. in Biology and Environmental Studies from Brandeis University, a M.Sc. in Zoology while a Fulbright Scholar at James Cook University in Australia, and a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Princeton University. Previously, Josh researched the impacts of war on African wildlife and helped reestablish scientific capacity in Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique following the country's civil conflict. He was also a Donnelley Postdoctoral fellow at Yale University, a biologist in the US Fish and Wildlife Service headquarters office, and a research assistant at Archbold.

Articles and links mentioned in the episode:

Climate and Wildlife Corridors overview page: https://www.archbold-station.org/projects/climate-and-wildlife-corridors/
The Florida Wildlife Corridor and Climate Change Full Report: https://archbold-cms.payloadcms.app/media/ClimateReport_FINAL_04152024-1.pdf
Planning Future Landscapes report: https://www.archbold-station.org/projects/cfrpc/
Florida Wildlife Corridor Planning and Development Data (database of current building permit requests): https://archbold-cms.payloadcms.app/media/FLWC%20Statewide%20Study%20-%20Summary%20Report%20(2023-10-23).pdf
The full interactive ‘Bear Necessities’ Story Map of M34, the Black Bear that inspired the FWC: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/0cdea7371c874357a9307ac8ea701568
FWC and Climate Change Water Report Executive Summary: https://archbold-cms.payloadcms.app/media/Climate%20Report%20-%20Executive%20Summary%20FINAL-2.pdf

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations

Craig Pittman: Welcome to Florida May 11, 2024

Craig is a native Floridian and spent over 30 years as a journalist for the Tampa Bay Times. He has authored a half-dozen award-winning books about the wild ideas and quirkiness of our state. Among his publications are Oh Florida!, Cat Tale, The State You're In, and Manatee Insanity.

In 2022, Craig was given the Rachel Carson Award by the Sierra Club, which honors sustained achievement by professional journalists or authors and was also awarded a Florida Literary Legend by the Florida Heritage Book Festival.

Craig is now a columnist for the Florida Phoenix and co-hosts the weekly Welcome to Florida podcast.

https://www.instagram.com/craigpittman78/

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/welcome-to-florida

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations

Andrew Otazo: Keeping Wild Florida Clean Apr 13, 2024

Andrew loves exploring the mangroves down in Key Biscayne where he calls home. However, he got sick and tired of seeing trash each time he went out to enjoy wild Florida.

Like many of our guests, Andrew is action-oriented and decided to do something about it. His big plan? Start picking up all the trash. It was that simple.

His impact has grown into dozens of others doing similar work to him, making it their passion to clean south Florida.

Andrew drives awareness in other ways too. He carried a 35-pound bag of mangrove trash (currently in History Miami’s permanent collection) the length of the 2019 Miami Marathon and led a team that hauled a 130-pound trash cart throughout the 2020 Miami Marathon. These efforts raised over $30,500 to protect Miami’s coastal habitats. Andrew has a recurring guest lecture series at the University of Miami, Cornell, Clemson, and local middle and high schools about his adventures in litter.

Andrew has also worked as a research associate at the Harvard Business School, where his 17 academic publications sold over 10,000 copies. He implemented U.S. foreign policy at the State Department. As Mexican President Felipe Calderón’s assistant, he facilitated the decision-making process of one of the world’s highest-level policymakers.

Follow Andrew:

https://www.instagram.com/andrewotazo/?hl=en

Read his book, Miami Creation Myth here: https://miamicreationmyth.com/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations

Traci Deen & Chad Crawford: Protect Our Paradise Mar 27, 2024

Traci of Conservation Florida and Chad of Crawford Entertainment teamed up to produce the 6-part documentary, Protect Our Paradise, a riveting series that follows Chad around the state of Florida as he discovers some of Florida’s most pressing environmental issues.

Every episode showcases a distinctive facet of Florida's environment and highlights individuals dedicated to safeguarding its wildlife, untamed landscapes, and pristine waters.

As a 6th generation Floridian born in Homestead, Florida, Traci is passionate about

protecting Florida’s wild and working lands for the generations of Floridians to

come. She leads the Conservation Florida team as CEO, a statewide accredited land trust working to protect Florida's natural & agricultural landscapes for future generations.

As a 3rd generation Floridian, Chad Crawford has always loved his home state, and he's made it his mission to share it with the world. He’s a four-time Emmy award-winning producer and director for shows like How to Do Florida and Flip My Florida Yard.

Watch the six part Protect Our Paradise at DiscoverFloridaChannel.com

Be sure to check out the four part webinar about the Florida Wildlife Corridor from 1000 Friends of Florida here: 1000fof.org/upcoming-webinars

Conservationfla.org

Crawfordentertainment.tv

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Karlos Rodriguez Bernart: Helping Thousands Explore Wild Florida Mar 14, 2024

Karlos’ passion for off-road bike route building came out of the necessity to learn the skills needed to complete the Tour Divide. Filled with the desire to create training routes in his local area of Florida, he discovered a talent for connecting green spaces and reviving old pathways and started inviting folks to join his crazy adventures…and they came willingly.

Over 15 years later, Karlos is known as the best bikepacking route builder in Florida and is responsible for getting hundreds of people per year to experience the Florida Wildlife Corridor, many for the first time. You can learn more about Karlos and his Florida-focused routes and guided trips at singletracksamurai.com, on Facebook, and on Instagram @singletracksamurai.

This interview was originally featured on Adventure Sports Podcast.

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Julie Morris: Florida Conservation Group Mar 01, 2024

Julie Morris has over 25 years of experience in Florida conservation—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 tens of thousands of acres of land and has represented government entities in the conservation of many thousands of additional acres.

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 Everglades to Gulf Conservation Area.

She runs her own cow-calf operation in the Myakka Valley.

Learn more about Julie and the Florida Conservation Group:

https://floridaconserve.org/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations

Paddling Across Lake Okeechobee Feb 15, 2024

Hey y’all! Today’s episode is a recap of a recent adventure I took on to raise awareness for Florida conservation. This conversation is originally from my other show, Adventure Sports Podcast, where I talk to guests about the various adventures they undertake.

However, because I did this adventure to shed light on the topics we discuss on this show, I wanted to also share it here. Also, the Lake Okeechobee discharges were just announced and it doesn’t look good. Hopefully we can continue to push more water south to the Everglades in the near future.

We’ll be back with a brand new episode in two weeks!

Some of the press:

Thank you to Bluefin SUP for helping sponsor the trip! Check out their very high-quality paddlebaords at a great price at: https://bluefinsupboards.us/

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Clay Henderson: A History of Florida’s Land Conservation Jan 31, 2024

Watch a presentation by Clay Henderson at the Corridor Connect here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABBTl8KOq5Q&t=3s

Clay Henderson has had a long career as an environmental lawyer, educator, and writer. He has served as president of Florida Audubon Society and Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, as well as two terms as Volusia county commissioner. Until his retirement in 2019, he served as Executive Director of the Institute for Water and Environmental Resilience at Stetson University.

As a writer, he has been published in both law reviews and scientific journals extensively. His new book Forces of Nature (University Press of Florida 2022) is an environmental history of Florida.

One thing I noticed when reading Forces of Nature is that the story of Florida’s conservation isn’t beginning, it has been happening for over 100 years. In fact, my perspective has shifted enough that I would say we are approaching the end of the story of Florida’s conservation, in the sense of the future of our land, versus the beginning.

Clay has been involved in the negotiation to acquire over 300,000 acres through

Learn more about Forces of Nature here https://www.clayhendersonauthor.com/books

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Rick Smith: A Land Remembered Jan 17, 2024

Rick Smith (Patrick Jr.) is the son of acclaimed author, Patrick D. Smith, who helped propel the focus of “old” Florida into the minds and hearts of an entire generation with the book, A Land Remembered, released in 1984. It is historical fiction set mostly in pioneer or "cracker" Florida that follows the fictional MacIvey family through three generations, covering over a century of Florida history from 1858 to 1968.

Although it’s historical fiction, the scenarios and settings within the book were common situations and struggles that early pioneers into Florida would have faced.

Rick has done over 300 presentations about his father and his masterpiece work. Rick also maintains the websites and social media pages related to his father's novels. All of Patrick Smith’s works are available in both hardcover and trade paperback editions. There is also a two-volume edition of A Land Remembered for children, which is used in many Florida schools.

Whether you’re a Florida native, a recent transplant to the state, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking an unforgettable literary experience, A Land Remembered awaits.

Find out more about Rick, and buying Patrick’s books:

https://alandremembered.com

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations

William Freund: fStop Foundation Jan 04, 2024

William started out life in El Salvador, where he was inspired by his parent's dedication to restoring Lake Ilopango. They weren't trained environmentalists, just folks who understood that something needed to be done to protect the place they loved.

After moving to Florida, William carried these lessons and influence with him. One day, while hiking in a remote Florida wilderness, he looked down and saw a panther track between his feet and knew he needed to do something to bring attention to this disappearing animal.

fStop Foundation was born. Williams's idea was to capture the "hidden world" of Florida's wild through photography to influence change and protect these unique places.

The fStop Foundation is now a small, determined team mainly comprised of volunteers who believe in the power of photography and that the content we create can help save this wonderful planet we call home. They believe in the power of photography, creating powerful content and telling a powerful story.

Learn more about William and fStop:

www.fstopfoundation.org

Instagram: @fstopfoundation

YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/fStopFoundation

Facebook: www.facebook.com/fstopfoundation.org

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations

Mallory Dimmitt: CEO, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation Dec 19, 2023

Mallory is a seventh-generation Floridian who grew up exploring the lands and waters of Florida. Those experiences shaped her love of the outdoors and appreciation of the environment from a young age, as well as her career choice in natural resource conservation and policy.

She is now the CEO of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, which is largely the driver of the idea of the Florida Wildlife Corridor movement. However, the idea of a connected wild Florida was built on the foundation of other ideas and research but came together through the 100-day, 1000-mile human-powered Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition trek from the Everglades to the Georgia border in the Spring of 2012, of which Mallory was a participant.

The goal was to see if traveling the length of the state on foot (as an animal would) was still possible. Long story short, it was absolutely possible, which brought credibility to the idea of a protected Corridor running the entire length of Florida. That expedition and the attention it brought laid the groundwork for the movement we see today for a protected and connecting wild Florida.

Learn more about Mallory and the work of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation here:

https://floridawildlifecorridor.org/

Watch the documentary of their expedition here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-jv208rdlM&ab_channel=WUSF.

Watch their other documentaries here:

https://www.youtube.com/@FloridaWildlifeCorridor/videos

Support Florida Uncut on Patreon for $5/month:

https://patreon.com/user?u=11828064&utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

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Mike Elswick: What Goes Into Land Management? Dec 12, 2023

It's always exciting when more land is acquired for conservation in Florida, but have you ever asked what happens with the land? What if it's an active farm, grove, or ranch land? How does it return to a more natural condition? How is it managed from here on out? Who managed it? Etc.

Mike Elswick is Manatee County's division manager of the Natural Resources Division in the county's Parks and Natural Resources Department. I live in Manatee County and often hear Mike speak at our Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee meetings (which I serve on). Every time he speaks, I learn something new. I figured Mike would be a great guest to learn more about how much goes into managing land that we acquire here in Florida. Although he's speaking from a county management perspective, you'll hear it takes working with state, federal, nonprofit, and public entities to achieve our common goals on the land. It takes a village.

Mike clearly loves the land and wants you to as well. There's a lot more to learn from him.

Resources Mike mentioned about how he keeps him and his team educated:

Ifas Extension Resources

Florida Forest Service - Fire Management Resources

Support Florida Uncut on Patreon for $5/month:

https://patreon.com/user?u=11828064&utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

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Haley Busch: Growing Smart in Florida Nov 22, 2023

As a Florida native, Haley has come to believe that making smarter building and development decisions has allowed Floridians to continue welcoming people to our state while also protecting natural and agricultural lands. The folks at 1000 Friends of Florida calls this "smart growth."

Haley grew up tubing the Ichetucknee River, sticking her head in spring vents, and paddling the Santa Fe River on family vacations. She is an urban planner, finishing up her graduate degree from the University of Florida, and urges people to get involved with their local government's planning and development decisions. Haley believes this is how we can best protect Florida's special places.

As Outreach Director at 1000 Friends of Florida, Haley promotes sustainable growth through collaboration with civic and conservation organizations across Florida. She assists in planning local workshops and information events statewide. Through lobbying, written and oral testimony, Haley works with local and state leaders to support strong growth management policy.

Learn more and sign up for the 1000 Friends of Florida newsletter below:

1000fof.org

Webinars: 1000fof.org/webinars

Instagram: @1000friendsofflorida

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067210687712

About 1000 Friends of Florida:

As one of their board members says, people don't come to Florida for the strip malls and subdivisions, they come here for the IDEA of Florida. For our beautiful climate, beaches and springs, and a certain quality of life. We are an international travel destination and have been a retiree haven for decades. How we balance tourist-driven population growth with protecting our natural resources has been a challenge over the years.

Success stories that Haley mentioned:

No Road to Ruin: https://noroadstoruin.org/
Suncoast Waterkeeper: https://www.suncoastwaterkeeper.org

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations

Miri Hardy: Executive Director, Friends of Myakka River Nov 08, 2023

I'm a firm believer in Miri's favorite quote from David Attenborough, "No one will protect what they don't care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced".

So many folks never see the real Florida, and for Miri, it took birds on the beach to draw her inland to see a side of Florida not often featured in the brochures.

Miri is unique in that she had the curiosity and gumption to push herself to understand the complex and beautiful ecosystems deeper into the lesser-known Florida interior.

After experiencing the magic wild Florida had to offer she wanted others to see its beauty too. That interest and desire to get involved led her to be the first executive director of Friends of Myakka River.

Come visit Miri and myself at the REI Sarasota grand opening this weekend. Learn more below:

Nov 9 REI Story Preview Party registration: https://sarasotareiparty.splashthat.com/
I’ll be there Nov 11th 1-5. More info here: https://www.rei.com/newsroom/article/rei-co-op-to-hold-grand-opening-celebration-in-sarasota-florida-on-november-10-12

Learn more about Miri and Friends of Myakka River below:

https://www.friendsofmyakkariver.org/

Insta/FB @FriendsofMyakkaRiver

Insta @BikeMyakka

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations

George McKenzie Jr: From Brooklyn To Black Bears, Alligators, and Panthers Oct 24, 2023

George McKenzie Jr. is a National Geographic Society award-winning visual storyteller from Brooklyn, NY, who specializes in wildlife, natural history, and conservation. How did George go from being born and raised in Brooklyn to a career focused on some of the deepest wildernesses in Florida? It started with seeing a job opening for the Northern Everglades Camera Trap Technician.

Most recently, George’s journey took him to learn the skills of “camera trapping” during the filming of Path of the Panther. We had Erick Bendick, the director of that film, on our last episode.

Today we’ll hear about George’s unique path, a growing passion for a place he now calls home, and how even a newcomer to Florida can make a big impact on the protection of our amazing wild spaces.

Learn more about George by following his work:

https://www.instagram.com/georgemckenziejr/

https://www.georgemckenziejr.com/

More information about visiting Archbold Biological Station:

https://archbold-station.org/visit/

Watch Path of the Panther

https://pathofthepanther.com/watch/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations

Eric Bendick: Path of the Panther, Director Oct 10, 2023

Eric is an Emmy-winning director, producer, and writer whose films explore connectivity, conflict, and ingenuity at the intersection of human and wild spaces. He’s led storytelling expeditions to the heart of many of the last intact and untamed landscapes on Earth as well as to the front lines of habitat destruction and fragmentation. His films for National Geographic, PBS, Smithsonian, History Channel, among others have garnered numerous awards from major film festivals around the world.

Today we’re talking specifically about his most recent film project, Path of the Panther, a story about the Florida Panther and the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

About the film:

Drawn in by the haunting specter of the Florida panther, a wildlife photographer, veterinarians, ranchers, conservationists, and indigenous people find themselves on the front lines of an accelerating battle between forces of renewal and destruction that have pushed the Florida Everglades to the brink of ecological collapse.

In a struggle resonating across the globe, the panther’s habitat has become an island. Its lush territory transformed into subdivisions. A paradise vanishing into thin air.

Perched on the edge of extinction, the panther is an emblem of our once connected world. A vision of what could be again. Or else, a harbinger of what could befall our planet, if the ‘Path of the Panther’ becomes a dead end.

Learn more about Eric:

Learn more and watch Path of the Panther:

https://pathofthepanther.com
https://www.instagram.com/pathofthepanther
Find it on Disney+ and Hulu

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations

Jim Strickland: Iconic Cowboy, Rancher, & Conservationist Sep 26, 2023

On the inaugural episode of Florida Uncut, we sit down with the legendary Florida cowboy, Jim Strickland, to talk about the intersection of ranching and conservation. The talk, which took place in a cabin on Blackbeard’s Ranch in Myakka City, FL, which Jim manages, is a mix of personal history and education on conservation topics.

Jim claims to be a simple sixth-generation Florida cowboy, but his sharp communication skills and ability to get things done has been instrumental in the thousands of acres of land he’s helped protect with the Florida Conservation Group, which he is the vice-chair of, as well as the army of folks he’s been able to mobilize and motivate through the years to help join his cause of protecting what’s left of wild Florida.

Support Jim and his work:

https://blackbeardsranch.com/

https://floridaconserve.org/

https://www.instagram.com/black_beards_ranch

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations

Florida Uncut - Coming September 26th Sep 13, 2023

Get ready for an immersive journey into the heart of Florida's vibrant conservation movement with ‘Florida Uncut’. Whether you're a seasoned environmentalist or just dipping your toes into the cause, our podcast is here to inspire you with captivating stories and firsthand experiences from the unsung heroes dedicated to safeguarding Florida's breathtaking wilderness.

Join us as we delve deep into the battle to protect endangered species, unravel the intricate web of efforts, and shed light on the most pressing issues confronting Florida's preservation efforts. Each episode is a gateway to the remarkable tales and triumphant achievements of our incredible guests to keep wild Florida connected and protected.

Together, we'll unite in our mission to safeguard Florida's untamed landscapes for future generations, ensuring the true essence of Florida remains forever 'uncut'.

Our first episode launches September 26th. New episodes every other Tuesday.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations