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 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

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

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.

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

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

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:

• Florida men paddleboard across alligator-infested lake to raise awareness for conservation efforts
• Frostproof Native Crosses Lake Okeechobee on Paddleboard
• Crossing Lake O: Duo With Polk County Ties Celebrate Paddle Across State’s Largest Lake
• 
  

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/

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

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

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

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 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 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

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

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

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

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

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. 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 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:

• https://www.instagram.com/bendicci
• https://grizzlycreekfilms.com

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

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

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