Florida Land Steward Calendar and News
To sign up for weekly email updates, which include the latest calendar of events, news and a link to the quarterly Florida Land Steward newsletter, send an email to cdemers@ufl.edu.
If you know of an event or news brief that should be included on this page or the news blog please send an email with the news information or event name, date, location, and contact information to cdemers@ufl.edu.
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Ongoing Initiatives and Programs
ONLINE COURSES
ENROLL IN THE ONLINE FOREST LANDOWNER ACADEMY
Are you new to forestry and land management? Need a good primer on forest management concepts and next steps? Need a course in a self-paced format that you can take on your own time? This course is for you! Forest landowners, and others in need of forest management information, are encouraged to enroll in this self-paced, online course to connect with forest management experts at the University of Florida and receive quality core educational content on forestry and multiple-use stewardship concepts.
The 7 course modules cover a variety of topics on understanding your forest resources, developing your management plan, timber management, marketing forest products, other forest enterprises such as pine straw and hunting leases, wildlife management, and planning for the future. Each module includes recorded video from the field or virtual classroom, links to references, and an assessment where you can apply what you’ve learned to your land or situation and begin or continue planning and making contacts. The cost of the course is $150. Those completing the course will earn a University of Florida Certificate of Completion.
Enroll in the Forest Landowner Academy today:
https://ifas-sfrc-for.catalog.instructure.com/courses/for-flaQuestions about the course can be directed to Chris Demers, cdemers@ufl.edu, (352) 846-2375.
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA ONLINE WILD TURKEY MANAGER COURSE NOW AVAILABLE
The University of Florida Game Lab, along with many collaborators, have launched an online turkey management course titled Wild Turkey Manager: Advanced Habitat. Course modules include field management, forest management, grassland management, forest stand improvement, food plots, cost-share programs, population monitoring, population dynamics, disease management, predator management, and case studies of management success. Watch the Wild Turkey Manager online course trailer here. Enroll at https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManager.
For more information about this course, contact Dr. Marcus Lashley, marcus.lashley@ufl.edu; Dr. Carolina Baruzzi, carolina.baruzzi@ufl.edu; or Charlotte Nowak c.nowak@ufl.edu.
ONLINE PRESCRIBED FIRE TRAINING COURSE AVAILABLE ON UF/IFAS EXTENSION CANVAS CATALOG
This course is designed to provide individuals with knowledge and resources to better accomplish their land management goals and to cultivate fire-educated communities. Topics include: Basic Fire Knowledge, How to Implement Prescribed Fire, Air Quality & Smoke, Fire Liability & Risk Reduction, Wildlife Management, Forest Management, and more. This course is free and for educational purposes only. It is not a professional certification course. See Prescribed Fire Training | CESRxFire for more details and to enroll.
PODCASTS
CHECK OUT THE PROFOREST “PODFOREST” PODCAST
Immerse yourself in the world of forestry through extension as ProForest coordinator Dr. Tyler Carney hosts guests to talk about all things forestry. Listeners can join each episode to listen to a new guest and learn about different forestry topics. Curated for private forest landowners but interesting to all, this podcast was created as an Extension product of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).
Learn more about the PodForest podcast and listen to available episodes..
FIRE UNIVERSITY PODCASTS
The UF Disturbance Ecology and Ecological Restoration (DEER) Lab has launched a podcast named Fire University in a podcast network called Natural Resources University. The network features four science-based podcasts with leading scientists in each topic area. Topics include Deer University focused on white-tailed deer biology and management, Habitat University focused on the science of wildlife habitat management, Pond University focused on delivering the latest science about managing fishing ponds and aquatic ecosystems, and Fire University which delivers the latest research and science on fire ecology and related wildlife and forest management.
The Natural Resources University (NRU) podcasts are available at: https://naturalresourcesuniversity.libsyn.com/
The Fire University Podcasts are available at: https://fireuniversity.libsyn.com/
WILD TURKEY SCIENCE PODCAST
Wild Turkey Science is a podcast hosted by Dr. Marcus Lashley at the University of Florida and Dr. Will Gulsby at Auburn University. The podcast is science-based and features in-depth discussion about wild turkey research and how it relates to managing your wild turkey population. Check out the Wild Turkey Science podcast here.
These podcasts are all available on all the major podcast platforms and people can follow them @UFDEERLab and @NRUniversity where additional content related to natural resource management is posted. For more information contact Dr. Marcus Lashley, (352) 846-0870, marcus.lashley@ufl.edu
ASSISTANCE, NETWORKS. LANDOWNER ASSOCIATIONS
FLORIDA WOMEN LANDOWNERS ASSOCIATION (FWLA)
Our goal is to provide opportunities for collaboration and education for all generations of women landowners in Florida. We share land stewardship resources through in-person events and virtual networking related to land ownership including farms, ranches, forests, recreation, and wildlife. Whether you have 1 acre or 1,000 – we are here for you. Keep up with FWLA news and activities on their web site.!
PRESCRIBED BURN ASSOCIATIONS AND PRESCRIBED BURN ASSISTANCE
These organizations are available to meet onsite with landowners to discuss their goals and assist with prescribed burn prescription and implementation.
Tall Timbers Research Station is funded by a Longleaf Legacy Landscape project to provide fire consultation and assistance with planning, and implementation to private landowners in the Florida Panhandle from Pensacola to Lake City and in west Georgia as far north as the Chattahoochee Fall Line (Columbus, GA). For more information contact Jeremy Martin at (850) 333-4776, or JMartin@talltimbers.org. Jeremy is also the coordinator for the Northwest Florida Prescribed Burn Association: Private Lands Prescribed Fire Project - Tall Timbers
Alachua Conservation Trust has a prescribed fire specialist available to assist private landowners with burn planning in Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Flagler, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Levy, Marion, Putnam, St. John’s, Suwannee, Union, and portions of Citrus, Lake, Sumter, and Volusia Counties. Contact Barry Coulliette at barry@alachuaconservationtrust.org, 904-838-8591. Barry is also the Coordinator for the North Florida Prescribed Burn Association.
CONSERVATION FLORIDA PRIVATE LANDS STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM IN CENTRAL FLORIDA
Conservation Florida’s Private Lands Stewardship Program supports landowners in the use of prescribed fire, invasive species control, and promoting native species. The program offers long-term land management planning, landowner assistance program navigation, contractor matching, and competitive cost-share to offset land management expenses. This program is available for properties within the Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape, covering Highlands, Okeechobee, Osceola, and Polk Counties. For more details and to apply for this assistance see the Private Lands Stewardship Program webpage.
AMERICAN FOREST FOUNDATION FIELDS & FORESTS PROGRAM NOW AVAILABLE IN FLORIDA
The Fields & Forests program works with landowners in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina to diversify the income from their land by planting loblolly pine trees on open fields. This low-maintenance opportunity provides landowners with guaranteed annual income, professional forestry support, full coverage of site preparation and planting costs, and the revenue from timber harvests. Payment contracts include a payment of $30 per acre per year and are 30 years duration. See the American Forest Foundation’s Fields & Forests Program web site for details. Questions about Fields & Forests can be directed to (229) 231-3818 or fieldsandforests@forestfoundation.org.
SOMETHING BUGGING YOUR TREES? - CHECK OUT THE FOREST HEALTH DIAGNOSTICS FORUM
Hosted by a group of forest and tree health specialists with Southeastern universities and agencies, we are here to help identify pests and diseases in your forest or your backyard, and to recommend a solution, if appropriate. Join the group and report your tree health issue!
Visit the new Forest Health Diagnostic forum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SouthernTreeHealthDiagnostics/
GOT AN INVASIVE SPECIES PROBLEM?
Go to floridainvasives.org for information, assistance and partnership opportunities. Get information on all invasive taxa at UF/IFAS Invasive Species Programs
UF INVASIVE SPECIES SURVEY GROUP: USING CITIZEN SCIENCE TO HELP LAND MANAGEMENT
The UF Invasive Species Survey Group is an all-volunteer group trained to assist land managers by scouting for and mapping invasive plants on managed properties across north Florida and the panhandle. The goal of the initiative is to improve invasive species management at a regional level by assisting land managers who are actively managing or are interested in actively managing invasive plants on their properties. We are happy to work on both public and private lands in the project area. To learn more and request a free survey, visit our website at https://invasivespecies.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/invasive-species-survey-group/ or contact the program coordinator at ISCVolunteerCoordinator@ifas.ufl.edu.
FLORIDA LAND STEWARD PARTNERS WEB MAP TOOL
Use this web tool to identify resources at a local watershed scale. The map is at this link: http://viewer.apps.pflcc.databasin.org/v1/index.html. More about Florida Landscape Web Map Tool and how to use it.
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Upcoming Events and Webinars
East Florida | West Florida | Webinars
East Florida Events
EAST FLORIDA (Madison County and all counties east and south)
February 12 Soil Health and Cover Crop Field Day
9:00 am to 2:00 pm ET at UF/IFAS NFREC-Suwannee Valley (Farm), 8202 County Road 417, Live Oak, FL 32060. UF/IFAS Extension Agents and specialists and NRCS personnel will share practical, research-based practices for improving soil health and integrating cover crops into North Florida agricultural systems. This hands-on event will include a farm trolley tour, field demonstrations, and opportunities to ask questions and connect with specialists, industry personnel, and growers across the region. See link above for details and registration.February 18 North Central Florida Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area Meeting
10:00 am ET at the Florida Forest Service's Waccasassa District Office, 5353 NE 39th Ave, Gainesville, FL. 32609. The presentation “Fueling Change: Effects of Cogongrass Invasion on Fire Behavior and Plant Diversity” will be given by Alan Ivory. Please feel free to bring a sack lunch to picnic and network with the group after the meeting. Questions can be directed to Lanie Carter at Lanie.Carter@MyFWC.com.February 18-19 2026 Pine Rockland Fire Science Workshop
8:30 am to 3:00 pm ET at UF/IFAS Extension Miami-Dade County, 18710 Southwest 288th Street, Homestead, FL 33030. Provided by Southern Fire Exchange. The inaugural Pine Rockland Fire Science Workshop will connect fire managers with the latest science to help their work in prescribed burning in urbanized pine rockland habitat fragments. Topics will include reintroduction of fire in long-unburned systems, smoke management in the wildland-urban interface, and the science of public communication. The program includes field tours. Registration opens Jan. 19. See link above for details and registration.February 19-20 Florida Agronomy and Soil Initiative and Learning (FL-AGSOIL) Conference
UF/IFAS North FL Research and Education Center at Suwannee Valley, 8202 County Road 417, Live Oak, FL 32060. The two-day conference will bring together UF/IFAS faculty, Extension specialists and industry partners to share the latest research and practical, Extension-based insights into agronomy and soil management in Florida production systems. Conference sessions will address updated nitrogen recommendations for corn and cotton, phosphorus bioavailability in Florida soils, irrigation and water-quality best management practices, soil health and carbon credits, integrated crop-livestock systems, plant breeding programs, insect pest management and economic considerations for growers. See link above for details and registration.February 21 2026 North Florida Outdoor Expo
10:00 am to 3:00 pm EST at Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center, 210 Southeast 134 Avenue, Micanopy, FL 32667. UF/IFAS Extension presents the North Florida Outdoor Expo, a family fun event for outdoor enthusiasts including hunters, fishermen, hikers, campers, water recreation, and anything in between. Visit with vendors to learn all about Florida outdoors! This family fun event will include natural resource education, guided nature walks, and lots of activities for youth and adults. See link above for details and registration. Note that a Weed Wrangle will be taking place at this location on the same day. Weed Wrangle participants will have free admission to the Outdoor Expo.February 28 Landowner Opportunities & Resources Workshop, Taylor County
9:00 am to 12:30 pm ET at UF/IFAS Taylor County Extension Office, 203 Forest Park Drive, Perry, FL 32348. Join us to learn about the many tools, programs, and opportunities available to protect, enhance, and sustain lands. Topics include cost share programs, conservation easements, wildlife management, and strategies to protect & preserve agricultural and forest lands. Connect with agency professionals, hear directly from experienced landowners, and discover resources that can benefit your land. See link above for details and registration.February 28 Springs Awareness Month Kickoff at Indian Lake State Forest
4:00 to 8:00 pm ET at Indian Lake State Forest near Ocala, FL. This forest is a designated springshed area contributing to Silver Springs. Join us for an evening hike to the prairie and around the Lake. Learn about this natural resource for our native plants and animals. For more information contact Amelia McKnight at amelia.mcknight@fdacs.gov, (352) 395-4922.March
1-32026 Southeastern Society of American Foresters Annual Meeting
Hilton University of Florida Conference Center Gainesville, 1714 Southwest 34th Street, Gainesville, FL 32607. The theme of this year’s meeting is “Silviculture Today: Addressing New Markets with New Techniques.” This is a unique opportunity to connect with forestry professionals, explore innovative approaches to silviculture, and discover how new markets are shaping the future of our field. Don’t miss out on engaging sessions, expert speakers, and valuable networking. 9.5 SAF CFEs are approved. Early registration price good until Feb. 13 See link above for details and registration.March 23-24 Starting a Successful Hydroponic Business Short Course
UF/IFAS NFREC-Suwannee Valley (Farm), 8202 County Road 417, Live Oak, FL 32060. Provided by UF/IFAS Extension, you’ll get hands-on introduction to the basics of hydroponic production and protected agriculture. Topics will include structures, transplant production, marketing, and more. See link above for details and registration.March 26 2026 Florida Land Steward of the Year Tour at Young Family Farm, Putnam County
Meet at the property at 9:00 am ET. Provided by UF/IFAS Florida Land Steward Program and partners. Join us at Young Family Farm to meet Cory Young, 2026 Florida Land Steward of the Year, and learn about taking on upland pine restoration. Topics will include prescribed fire, longleaf pine management, groundcover restoration and establishment, wildlife habitat management, and more. This is a great opportunity to meet the forestry and natural resource professionals that can assist you. Lunch will be served after the tour at nearby Luther Springs Camp and Conference Center. This is a free event, but preregistration is required. Please register by March 20. See link above for details and registration.March 26-27 Wildlife & Invasive Species Education (WISE) 2026
West Central Florida Agricultural Education Center (Sumter Fairgrounds), 7620 SR 471, Bushnell, FL 33513. Get WISE about wildlife and invasive species at our 2026 event. Join us to learn, explore, and protect our natural world! Registration for one or both days include lunch , snacks, water, coffee, and CAKE! See link above for details and registration.April 2, 9, 16, 17 Florida 101, Volusia County
9:00 am ET at UF/IFAS Extension - Volusia County, 3100 E New York Ave, 3100 East New York Ave., DeLand, FL 32724. Florida 101 introduces Volusia County residents to Florida’s ecology, climate, agriculture, plants, and wildlife, and how to protect them. Florida 101 is a 4-week introduction to Florida designed for both new and seasoned residents of Volusia County who are interested in learning about the ecology of Florida, how to best take advantage of our unique climate, flora, and fauna, and how to protect it. The course will cover a wide range of topics including Florida weather and ecosystems, beach dynamics and safety, identification of interesting native organisms and potential pests, what kinds of plants will grow best in Florida yards, agriculture in Volusia County, and how to be a responsible Florida resident. The course also includes a guided ecology walk through the trails at Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park, an eco-buggy tour at Longleaf Preserve, and an educational farm tour. See link above for details and registration.May 4-8 ForestSAT 2026
The University of Florida hosts this premier conference bringing together leading world-wide experts in forestry, remote sensing, and artificial intelligence for an engaging week of presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities. ForestSAT 2026 will be a hybrid conference, with both in-person and online participation options available, making it accessible to a global audience. See link above for details and registration.
West Florida Events
WEST FLORIDA (Jefferson County and west)
February 11 Northwest FL Beef Cattle Conference and Trade Show
7:30 am to 1:30 pm CT at UF/IFAS Extension Jackson County, 2741 Penn Avenue, Marianna, FL 32448. Provided by UF/IFAS Extension and partners. One of the core principles of this annual event is practical recommendations for cow-calf producers based on research-based information. This year, the planning team has invited an all-Florida team of cattle and forage specialists to focus on a core area of ranching. The focus of the 2026 Beef Cattle Conference is “Don’t Get Sloppy! Managing Your Ranch Well.” See link above for details and registration.March 7 West Florida Fire & Nature Festival
9:00 am to 3:00 pm CST at University of West Florida, 11000 University Pkwy, Pensacola, FL 32514. This FREE, family-friendly event will help kids and adults learn how prescribed fire helps protect forests, wildlife, and communities. Join us for activities perfect for nature lovers of all ages including prescribed burn demonstrations, fire engines, UTVs, equipment displays, guided nature hikes and live animals, free face painting, games, scavenger hunt, tree giveaway, native plants for sale, appearances by Burner Bob the Bobwhite Quail, food trucks, and music. See link above for details.March 7 2026 Intro to Beekeeping Short Course, Wakulla County
8:00 am to 5:00 pm ET at UF/IFAS Wakulla County Extension, 84 Cedar Avenue, Crawfordville, FL 32327. Provided by Apalachee Beekeepers Association, this will be a fun, informative, and hands-on experience led by knowledgeable and experienced beekeepers. See link above for details and registration.
Webinars / Online Training / Virtual Events
February 11 Forestry Webinar: An Overview of Timber Taxes
1:00 pm ET. Dr. Yanshu Li, Forest Economics and Taxation Specialist at University of GA, will provide an overview of timber taxation, with a special focus on how natural disaster related timber damage, losses, and recovery efforts are treated under current tax law. Timber taxes apply when you own, manage, or sell timber or timberland. Understanding both the forestry specific provisions and the general tax rules that affect your management activities can significantly reduce your overall tax liability through strategic planning. See link above for details and to join.February 11 Florida Organic Growers Webinar: Understanding Land Tenure Options for Organic Farmers
1:00 to 2:00 PM ET. Access to secure farmland is one of the most significant challenges facing organic and transitioning farmers in Florida. This webinar will offer an overview of land tenure options available to farmers; including ownership paths, agricultural leases, conservation easements, lease‑purchase agreements, and how the Greenbelt Law affects long‑term farm viability. See link above for details and registration.March 12-13 Urban Forestry Institute: Resilience, Resistance, and Recovery - Designing Urban Forests for Everyone, Everywhere
This year's event will be presented online on Zoom. Provided by Urban Forestry Council. This year’s program explores how urban forests can be intentionally planned, protected, and restored to serve diverse communities and withstand environmental, social, and economic challenges. Through expert-led sessions, the conference highlights strategies that strengthen urban forest resilience, address emerging threats, and support long-term recovery—ensuring healthier, more equitable urban forests for all. See link above for details and registration.-FEATURED ON-DEMAND PRERECORDED WEBINARS-
Additional Resources, Updates, Information, and Networks
- Timber Price Update, 3rd Quarter 2025
- Online Forest Landowner Academy
- Florida Land Steward Event and Webinar Materials
- Florida Land Steward Newsletter
- Florida Land Steward on Facebook
- Florida Tree Farm Program
- North Florida Prescribed Burn Association
- Northwest Florida Prescribed Burn Association
- Florida Women Landowners Association
Other Events and News
- UF/IFAS Panhandle Ag Events and News - UF/IFAS Extension
- Florida Master Naturalist Program - UF/IFAS Extension
- Florida Forest Service - Education Calendar
- Headlines, Workshops & Events - FL Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service - Florida
- Florida Forestry Association
- Regional Events, News, Links and Videos - Southern Region Extension Forestry
