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 fls@ifas.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 fls@ifas.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, planning for the future, and forest health. 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.
UF INVASIVE SPECIES ONLINE TIERED TRAINING COURSE
The online tiered training course helps standardize the education of invasive plant management practices, so people involved in public and private management sectors have a more unified knowledge base. The “tiered training” approach allows students to start and continue their educational journey based on their needs. The four courses under development target students at varied professional learning levels: Volunteer/Crew Trainee, Crew Member, Crew Lead, and Invasive Manager. The Volunteer/Crew Trainee course went live in January and has since enrolled over 500 students throughout Florida. The course has received positive feedback from both individuals and organizations throughout Florida. Enroll in the FREE course here:
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)
July 11 Saw Palmetto Berry Industry Networking Meeting
1:30 pm ET at UF/IFAS Extension Volusia County, 3100 E. New York Ave. DeLand, FL 32724. Join us for a comprehensive overview of the saw palmetto berry industry, guidance on obtaining your mandatory harvest permit through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), practical tips for protecting and managing your saw palmetto berry crop, an open Q&A session to address your individual questions and concerns, networking opportunities with fellow growers and industry professionals. Questions can be directed to Kalan Taylor at kagers02@ufl.edu.July 18 Additional Income Sources for Your Small Farm
10:00 am to 3:00 pm ET at Mindful Blooms Farm in Myakka, FL. Provided by Florida Women Landowners Association. Join us to learn practical alternative income options that support both your land and your bottom line. Hear real examples from the field, ask questions, and connect with other women facing similar decisions. Topics will include care of goats, milking, and how to make goat products such as cheese and soap. We'll also learn about the business process, annual organic and regenerative farming activities, soil health, and product marketing. This is an outdoor event so please dress appropriately and bring a water bottle. See link above for details and registration.July 29 Feral Pigs and Wildlife Impacts Workshop
9:00 am to 2:30 pm ET at Levy County UF/IFAS Extension Office, 625 North Hathaway Ave, Bronson, FL 32621. Join local landowners, land managers, and resource professionals to learn about current research on feral hogs, including diseases, management strategies, and wildlife and ecological impacts. Also, there will be a pig trap demonstration and updates on assistance programs for private landowners. Lunch provided. RSVP by July 26th to Lanie.Carter@MyFWC.com or (386) 234-1030.July 29 Green Industry Best Management Practices Training
8:30 am to 4:00 pm ET at UF/IFAS Extension Taylor County, 203 Forest Park Drive, Perry, FL 32348. Learn from industry experts about the latest best management practices for landscaping, irrigation, fertilization, and pest control. Stay ahead of the curve and earn the CEUs you need. See link above for details and registration.July 30-31 Florida Urban Forestry Summit, Gainesville
Hilton University of Florida Conference Center, 1714 SW 34th Street, Gainesville, FL 32607. This year’s theme, Urban Forestry Resilience, Resistance & Recovery, reflects exactly what Florida communities need right now: practical tools, stronger relationships, and forward-thinking strategies to support healthier urban forests. See link above for details and registration.September 1-3 2026 Florida Forestry Association Annual Meeting and Trade Show
Omni Amelia Island Resort. Join us for the 2026 Annual Meeting for the latest on emerging markets, trade policy, wildfire updates, and more. The meeting will include the usual networking opportunities like the Master Logger Luncheon, Timber Toppers Golf Tournament, Women of Forestry Networking Brunch, and more. SAF Continuing Forestry Education credits are pending approval. See link above for details and registration.September 16 Tackling Groundcover Restoration Field Tour
9:30 am to 12:00 pm ET at Peacock Springs State Park near Live Oak, FL. Join us to review a current groundcover restoration project at the park. Bring a sack lunch to and please wear appropriate field clothes and bring plenty of drinking water. Direct any questions and RSVP to Lanie Carter, Lanie.Carter@MyFWC, (386) 234-1030.
West Florida Events
WEST FLORIDA (Jefferson County and west)
August 22 2nd Annual Panhandle Landowner Assistance Expo, Walton County
Save the date! Planned for the Walton County Fairgrounds. More details to come. Questions can be directed to Ed O’Daniels at Edward.odaniels@myfwc.com or (850) 819-9538.August 26 Fire Weather Workshop at Tall Timbers
9:00 am to 3:00 pm at Tall Timbers’ Leigh Perkins Conservation and Education Center, 13093 Henry Beadel Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32312. Tall Timbers, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the Northwest Florida Prescribed Burn Association invite you to join us at to learn about prescribed fire and weather considerations for effective burn results. Topics focus on fire weather principles. Speakers will cover Florida and Georgia requirements, interpreting weather conditions, predicting fire behavior, and making informed go/no-go decisions when burning your property. See link above for details and registration.
Webinars / Online Workshops & Training / Virtual Events
July 15 Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism Webinar: Smells of the Coast, and the Science Behind them
7:00 to 8:00 pm ET. Provided by Society of Ethical Ecotourism. Learn about the science behind common ocean and estuarine smells along Florida’s coast, what causes these odors, when they’re a natural part of coastal systems, when they may signal environmental concerns, and how to safely respond if smells are accompanied by health impacts. Presented by Kate Rose, UF/IFAS Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent in Charlotte County. See link above for details and registration.July 28 Forestry & Natural Resources Webinar: Amphibians and Forest Management
12:00 pm ET. Join us to learn about the amazing diversity of amphibians found across the landscape. Discover what species are out there, the habitats they need, and the conservation measures you can take to maintain them on the landscape. This presentation will have a North Carolina focus, but the information will benefit Florida landowners and amphibians as well. Foresters, this webinar is approved for 1.0 SAF CFE. See link above for details and registration.August 13 Florida Cattle Industry: History, Present, & Conservation
7:00 to 8:30 pm ET, online. Provided by Florida Women Landowners Association (FWLA). Join us for an engaging look at Florida’s rich cattle ranching history, modern conservation practices, and the future of sustainable land stewardship. Learn how Florida ranchers balance productive cattle operations with protecting wildlife habitat, water resources. $5 fee (free for FWLA members). See link above for details and registration.August 19 Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism Webinar: Decoding Florida's Weather, Tides & Waves
7:00 to 8:00 pm ET. Provided by Society of Ethical Ecotourism. Explore the forces that shape Florida’s coastlines—from the mechanics of tides to the seasonality of our coastal weather patterns, and learn how to access and read online tide, weather, and wave forecasts, and give practical tips for weaving that data into your own outings. Gain the tools to plan safer, more memorable trips along Florida’s dynamic shoreline. Presented by Carolyn Kovacs, the Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent with the University of Florida IFAS Extension in Flagler and Volusia Counties.-FEATURED ON-DEMAND PRERECORDED WEBINARS-
Hurricane Preparation & Recovery Webinar: Building a Resilient Operation
Provided by the UF/IFAS Florida Land Steward Program. We discuss a range of considerations and systems that landowners can put in place to increase their success and resilience facing hurricanes and other potential disasters. Recorded April 15, 2021.Hurricane Preparation & Recovery Webinar: Casualty Loss Tax Deduction and Determining Your Basis
Casualty events may include hurricane, fire, earthquake, tornado, hail, flood, or ice storm. For investment and business owners, the deductible casualty loss is the lesser of the adjusted basis of the property or the decrease in fair market value due to the loss. This webinar will help you better understand casualty loss deduction and how to determine your basis. Presented by Dr. Tamara Cushing, Forest Business Specialist at UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences. Note that CFEs are not approved for the recording. Recorded June 1, 2023Hurricane Preparation & Recovery Webinar: Prepare for the Storm
Hurricane season begins June 1. Take some important steps to prepare your property for the next storm. Topics include important resources, assessing risk, documentation, protecting property, and contacts to have lined up ahead of a hurricane or other disaster. Presented by Chris Demers, Extension Program Manager at UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Science. Recorded June 15, 2023.Hurricane Preparation & Recovery Webinar: USDA Disaster Recovery Assistance Programs
Provided by UF/IFAS Florida Land Steward Program and Florida partners in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This webinar will give a brief overview of the disaster assistance programs USDA FSA offers, steps to take in advance to make the enrollment process as efficient as possible, and how to find your local USDA service center. Note that SAF CFEs are not approved for the recording. Recorded June 22, 2023.Hurricane Preparation & Recovery Webinar: Recovering from the Storm
Provided by the UF/IFAS Florida Land Steward Program, in this webinar we discuss key assistance contacts and strategies to recover value and minimize economic losses to timber within a week and months after a hurricane. Presented by Chris Demers, Extension Program Manager, UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences. Recorded August 24, 2023.
Additional Resources, Updates, Information, and Networks
- Timber Price Update, 1st Quarter 2026
- 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
