It’s a topic that University of Florida Forest Entomology Professor Jiri Hulcr, Ph.D., addresses during the opening scene of one of 16 videos aimed at helping to keep Florida forest landowners in the know.
He looks right into the camera and says, “So maybe you have a soul of a forester,” and then he reminds the viewer that even if you own a small piece of land, many of us want to restore our properties to what Florida landscape used to be.
Then, Hulcr proceeds to deliver a message that resonates with all of us: Your land is your legacy, and you are the steward.
The short film series “My Florida Forest” came from an idea Hulcr developed in 2022.
“It started as a proposal to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) which supported the development of forestry,” Hulcr said.
“I got together with Rob Nelson, the director and filmmaker for Untamed Science, and several colleagues knowledgeable about Florida’s forestry.”
Hulcr enlisted the help of UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries & Geomatics Sciences (SFFGS) colleagues Florida Land Steward Extension Program Manager Chris Demers and Assistant Director and Forester Scott Sager to hash out a long list of topics that would likely resonate with forest landowners and the project was submitted to the Florida Forest Service for funding from BIL, which Hulcr said graciously supported it.
“After we got the funding, the individual storylines developed incrementally,” Hulcr said.
“First, Filmmaker Rob Nelson and I studied each topic and developed the key questions and messages. Then we connected with the most suitable landowners, managers, or academics, in collaboration with the Florida Forestry Association and Southern Forestry Consultants. We then visited them, shot several terabytes of footage and conversations, and the magicians at Untamed Science edited this into captivating stories from each trip.
“Only two stories – the invasive plants and the “Small patch of forest” were developed via the traditional route,” Hulcr said. “I wrote the script, and Untamed Science made it a reality with both directing as well as editing.”
Topics that the video series address include prescribed burning, forest taxes, hunting leases, invasive plants, backyard forests, succession planning, working forests and the creatures supported by them, heirs property, conservation easements, the Florida Future Forests Program, and resources for forest landowners.
The videos feature Florida forest landowners from throughout the state who are members of the Florida Forestry Association and Florida Land Steward program as well as government agency representatives from the Florida Forest Service, the Audubon Society plus UF experts such as SFFGS Extension Forest Business Specialist Tamara Cushing.
“The Florida Forestry Association is proud to be part of this tremendous undertaking,” said Brittany Varn, the organization’s interim executive vice president. “It’s exciting to see how many of our members were involved in the production of the videos. As we continue to promote the series, our belief in its importance grows even stronger. It’s not only a valuable tool for landowners, it also offers insight to others about the science, the business practices, and the passion for the land that keeps Florida forestry growing.”
Here’s a summary of each video which can be accessed at myflforest.land. or by clicking on the titles below:
Do you want to protect your trees, but don’t know how? We interviewed entomologists at UF and FDACS about the Southern pine beetle prevention program.
To Burn or Not to Burn: Should I Burn My Forest
Deciding whether to burn your forest depends on your management goals. Most forests in Florida do benefit from regular burning but it’s hard to know how to do it if you’re new. This video provides details of how and when to start the process and who to contact to get the help you need.
Preserve or Develop? Why Value Working Forests
A lot of academics in the forestry world say that as long as forests keep making money, they will be preserved. That narrative may not be complete. What really predicts whether people sell their land to developers is their values, as long as they break even financially.
The Basics of Florida Forest Taxes: Forest Tax Basics
Do you need help with taxes? Watch Tamara Cushing, University of Florida forestry tax expert, explain how to make the forest work for you.
How to Create a Hunting Lease in Florida
This video is a practical guide for Florida landowners on how to create a hunting lease that benefits both them and hunters. The film is hosted by Rob Nelson of Untamed Science and brings insights from experienced landowner Ben Williams. It walks viewers through the entire process—from understanding their property’s wildlife and legal requirements to drafting a solid agreement and screening potential hunters.
Eight Florida Invasive Plants You Can Do Something About: Florida Invasive Plants
In this video, we dive into eight invasive species in Florida that you can do something about—right in your own backyard or woodlot. From the stubborn Coral ardisia, with its waxy leaves and addictive root-pulling satisfaction, to the air potato, Florida’s infamous “vine from hell” (and the inspiring biocontrol beetle story), we show hands-on methods anyone can use.
Three Tips to Create a Respectable Forest in Your Backyard: If you have just a small patch of forest
In Three Tips to Create a Respectable Forest in Your Backyard, Jiri Hulcr, Ph.D. invites viewers on a heartfelt walk through his suburban Florida lot to share how even a small patch of land can become a family project, haven for wildlife, and spiritual connection.
Why Birds and Other Animals Love Your Working Forest: Working Forests
Julie Wraithme, Executive Director of Florida’s Audubon Society, supports working forests because they recognize that these forests provide both economic and environmental benefits, particularly for bird habitats.
A conservation easement in Florida is a voluntary legal agreement that allows landowners to preserve natural resources on their property by restricting development and harmful activities while retaining ownership. The Alachua Conservation Trust’s associate director Heather Obara tells us how it all works.
When Should I Think About Succession Planning?
In this video, we dive into the critical topic of succession planning in Florida with UF expert Tammy Cushing, discussing the essential steps to ensure a smooth transition of assets and leadership within a family.
A Chat About Heirs Property and Clouded Titles: Heirs Property
In Florida, heirs property is extremely common. This is property that is passed down to family members through inheritance without a will or court document.
Unique Challenges in Female Forest Landownership: Women’s Forest Ownership
Women owners practice forestry at a much lower rate that men. Sometimes their husband passes away, or they inherit it, and they have to deal with the issues that arise.
An Alternative Forest Income for Your Forest: Yaupon Holly
Yaupon Holly, a native plant to Florida, offers Florida landowners an alternative income stream by harvesting its leaves to produce a delicious, naturally caffeinated tea.
Florida Future Forests Program: Will the State Pay Me to Plant My Forest?
The Florida Future Forests Program is an initiative designed to promote the reforestation and sustainable management of forests in Florida.. Florida Forest Service’s Bonnie Stine explains how it benefits landowners.
These People Can Help You Run a Forest: Who Can Help Me with My Forest?
If you’re new to owning a forest, that’s great. There are a lot of ways to make the forest work for your needs. We have a bunch of resources and things to think about here if you’re a first-time forest owner.
A Christian scientist’s perspective: The Spiritual Value of Forests
In this video, Haley Chamberlain joins forestry scientist Bud Mayfield for a walk through his beloved forest, exploring how his Christian faith has shaped his role as a caretaker and steward of the land.
Visit myflforest.land to view the video series.
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