Few names are as synonymous with wild Florida as Clyde Butcher. Known for his striking black and white large-format photography, Clyde has spent decades capturing the soul of Florida’s landscapes, from the ghostly cypress swamps of Big Cypress National Preserve to the vast wetlands of the Everglades. In this episode, I sit down with Clyde in Venice to talk about his story, beginning to end, and what it truly means to see Florida, not just look at it.

We spend quite a bit of time reflecting on his early years, his shift from architectural focus and sailing to Florida’s swamps, and how personal tragedy and rediscovery changed his relationship with the land and lens.

This conversation also explores how Clyde’s photography became a tool for conservation and education, the quiet stillness of the swamp, the changing face of Florida’s wild places, and the role of art in helping people reconnect with nature.

Whether you’ve stood in front of one of Clyde’s mural-sized prints or are just discovering his work, this episode is not only inspiration, but a reminder of why wild Florida is worth protecting and what we stand to lose if we don’t.

Links:

• Clyde Butcher Official Website
• Big Cypress Gallery
• Clyde Butcher’s Florida Gallery in Venice
• Follow Clyde Butcher on Instagram
• Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation

Join Us at the Lake Wales Ridge Fire Fest

If you’d like to learn more about prescribed fire and the experts that make them happen, join us at the Lake Wales Ridge Fire Fest on November 8th, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Highlands Hammock State Park in Sebring, Florida. We’ll be hosting a live podcast recording and expert panel featuring Elysia and other leaders in fire ecology.

Learn more here: https://www.archbold-station.org/events/fire-fest-2025/

Elysia wears many hats, but in short she’s an all-around badass. She recently stepped into the role of Team Leader for the Headwaters Ecosystem Management Team, Archbold Biological Station’s in-house prescribed fire strike team. In this position, she leads regional fire management efforts to restore and maintain critical ecosystems while reducing wildfire risk across the Everglades Headwaters and the Lake Wales Ridge.

Before joining Archbold, Elysia served as the Area Biologist for Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Lake Wales Ridge sites, where she worked to conserve large habitat corridors and restore some of Florida’s most endangered plant communities.

As you might expect, Elysia has incredible fire stories and she brought that same energy, passion, and deep knowledge to our conversation on the show.

Join Us at the Lake Wales Ridge Fire Fest

Also, if you’d like to hear more from Elysia and other fire experts, join us at the Lake Wales Ridge Fire Fest on November 8th, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Highlands Hammock State Park in Sebring, Florida. We’ll be hosting a live podcast recording and expert panel featuring Elysia and other leaders in fire ecology.

About Fire Fest

Explore the essential role of fire in Florida’s ecosystems at a day-long festival filled with learning, demonstrations, and community engagement. Admission is free with the park’s $6 entrance fee.

10:00 AM — Gates Open

Grab a map, visit interactive exhibits, and explore booths and food trucks. See fire equipment up close, from helicopters to fire trucks, and chat with crews protecting Florida’s landscapes.

10:30 AM – 12:30 PM — Presentations

Hear from fire scientists, land managers, and conservation experts during a morning of talks and discussions.

1:00 PM — Main Stage: Live Panel & Podcast Recording

Join our panel of experts as they share real-world fire stories and insights, including a special live podcast taping.

1:00 PM — Burn Crew Gears Up

Watch the team prepare for ignition and learn what goes into a safe prescribed burn.

2:00 PM — Public Briefing & Walk to Burn Site

Get an overview of the upcoming demonstration and its ecological benefits.

2:30 PM — Prescribed Burn Demonstration

See fire in action! Live commentary and Q&A will accompany the burn.

~5:00 PM — Mop-Up & Wrap-Up

Watch how the crew ensures the site is safe before closing out the day.

Learn more here: https://www.archbold-station.org/events/fire-fest-2025/

Today we’re sitting down with Zach Franco, Conservation Partnership Coordinator at Archbold Biological Station, to talk about the recent 242-mile canoe trip of the Suwannee River, from source to sea, without stopping.

A lot of folks have asked for more details and the “why” of this adventure. I’m not sure if we actually answered that question, but here’s a great conversation to enjoy!

If you’re looking for more of the “how” to do your own adventures in Florida, or repeat this one, please reach out.

Follow Zach and read more about the adventure here: https://www.instagram.com/zpfranco123/

Mark your calendars for November 8th at Highlands Hammock State Park for Fire Fest, a day celebrating the role of fire in our environment.