Florida Forest Service - Bunnell District

02/19/2024

📝 Application window still open for 2024 Florida Forestry Teachers Tour 📝

There is still time for educators across the state to apply for this summer’s Florida Forestry Teachers Tour. Applications will be accepted through Friday, March 1. This year’s free annual tour is scheduled for June 18-21, 2024.

The Florida Forestry Teachers Tour is designed to provide educators with an opportunity to learn how the forest industry meets the needs of Florida’s communities and the environment, which includes conservation practices and efforts established to keep our state’s forests healthy, renewable, and sustainable for future generations.

“Getting to know these forestry workers and their profession will change their outlook on this industry and Florida agriculture in general,” said Florida Forest Service Director Rick Dolan.

The four-day event also earns Florida teachers 30 Continuing Education Units (CEU) and includes all aspects of forestry practices. Attendees will visit tree farms to see tree planting and harvesting, then tour a local lumber mill to learn how various wood products are made, plus an assortment of other activities and tours.

Educators of all subjects and grade levels across Florida are encouraged to apply. All lodging, meals, and tour transportation are provided at no cost to teachers through the support of private partners and sponsors, including the Florida Forestry Association, Florida Project Learning Tree, and Friends of Florida State Forests.

To apply, visit FloridaStateForests.org/TeachersTour.

02/16/2024

The Florida Forest Service is monitoring a 10-acre mulch fire in northeast St. Johns County.

Residents in the area can expect smoke impact. The fire is located east of Interstate 95 on St. Marks Pond Road.

10/31/2023

Happy Halloween! 🎃

We'd love to see your State Forest-inspired costumes. Whether you become a logger, firefighter, ranger, bear, deer, or any other forest-themed character, drop your forest-related costumes below. 🦝🔥🌲

10/26/2023

Love Photographing Nature? 📸 Enter our Photo Contest to showcase the magnificence of Florida's forests. Share your best shots, compete for exciting prizes, and see your photos featured on our website.

For more information on how to submit your entries, visit: https://bit.ly/FLForestService-PhotoContest.

10/24/2023

GREAT NEWS! The Indian Lake Road bridge on Tiger Bay State Forest is now re-opened! Please drive safe in the area.

Florida Forest Service Volusia County Emergency Management Volusia County Fire Services The Volusia County Professional Firefighters Association The City of Daytona Beach Government Daytona Beach Fire Department Volusia Sheriff's Office

10/24/2023

Did you know that Florida’s State Forests cover about half of Florida’s land area, with most of those lands lying north of Orlando? There are more than 17 million acres of forest statewide, and the majority of that is working forests. Want to know more about Florida’s State Forests? Join us on Oct. 27 at the St. Johns County Agriculture Center, where we will feature a presentation and discussion on Florida forestry practices, state lands management, and the impact that the forest industry has here in northeast Florida.
When: Friday, Oct. 27, 2023
Where: St. Johns County Agriculture Center, 3111 Agriculture Center Drive, Saint Augustine, Fla.
Time: 10 a.m. – Noon

Florida Forest Service Friends of Florida State Forests St. Johns County St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce St. Johns County Emergency Management

10/23/2023

10/23/2023

It's Florida Forests Week! For the next seven days, we will be celebrating all things forest in the beautiful Sunshine State… the jobs provided, the economic impacts produced, the environmental benefits offered, the products created and much, much more!

What is YOUR favorite thing about Florida forestry?

Comment, like and share to spread the love!

UF IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences SFFGS Audubon Florida The Nature Conservancy in Florida Florida Ag Coalition Florida Farm Bureau FederationFlorida Land Steward Partnership Florida Forest Service

10/20/2023

With hunting season still active in some Florida regions, we reflect on the diverse hunting opportunities our state forests offer.

Hunting seasons and game restrictions vary by location, so please visit https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Our-Forests/State-Forests/State-Forest-Recreation/Recreational-Activities/Hunting for detailed information on hunting with archery equipment in different state forests.

Curious about the hunting seasons in your region? Check out https://myfwc.com/hunting/season-dates/ for more details on archery hunting opportunities.

10/16/2023

It's time to ride! 🏇 Florida's State Forests have many miles of horse trails to explore and connect with nature. Did you know that the Trailtrotter program allows you to earn recognition by riding eight trails in at least four state forests?

Check out our Trailtrotter program here: https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Our-Forests/State-Forests/State-Forest-Recreation/Recreational-Activities/Horseback-Riding/Trailtrotter-Program.

10/12/2023

Lace up for the 31st annual John Holmes Trail Run! 🏃‍♂️

🗓️ October 14, 2023
📍 Withlacoochee State Forest - Croom Hiking Trail

Formerly known as the Croom Trail 50K, this historic event pays tribute to John Holmes, a true legend of the Croom Trail.

Pick your distance (9-miler, 16-miler, or full 50k) when you sign up at JohnHolmesTrailRun.com

10/10/2023

It has been five years since Hurricane Michael struck the Florida panhandle. Approximately 2.8 million acres of forest were impacted by the Category 5 hurricane, leaving 72 million tons of trees either damaged or destroyed.

The Florida Forest Service worked quickly to eliminate these large fuel loads as potential wildfire hazards. FFS still maintains its mitigation efforts, creating defensible spaces within wildland urban interfaces. To keep your own property defensible, remember – “Keep it Lean, Clean and Green.”