Friends of Florida State Forests

05/15/2026

Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson highlighted new findings from a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences study demonstrating that Florida’s forest industry supported more than 103,000 jobs and generated nearly $29 billion in total economic output in 2023, reinforcing the industry’s vital role in the state’s economy and rural communities.

Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/2s3mzb22

05/06/2026

05/01/2026

April showers bring May flowers - But not this year.

Since last fall, Florida has been experiencing severe drought conditions and very dry vegetation elevating the risk of increased wildfire activity. Nationally, nearly 9 out of 10 wildfires are human-caused. Commons causes are debris burning and OHV and equipment use that produces sparks.

Some tips to reduce human-caused wildfires:
- Avoid driving or parking on dry grass, brush and weeds.
- Tow safely by securing tow chains to prevent dragging and causing sparks.
- Even lawnmowers can cause sparks! Try to mow early in the morning and avoid mowing over weeds, dry grass or rocks.
- Maintain equipment to prevent wildfire starts. Check your spark arresters, exhaust systems and engines to ensure no carbon build-up.

Prevention is everyone's responsibility. Visit BeWildfireReadyFL.com and SmokeyBear.com for more information.

U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in Florida
Florida Forest Service
Florida Division of Emergency Management
Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife
Leon County Government
Florida Trail
Marion County, Florida
Florida Forest Service - Withlacoochee Forestry Center
Florida Forest Service - Waccasassa Forestry Center
Florida Forest Service- Jacksonville District

04/28/2026

📷 Photo Contest Winner 📷

Congratulations to this quarter’s photo contest winner – Anthony Seanor! This piece, titled “Some Kind of Warbler,” was taken at Jennings State Forest, located southwest of Jacksonville.

To enter or learn more about our photo contest, visit https://tinyurl.com/f45js6vw.

03/31/2026

🔥 Fire Danger Warnings Explained 🔥

As drought conditions and wildfire dangers continue to grow in Florida, it’s important for visitors and residents to follow any notices and warnings issued locally or regionally. Some terms you could see include:

🚩 Red Flag Warning: Issued by the National Weather Service, this notice means warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to produce an increased risk of fire danger. During a Red Flag Warning, fire officials do not recommend any outdoor burning of any type. The Florida Forest Service typically will not issue any burn permits during this time because any fires that escape containment under these conditions can quickly spread out of control.

🚩 Red Flag Fire Alert: Initiated by the Florida Forest Service, this alert is only issued when weather conditions indicate a strong potential for hazardous wildland fire conditions. Red Flag Fire Alerts are designed to alert local fire services, other emergency response personnel, and land managers that a serious wildfire potential exists based on weather conditions, moisture levels of vegetative fuels and availability of fire suppression resources.

🚩 County-Wide Burn Ban: These outdoor burn bans are enacted by their respective counties, not the Florida Forest Service, which is a state agency. Unauthorized outdoor burning during the ban is illegal, and violators could face fines or financial liability for all damages. All open burning authorized by the Florida Forest Service is exempt from this burn ban. The use of small outdoor grills and smokers are exempt from county burn bans.

Stay alert and adhere to any local guidelines during a drought. For up-to-date information on current wildfire conditions in Florida, visit https://tinyurl.com/mt94pdfa.

For more tips on how to prepare for wildfire season, visit BeWildfireReadyFL.com.

02/18/2026

📝 Applications Window Still Open for 2026 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, Feb. 27. This year’s free annual tour is scheduled for June 16-19, 2026.

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.

“This tour allows educators from around the state to experience a hands-on look at the cultivation of one of Florida’s most important natural resources,” said Florida Forest Service Director Rick Dolan. “They can then take everything they’ve learned back to the classroom to enlighten another generation.”

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.

02/13/2026

01/30/2026

📝 Applications Now Open for 2026 Florida Forestry Teachers Tour 📝

The Florida Forest Service invites educators across the state to apply for this summer’s Florida Forestry Teachers Tour. This year’s annual tour is scheduled for June 16-19, 2026. Applications will be accepted through Feb. 27, 2026.

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.

“This tour allows educators from around the state to experience a hands-on look at the cultivation of one of Florida’s most important natural resources,” said Florida Forest Service Director Rick Dolan. “They can then take everything they’ve learned back to the classroom to enlighten another generation.”

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.

01/12/2026

📷 Photo Contest Winner 📷

Congratulations to our Fourth Quarter Photo Contest winner – A.J. Berry! His photo, “Inviting Trail,” was captured in the beautiful Withlacoochee State Forest.

If you want to learn more about our photo contest, visit https://tinyurl.com/f45js6vw.