UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries and Geomatics Sciences (SFFGS) extension staff and faculty hosted senior 4-H members on July 29 and 30 as they were taking part in the 2026 Florida 4-H Youth Development Program&#8217;s 4-H University. The program is a week-long overnight event for senior 4-H youth (ages 14-18) who participate in educational workshops [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_15457" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-15457" style="width: 806px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2026/08/4h-university-1-scaled.jpg"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-15457" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2026/08/4h-university-1-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="806" height="537" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-15457" class="wp-caption-text">4-H University students learn about forestry at UF/IFAS Austin Cary Forest campus.</figcaption></figure>
<p>UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries and Geomatics Sciences (SFFGS) extension staff and faculty hosted senior 4-H members on July 29 and 30 as they were taking part in the 2026 Florida 4-H Youth Development Program&#8217;s 4-H University.</p>
<p>The program is a week-long overnight event for senior 4-H youth (ages 14-18) who participate in educational workshops led by UF faculty. They explore career opportunities, lead community service activities, and make friends from across the state and beyond.</p>
<p>SFFGS hosted the students at UF/IFAS Austin Cary Forest Campus and at UF/IFAS Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences in Gainesville where they got hands-on experience working with surveying equipment, learning forest management skills, and learning about aquaculture, water quality, and invertebrate identification in pond ecosystems.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Forestry</strong></h2>
<figure id="attachment_15459" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-15459" style="width: 703px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2026/08/4h-university-3-scaled.jpg"><img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-15459" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2026/08/4h-university-3-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="703" height="527" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-15459" class="wp-caption-text">Students use a logger&#8217;s tape to measure trees at Austin Cary Forest.</figcaption></figure>
<p>SFFGS Assistant Director and Forester Scott Sager took students out into the flatwoods of UF/IFAS Austin Cary Forest Campus for a lesson “What’s in a Tree?”</p>
<p>Students used professional tools to collect basic forest inventory data (tree density, diameter, and height) and do some basic calculations to translate that information into tons of wood, financial value, and amount of carbon storage.</p>
<p>“We used a logger’s tape and a clinometer,” Sager said about the tools he introduced to the students. “Both are cool in that they are mechanical computers. The logger’s tape is wrapped around the tree to measure circumference but is scaled to produce diameter instead; and the clinometer allows you to measure height by using an angle measurement at a known distance, using trigonometry.”</p>
<p>“Students hopefully come to understand that forests have a wide variety of potential uses such as sustainable wood supply, economic value, wildlife habitat, carbon storage, etc., and that foresters manage forests to meet a variety of objectives.” Sager said.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Geomatics</strong></h2>
<figure id="attachment_15461" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-15461" style="width: 584px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2026/08/4h-university-7-scaled.jpg"><img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-15461" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2026/08/4h-university-7-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="584" height="438" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-15461" class="wp-caption-text">Students learn land surveying techniques at UF&#8217;s Austin Cary Forest.</figcaption></figure>
<p><strong>   </strong></p>
<p>Geomatics Specialist Alejandro Perez, PSM designed an activity that simulated boundary surveying called “Surveying Methods and Technologies.”</p>
<p>Students were introduced to and used the various tools used for surveying such as total stations, Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), magnetic locators, navigation compasses, and measuring tapes.</p>
<p>“The activities included distance measurement by total station, map reading, and navigation using survey-grade GNSS units,” Perez said. “Skills actually used by surveying professionals.”</p>
<p>Perez said his main goal in the surveying lesson was “to expose the students to some of what surveyors do and to the opportunities available to them in the field of geomatics.</p>
<p>“I hope that they tie the activities we did to things they enjoy doing/their strengths and inspire them to find their place within the surveying and geospatial world,” he said.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Fisheries</strong></h2>
<figure id="attachment_15463" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-15463" style="width: 695px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2026/08/4h-university-4-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-15463" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2026/08/4h-university-4-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="695" height="521" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-15463" class="wp-caption-text">Fishing for Success Program Coordinator Katie Hagan talks invertebrates.</figcaption></figure>
<p>With dipnets in hand, participants started their lesson in fisheries by collecting freshwater invertebrates and then identified them using a dichotomous key which involved discussing the creatures’ unique characteristics and roles in aquatic food webs.</p>
<p>They also toured facilities including a visit to the <a href="https://lakewatch.ifas.ufl.edu/">LAKEWATCH</a> lab, and Molluscan Shellfish Aquaculture and Restoration (MSAR) laboratories.</p>
<p>Students talked to scientists about their research and how they got started in their field.</p>
<p>At the LAKEWATCH lab they learned about citizen science programs, water quality testing, and the benefits of long-term environmental monitoring, and at the molluscan shellfish aquaculture and restoration labs they learned about the running and maintaining of aquaculture operations.</p>
<p>LAKEWATCH Chemist Thomas McManus answered questions about his career path and the equipment he uses along with the overall mission of LAKEWATCH and at the MSAR labs they talked to Lab Tech/Research Assistant Rhea Hammond.</p>
<p>&#8220;I hope after visiting the UF Fisheries the students take away a better understanding of our local freshwater ecosystems and the importance of maintaining them,” said Fishing for Success Program Coordinator Katie Hagan.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Collaboration</strong></h2>
<p>4-H University is one of several ways that SFFGS has collaborated with youth career development events and 4-H.</p>
<p>According to SFFGS Assistant Director for Geomatics Extension Katie Britt, the SFFGS Geomatics Extension program has been working to involve itself in various 4-H programs, both county and statewide, with a goal of introducing youth to surveying careers through the Beyond Ready program.</p>
<p>“4-H has been great to work with at all levels, and the 4-H audience is great because they focus on creativity and communication through all of their programming,” Britt said.</p>
<p>“When we were invited to participate in 4-H University for the first time with a career track, we thought it would be good to include all of SFFGS in the event since we have a number of “hidden gem” majors, and a lot of industry demand for our graduates.”</p>
<p>State 4-H Events Coordinator Kelsey Cook plans 4-H University each year.</p>
<p>Florida 4-H University prepares teens for future careers through hands-on experiences with University of Florida faculty and industry professionals, said Cook, adding that “The UF School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences has been an exceptional Florida 4-H partner, supporting local programming, developing the Surveying and Mapping: Communicating with Maps school program, and hosting our State 4-H Forest Ecology and Nature Poetry contests. Their commitment to forestry, fisheries, and geospatial education made them a natural fit for our Career Tracks, and we are grateful for their continued investment in Florida 4-H youth.”</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Student Feedback</strong></h2>
<p>“I never realized how much goes into measuring trees,” said Home School Student Caycee Sullivan from Gilchrist County. “That you have gadgets that could do that complicated math and you could get answers fast and accurate, there are so many tools in mapping.”</p>
<p>Oklahoma 4-H State President Jake Vulgamore was able to ask questions and get career information from the scientists he met during the exercises. “It was really cool learning about surveying,” he said. “It’s something I’ve never done before, and I was able to experience a real-world situation.”</p>
<p>Adrianna Frisse, a Manatee County high school sophomore student competes in Future Farmers of America (FFA) challenges. “I’m used to using Biltmore sticks to measure in forestry, but I learned using different tools. And the surveying equipment was new to me.”</p>
<p>Learn more about 4-H University <a href="https://florida4h.ifas.ufl.edu/events/4-h-university/">here</a> and about SFFGS <a href="https://ffgs.ifas.ufl.edu/">here</a>.</p>
<figure id="attachment_15465" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-15465" style="width: 699px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2026/08/4h-university-6-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-15465 " src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2026/08/4h-university-6-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="699" height="524" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-15465" class="wp-caption-text">Students learn about aquaculture at the Molluscan Shellfish Aquaculture and Restoration (MSAR) laboratories</figcaption></figure>
<p>&nbsp;</p>


4-H University students learn about forestry at UF/IFAS Austin Cary Forest campus.
UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries and Geomatics Sciences (SFFGS) extension staff and faculty hosted senior 4-H members on July 29 and 30 as they were taking part in the 2026 Florida 4-H Youth Development Program’s 4-H University.
The program is a week-long overnight event for senior 4-H youth (ages 14-18) who participate in educational workshops led by UF faculty. They explore career opportunities, lead community service activities, and make friends from across the state and beyond.
SFFGS hosted the students at UF/IFAS Austin Cary Forest Campus and at UF/IFAS Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences in Gainesville where they got hands-on experience working with surveying equipment, learning forest management skills, and learning about aquaculture, water quality, and invertebrate identification in pond ecosystems.
 
Forestry
Students use a logger’s tape to measure trees at Austin Cary Forest.
SFFGS Assistant Director and Forester Scott Sager took students out into the flatwoods of UF/IFAS Austin Cary Forest Campus for a lesson “What’s in a Tree?”
Students used professional tools to collect basic forest inventory data (tree density, diameter, and height) and do some basic calculations to translate that information into tons of wood, financial value, and amount of carbon storage.
“We used a logger’s tape and a clinometer,” Sager said about the tools he introduced to the students. “Both are cool in that they are mechanical computers. The logger’s tape is wrapped around the tree to measure circumference but is scaled to produce diameter instead; and the clinometer allows you to measure height by using an angle measurement at a known distance, using trigonometry.”
“Students hopefully come to understand that forests have a wide variety of potential uses such as sustainable wood supply, economic value, wildlife habitat, carbon storage, etc., and that foresters manage forests to meet a variety of objectives.” Sager said.
 
Geomatics
Students learn land surveying techniques at UF’s Austin Cary Forest.
   
Geomatics Specialist Alejandro Perez, PSM designed an activity that simulated boundary surveying called “Surveying Methods and Technologies.”
Students were introduced to and used the various tools used for surveying such as total stations, Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), magnetic locators, navigation compasses, and measuring tapes.
“The activities included distance measurement by total station, map reading, and navigation using survey-grade GNSS units,” Perez said. “Skills actually used by surveying professionals.”
Perez said his main goal in the surveying lesson was “to expose the students to some of what surveyors do and to the opportunities available to them in the field of geomatics.
“I hope that they tie the activities we did to things they enjoy doing/their strengths and inspire them to find their place within the surveying and geospatial world,” he said.
 
Fisheries
Fishing for Success Program Coordinator Katie Hagan talks invertebrates.
With dipnets in hand, participants started their lesson in fisheries by collecting freshwater invertebrates and then identified them using a dichotomous key which involved discussing the creatures’ unique characteristics and roles in aquatic food webs.
They also toured facilities including a visit to the LAKEWATCH lab, and Molluscan Shellfish Aquaculture and Restoration (MSAR) laboratories.
Students talked to scientists about their research and how they got started in their field.
At the LAKEWATCH lab they learned about citizen science programs, water quality testing, and the benefits of long-term environmental monitoring, and at the molluscan shellfish aquaculture and restoration labs they learned about the running and maintaining of aquaculture operations.
LAKEWATCH Chemist Thomas McManus answered questions about his career path and the equipment he uses along with the overall mission of LAKEWATCH and at the MSAR labs they talked to Lab Tech/Research Assistant Rhea Hammond.
“I hope after visiting the UF Fisheries the students take away a better understanding of our local freshwater ecosystems and the importance of maintaining them,” said Fishing for Success Program Coordinator Katie Hagan.
 
Collaboration
4-H University is one of several ways that SFFGS has collaborated with youth career development events and 4-H.
According to SFFGS Assistant Director for Geomatics Extension Katie Britt, the SFFGS Geomatics Extension program has been working to involve itself in various 4-H programs, both county and statewide, with a goal of introducing youth to surveying careers through the Beyond Ready program.
“4-H has been great to work with at all levels, and the 4-H audience is great because they focus on creativity and communication through all of their programming,” Britt said.
“When we were invited to participate in 4-H University for the first time with a career track, we thought it would be good to include all of SFFGS in the event since we have a number of “hidden gem” majors, and a lot of industry demand for our graduates.”
State 4-H Events Coordinator Kelsey Cook plans 4-H University each year.
Florida 4-H University prepares teens for future careers through hands-on experiences with University of Florida faculty and industry professionals, said Cook, adding that “The UF School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences has been an exceptional Florida 4-H partner, supporting local programming, developing the Surveying and Mapping: Communicating with Maps school program, and hosting our State 4-H Forest Ecology and Nature Poetry contests. Their commitment to forestry, fisheries, and geospatial education made them a natural fit for our Career Tracks, and we are grateful for their continued investment in Florida 4-H youth.”
 
Student Feedback
“I never realized how much goes into measuring trees,” said Home School Student Caycee Sullivan from Gilchrist County. “That you have gadgets that could do that complicated math and you could get answers fast and accurate, there are so many tools in mapping.”
Oklahoma 4-H State President Jake Vulgamore was able to ask questions and get career information from the scientists he met during the exercises. “It was really cool learning about surveying,” he said. “It’s something I’ve never done before, and I was able to experience a real-world situation.”
Adrianna Frisse, a Manatee County high school sophomore student competes in Future Farmers of America (FFA) challenges. “I’m used to using Biltmore sticks to measure in forestry, but I learned using different tools. And the surveying equipment was new to me.”
Learn more about 4-H University here and about SFFGS here.
Students learn about aquaculture at the Molluscan Shellfish Aquaculture and Restoration (MSAR) laboratories

UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries and Geomatics Sciences (SFFGS) extension staff and faculty hosted senior 4-H members on July 29 and 30 as they were taking part in the 2026 Florida 4-H Youth Development Program’s 4-H University. The program is a week-long overnight event for senior 4-H youth (ages 14-18) who participate in educational workshops […]

4-H University students get hands-on lessons in forestry, aquaculture, surveying 

SPRING BRINGS A BOUNTY OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OPPORTUNITES Is there money available to help landowners plant trees? And how! See several opportunities below from the Longleaf Alliance and Florida Forest Service via the Future Forests and RESTORE programs. Also in this update &#8211;  the Florida Block Grant Disaster Relief Program is now open for applications, [&#8230;]

<h4><strong>SPRING BRINGS A BOUNTY OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OPPORTUNITES</strong></h4>
<p>Is there money available to help landowners plant trees? And how! See several opportunities below from the Longleaf Alliance and Florida Forest Service via the Future Forests and RESTORE programs.</p>
<p>Also in this update &#8211;  the Florida Block Grant Disaster Relief Program is now open for applications, apply for the USDA NRCS Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, check out the new Forest Health Module in the online Forest Landowenr Academy, timber tax tip for the 2025 tax year, and a tour of Young Family Farm is coming up on March 26.</p>
<h4><strong>LONGLEAF ALLIANCE PLANTING FUND ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS MARCH 1 &#8211;  JUNE 1 FOR 2026-2027 PLANTING SEASON</strong></h4>
<p>The Longleaf Alliance works with multiple partners to provide longleaf pine seedling funds to landowners. Funding requests for the 2026-2027 planting season are being accepted March 1 until June 1st. Applications will be reviewed in late summer with notifications anticipated in late fall. See the <a href="https://longleafalliance.org/what-we-do/longleaf-planting-fund/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Longleaf Alliance Planting Fund website</a> for details.</p>
<p>The Longleaf Alliance is providing a webinar about this opportunity on March 13 at 12:00 pm ET. <a href="https://longleafalliance-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/MWw7xm3WQeWg3fAl5qvs8Q#/registration" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Register here for the Longleaf Planting Fund Informational Webinar</a>.</p>
<figure id="attachment_5225" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5225" style="width: 186px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2022/07/planting-machine2-tyler-jones-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-5225" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2022/07/planting-machine2-tyler-jones-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="186" height="279" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-5225" class="wp-caption-text">Machine-planting pine trees, by Tyler Jones, UF/IFAS</figcaption></figure>
<h4><strong>APPLY NOW FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE’S FUTURE FORESTS PROGRAM</strong></h4>
<p><strong>Apply by March 27, 2026</strong></p>
<p>Florida’s Future Forests Program is designed to help increase the acreage of healthy forests in Florida by assisting Florida landowners with establishing and/or maintaining forest stands. The program offers landowners cost-share payments for site preparation, seedling purchase, and planting.</p>
<p>The 2026 program will be accepting applications through March 27, 2026. To initiate the application process, the landowner, or an authorized representative of the landowner, must contact the Florida Forest Service (FFS) County Forester assigned to the county where the property is located. <a href="https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/For-Landowners/Grants/Florida-s-Future-Forests-Program" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Find more information about the Future Forests Program and how to apply here.</a></p>
<p><a href="https://myflforest.land/films/florida_future_forests/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Watch “Will the State Pay Me to Plant My Forest?” on MyFLForest.Land</a>.</p>
<h4><strong>APPLY NOW FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE’S RESTORE LANDOWNER INCENTIVE PROGRAM</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_13505" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13505" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2026/01/RESTORE-photo.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-13505 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="128" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2026/01/RESTORE-photo-300x128.png"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-13505" class="wp-caption-text">A Florida waterway</figcaption></figure>
<p><strong>Apply by March 27, 2026</strong></p>
<p>RESTORE is an acronym referring to the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012. The objective of the RESTORE Landowner Incentive Program is to increase the acreage of healthy pine ecosystems in Florida by helping forest landowners to establish and/or maintain forest ecosystems, which improves water resources and forest health. The program offers incentive payments for tree establishment practices (site preparation, seedling purchase, and planting) and timber stand improvement (TSI) practices (first pulpwood thinning, underbrush treatment, and prescribed burning).</p>
<p>The RESTORE program will be accepting applications through March 27, 2026. To initiate the application process, the landowner, or an authorized representative of the landowner, must contact the Florida Forest Service (FFS) County Forester assigned to the county where the property is located. <a href="https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/For-Landowners/Grants/Enhancing-Gulf-Waters-Through-Forested-Watershed-Restoration-RESTORE-Landowner-Incentive-Program-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Find more information about the RESTORE Landowner Assistance Program and how to apply here</a>.</p>
<figure id="attachment_9609" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-9609" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2024/10/Hurricane_Damage2_conser-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-9609 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2024/10/Hurricane_Damage2_conser-300x225.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-9609" class="wp-caption-text">Hurricane damage in a north Florida pine stand</figcaption></figure>
<h4><strong>FLORIDA BLOCK GRANT DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAM NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS – CHECK YOUR ELIGBILITY</strong></h4>
<p>Florida’s agricultural producers have faced significant losses due to recent hurricanes including damage to structures, crops, and long-term productive assets. This program, developed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), will provide financial support to help producers rebuild, restore operations, and return to full production. <strong>If your operation experienced damage or loss during the 2023 or 2024 hurricane seasons, you may be eligible for assistance</strong>. Learn more and check your eligibility at the <a href="https://blockgrant.fdacs.gov/en-US" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FDACS Florida Block Grant web site</a>.</p>
<h4><strong>APPLY FOR USDA NRCS AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROGRAM</strong></h4>
<p><strong>Apply by March 25, 2026</strong></p>
<p>The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida announces Fiscal Year 2026 conservation easement enrollment opportunities in the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). ACEP protects the agricultural viability and related conservation values of eligible land by limiting nonagricultural uses. ACEP includes Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE). For more details on these opportunities and how to apply <a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/state-offices/florida/news/agricultural-producers-and-landowners-encouraged-to-apply-for" target="_blank" rel="noopener">see the USDA ACEP news release</a>.</p>
<figure id="attachment_13345" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13345" style="width: 176px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2026/01/Cory-Robert-Young-signs.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-13345" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2026/01/Cory-Robert-Young-signs-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="176" height="235" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-13345" class="wp-caption-text">Robert and Cory Young at Young Family Farm, by Chris Demers</figcaption></figure>
<h4><strong>YOUNG FAMILY FARM RECOGNIZED AS 2026 FLORIDA LAND STEWARDS OF THE YEAR, TOUR ON MARCH 26</strong></h4>
<p>Cory, Robert, and Devony Young are recognized for outstanding and exemplary stewardship of their Young Family Farm in Putnam County and promoting land stewardship to private landowners and the public. <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/2026/01/22/congratulations-young-family-farm-2026-florida-land-stewards-of-the-year/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more about Young Family Farm: 2026 Florida Land Stewards of the Year</a>.</p>
<p>Join us for a <a href="https://fls-tour-2026-03-26.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Florida Land Steward tour at Young Family Farm on March 26, 2026</a>.</p>
<h4><strong>NEW FOREST HEALTH MODULE RELEASED IN THE UF ONLINE FOREST LANDOWNER ACADEMY</strong></h4>
<p>The UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences extension team is excited to announce the launch of a new Forest Health Module in the Online Forest Landowner Academy. Those already enrolled in the course have full access to the new module.</p>
<p>The Forest Health Module includes presentations, video, and extension publications about what forest health means, the important diseases and insects to watch for in your pine stands, and what to do if you detect a problem. You’ll learn about the life cycles of fungal pathogens like fusiform rust and pitch canker, how to identify infected tree tissues, how to distinguish them, how you can minimize risks of infection, and what to do if you have infected trees. You’ll also learn about the most important pine beetles that can impact our pine stands, like the southern pine beetle; why and how they will enter and damage pine trees, which pine species and stand conditions are most susceptible, and how you can minimize risks.</p>
<p><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2023/02/logoFLA-white.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-6365 alignright lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="151" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2023/02/logoFLA-white-300x151.png"></a>For more details on the new content and instructors, see the recent <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/2026/02/10/new-forest-health-module-released-in-the-online-forest-landowner-academy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blog post about the new Forest Health Module here</a>.</p>
<p>Here’s the direct link to enroll or access the course if you are already enrolled:<br />
<a href="https://ifas-sfrc-for.catalog.instructure.com/courses/for-fla" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://ifas-sfrc-for.catalog.instructure.com/courses/for-fla</a>.</p>
<p>As always, questions about the course can be directed to Chris Demers, <a href="mailto:cdemers@ufl.edu">cdemers@ufl.edu</a>, (352) 846-2375.</p>
<h4><strong>TAX TIPS FOR FOREST LANDOWNERS FOR THE 2025 TAX YEAR</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_13993" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13993" style="width: 221px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2026/03/Cushing-tax-tips.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-13993" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2026/03/Cushing-tax-tips-300x268.jpg" alt="" width="221" height="197" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-13993" class="wp-caption-text">Dr. Tamara Cushing, UF/IFAS Forest Business Specialist</figcaption></figure>
<p>Many of our forestry activities can have tax implications. Understanding the forest related tax rules and integrating tax planning into your forest management decisions can help increase your after-tax return. New legislation enacted in 2025 reinstates and makes permanent several tax provisions affecting forest landowners and adds new incentives for capital investment. Although many key provisions take effect starting in 2026, some are already effective for the 2025 tax year. The Tax Tips publication provides general information to support you and your tax advisor. It is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Please consult your tax advisor about your specific tax situation.  <a href="https://research.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/80000" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Access the 2025 Tax Tips for Forest Landowners here</a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://myflforest.land/films/taxes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Watch Dr. Tamara Cushing’s “Forest Tax Basics” on MyFLForest.Land</a>.</p>
<h4><strong>GET FLORIDA LAND STEWARD EMAIL UPDATES</strong></h4>
<p>Don’t miss out on news and events! Sign up for the regular email updates! Send an email to Chris at <a href="mailto:cdemers@ufl.edu">cdemers@ufl.edu</a> to be added to the email listserv. Florida Land Steward email updates are sent once a week or every other week and include the latest calendar of workshops, tours and other events; a link to the current issue of the quarterly Florida Land Steward newsletter; updates on cost-share and other assistance programs, opportunities, and resources; and other stewardship related news and information.</p>
<figure id="attachment_4233" class="wp-caption alignright" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4233"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4233" class="wp-caption-text"></figcaption></figure>
<figure id="attachment_5267" class="wp-caption alignright" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5267"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-5267" class="wp-caption-text"></figcaption></figure>
<h4><strong><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2020/09/fls_logo_final_haggit080811_compressed.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-2920 alignright" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2020/09/fls_logo_final_haggit080811_compressed-300x293.jpeg" alt="Florida Land Steward Program Logo" width="220" height="215" /></a>MORE NEWS, EVENTS, AND OPPORTUNITIES</strong></h4>
<p>See our <a href="https://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/florida-land-steward/bulletin-board/events-calendar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Events Calendar and News</a> page for upcoming events and ongoing programs, initiatives, and opportunities.</p>
<h4><strong>ACCESS THE QUARTERLY FLORIDA LAND STEWARD NEWSLETTER ONLINE</strong></h4>
<p>Access the current and back issues of the <a href="https://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/florida-land-steward/about-us/newsletter/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">quarterly Florida Land Steward newsletter here</a>.</p>
<h4><strong>HAVE AN EVENT OR RELATED NEWS TO SHARE?</strong></h4>
<p>Drop a line with the details and link(s) to Chris at <a href="mailto:cdemers@ufl.edu">cdemers@ufl.edu</a>.</p>
<h4><strong>CONSIDER A GIFT IN SUPPORT OF THE UF/IFAS FLORIDA LAND STEWARD PROGRAM</strong></h4>
<p>The mission of the UF/IFAS Florida Land Steward Program is to help and encourage private landowners to actively manage their land resources for long-term environmental, economic, and social benefits. This program is largely supported by partners and donors. If this program has made a difference in your land stewardship efforts, please consider a gift.  <a href="https://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/florida-land-steward/about-us/give/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Support the UF/IFAS Florida Land Steward Program here</a>. Thanks!</p>


SPRING BRINGS A BOUNTY OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OPPORTUNITES
Is there money available to help landowners plant trees? And how! See several opportunities below from the Longleaf Alliance and Florida Forest Service via the Future Forests and RESTORE programs.
Also in this update –  the Florida Block Grant Disaster Relief Program is now open for applications, apply for the USDA NRCS Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, check out the new Forest Health Module in the online Forest Landowenr Academy, timber tax tip for the 2025 tax year, and a tour of Young Family Farm is coming up on March 26.
LONGLEAF ALLIANCE PLANTING FUND ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS MARCH 1 –  JUNE 1 FOR 2026-2027 PLANTING SEASON
The Longleaf Alliance works with multiple partners to provide longleaf pine seedling funds to landowners. Funding requests for the 2026-2027 planting season are being accepted March 1 until June 1st. Applications will be reviewed in late summer with notifications anticipated in late fall. See the Longleaf Alliance Planting Fund website for details.
The Longleaf Alliance is providing a webinar about this opportunity on March 13 at 12:00 pm ET. Register here for the Longleaf Planting Fund Informational Webinar.
Machine-planting pine trees, by Tyler Jones, UF/IFAS
APPLY NOW FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE’S FUTURE FORESTS PROGRAM
Apply by March 27, 2026
Florida’s Future Forests Program is designed to help increase the acreage of healthy forests in Florida by assisting Florida landowners with establishing and/or maintaining forest stands. The program offers landowners cost-share payments for site preparation, seedling purchase, and planting.
The 2026 program will be accepting applications through March 27, 2026. To initiate the application process, the landowner, or an authorized representative of the landowner, must contact the Florida Forest Service (FFS) County Forester assigned to the county where the property is located. Find more information about the Future Forests Program and how to apply here.
Watch “Will the State Pay Me to Plant My Forest?” on MyFLForest.Land.
APPLY NOW FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE’S RESTORE LANDOWNER INCENTIVE PROGRAM
A Florida waterway
Apply by March 27, 2026
RESTORE is an acronym referring to the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012. The objective of the RESTORE Landowner Incentive Program is to increase the acreage of healthy pine ecosystems in Florida by helping forest landowners to establish and/or maintain forest ecosystems, which improves water resources and forest health. The program offers incentive payments for tree establishment practices (site preparation, seedling purchase, and planting) and timber stand improvement (TSI) practices (first pulpwood thinning, underbrush treatment, and prescribed burning).
The RESTORE program will be accepting applications through March 27, 2026. To initiate the application process, the landowner, or an authorized representative of the landowner, must contact the Florida Forest Service (FFS) County Forester assigned to the county where the property is located. Find more information about the RESTORE Landowner Assistance Program and how to apply here.
Hurricane damage in a north Florida pine stand
FLORIDA BLOCK GRANT DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAM NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS – CHECK YOUR ELIGBILITY
Florida’s agricultural producers have faced significant losses due to recent hurricanes including damage to structures, crops, and long-term productive assets. This program, developed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), will provide financial support to help producers rebuild, restore operations, and return to full production. If your operation experienced damage or loss during the 2023 or 2024 hurricane seasons, you may be eligible for assistance. Learn more and check your eligibility at the FDACS Florida Block Grant web site.
APPLY FOR USDA NRCS AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROGRAM
Apply by March 25, 2026
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida announces Fiscal Year 2026 conservation easement enrollment opportunities in the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). ACEP protects the agricultural viability and related conservation values of eligible land by limiting nonagricultural uses. ACEP includes Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE). For more details on these opportunities and how to apply see the USDA ACEP news release.
Robert and Cory Young at Young Family Farm, by Chris Demers
YOUNG FAMILY FARM RECOGNIZED AS 2026 FLORIDA LAND STEWARDS OF THE YEAR, TOUR ON MARCH 26
Cory, Robert, and Devony Young are recognized for outstanding and exemplary stewardship of their Young Family Farm in Putnam County and promoting land stewardship to private landowners and the public. Learn more about Young Family Farm: 2026 Florida Land Stewards of the Year.
Join us for a Florida Land Steward tour at Young Family Farm on March 26, 2026.
NEW FOREST HEALTH MODULE RELEASED IN THE UF ONLINE FOREST LANDOWNER ACADEMY
The UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences extension team is excited to announce the launch of a new Forest Health Module in the Online Forest Landowner Academy. Those already enrolled in the course have full access to the new module.
The Forest Health Module includes presentations, video, and extension publications about what forest health means, the important diseases and insects to watch for in your pine stands, and what to do if you detect a problem. You’ll learn about the life cycles of fungal pathogens like fusiform rust and pitch canker, how to identify infected tree tissues, how to distinguish them, how you can minimize risks of infection, and what to do if you have infected trees. You’ll also learn about the most important pine beetles that can impact our pine stands, like the southern pine beetle; why and how they will enter and damage pine trees, which pine species and stand conditions are most susceptible, and how you can minimize risks.
For more details on the new content and instructors, see the recent blog post about the new Forest Health Module here.
Here’s the direct link to enroll or access the course if you are already enrolled:
https://ifas-sfrc-for.catalog.instructure.com/courses/for-fla.
As always, questions about the course can be directed to Chris Demers, cdemers@ufl.edu, (352) 846-2375.
TAX TIPS FOR FOREST LANDOWNERS FOR THE 2025 TAX YEAR
Dr. Tamara Cushing, UF/IFAS Forest Business Specialist
Many of our forestry activities can have tax implications. Understanding the forest related tax rules and integrating tax planning into your forest management decisions can help increase your after-tax return. New legislation enacted in 2025 reinstates and makes permanent several tax provisions affecting forest landowners and adds new incentives for capital investment. Although many key provisions take effect starting in 2026, some are already effective for the 2025 tax year. The Tax Tips publication provides general information to support you and your tax advisor. It is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Please consult your tax advisor about your specific tax situation.  Access the 2025 Tax Tips for Forest Landowners here.
Watch Dr. Tamara Cushing’s “Forest Tax Basics” on MyFLForest.Land.
GET FLORIDA LAND STEWARD EMAIL UPDATES
Don’t miss out on news and events! Sign up for the regular email updates! Send an email to Chris at cdemers@ufl.edu to be added to the email listserv. Florida Land Steward email updates are sent once a week or every other week and include the latest calendar of workshops, tours and other events; a link to the current issue of the quarterly Florida Land Steward newsletter; updates on cost-share and other assistance programs, opportunities, and resources; and other stewardship related news and information.


MORE NEWS, EVENTS, AND OPPORTUNITIES
See our Events Calendar and News page for upcoming events and ongoing programs, initiatives, and opportunities.
ACCESS THE QUARTERLY FLORIDA LAND STEWARD NEWSLETTER ONLINE
Access the current and back issues of the quarterly Florida Land Steward newsletter here.
HAVE AN EVENT OR RELATED NEWS TO SHARE?
Drop a line with the details and link(s) to Chris at cdemers@ufl.edu.
CONSIDER A GIFT IN SUPPORT OF THE UF/IFAS FLORIDA LAND STEWARD PROGRAM
The mission of the UF/IFAS Florida Land Steward Program is to help and encourage private landowners to actively manage their land resources for long-term environmental, economic, and social benefits. This program is largely supported by partners and donors. If this program has made a difference in your land stewardship efforts, please consider a gift.  Support the UF/IFAS Florida Land Steward Program here. Thanks!

SPRING BRINGS A BOUNTY OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OPPORTUNITES Is there money available to help landowners plant trees? And how! See several opportunities below from the Longleaf Alliance and Florida Forest Service via the Future Forests and RESTORE programs. Also in this update –  the Florida Block Grant Disaster Relief Program is now open for applications, […]

Florida Land Steward Update, March 6, 2026

NATIONAL INVASIVE SPECIES AWARENESS WEEK FEB. 23-27, 2026 National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) is an international event dedicated to raising awareness about invasive species, the threats they pose, and the actions that can be taken to prevent their spread. Aggressive invasive plants pictured above are Old World climbing fern (left) and cogongrass (right). In [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_13717" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13717" style="width: 229px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2026/02/air-potato-Thomas-Wright-UFIFAS.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-13717 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="229" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2026/02/air-potato-Thomas-Wright-UFIFAS-229x300.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-13717" class="wp-caption-text">Invasive air potato vine, by Thomas Wright, UF/IFAS</figcaption></figure>
<h4><strong>NATIONAL INVASIVE SPECIES AWARENESS WEEK FEB. 23-27, 2026</strong></h4>
<p>National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) is an international event dedicated to raising awareness about invasive species, the threats they pose, and the actions that can be taken to prevent their spread. Aggressive invasive plants pictured above are Old World climbing fern (left) and cogongrass (right). In Florida we have some opportunities to take action with <strong>Weed Wrangles</strong> and the <strong>Invasive Plant Tiered Training Course</strong>. Check these out:</p>
<h5><strong>VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! WEED WRANGLES COMING UP IN FLORIDA</strong></h5>
<p>Weed Wrangles are volunteer efforts to help rescue our public parks and conservation areas from invasive species through removal and or treatment of the worst invasive trees, vines, and flowering plants. Supervised by an expert in invasive weed management, Weed Wrangle volunteers learn, practice, and begin a habit of maintaining an area free of non-native invasive plants. They can also encourage replanting with natives in removal areas.  <a href="https://www.floridainvasives.org/weedwrangle/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Find a Weed Wrangle in your area to participate in</a>.</p>
<h5><strong>SHARPEN YOUR INVASIVE PLANT MANAGEMENT SKILLS IN THE FREE INVASIVE PLANT TIERED TRAINING ONLINE COURSE </strong></h5>
<p>Provided by University of Florida IFAS, this introductory course is for volunteers, land managers, landowners, and others who may be new to invasive species management. This course will prepare you to provide a basic description of invasive plant species impacts and why it is important to manage them; identify basic plant growth forms and key leaf characteristics; demonstrate proper use of herbicides, equipment, and PPE protocols; and navigate and communicate field hazards safely. This is a free, accessible introduction into the world of invasive species management. <a href="https://ifas-sfrc-for.catalog.instructure.com/courses/invasive-plant-tiered-training---volunteercrew-trainee" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more and enroll in the Invasive Plant Tiered Training online course</a></p>
<p><a href="https://myflforest.land/films/florida-invasive-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Watch “Florida Invasive Plants” on MyFLForest.Land</a>.</p>
<figure id="attachment_13885" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13885" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2026/02/Cory-Young-FLSLOY-2026.02.04-FL-Channel.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-13885 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="213" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2026/02/Cory-Young-FLSLOY-2026.02.04-FL-Channel-300x213.png"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-13885" class="wp-caption-text">Cory Young shares remarks about forest stewardship at Young Family Farm at the Feb. 4 FWC Commissioners Meeting.</figcaption></figure>
<h4><strong>YOUNG FAMILY FARM RECOGNIZED AS 2026 FLORIDA LAND STEWARDS OF THE YEAR AT FEB. 4 FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION (FWC) COMMISSIONERS MEETING</strong></h4>
<p>Cory, Robert, and Devony Young were recognized as 2026 FL Land Steward Landowners of the Year at the Feb. 4 FWC Commissioners meeting. <a href="https://thefloridachannel.org/videos/2-4-26-florida-fish-and-wildlife-conservation-commission-part-1/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Watch the Florida Channel recording of the award presentation here</a>. <strong>Note that the award presentation takes place at the 45-minute mark</strong> in the recording.</p>
<p>The Putnam County landowners are recognized for outstanding and exemplary stewardship of their land resources and promoting land stewardship. <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/2026/01/22/congratulations-young-family-farm-2026-florida-land-stewards-of-the-year/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more about Young Family Farm: 2026 Florida Land Stewards of the Year</a>.</p>
<p>Join us for a <a href="https://fls-tour-2026-03-26.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Florida Land Steward tour at Young Family Farm on March 26, 2026</a>.</p>
<h4><strong>FLORIDA BLOCK GRANT DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAM OPENING SOON &#8211; CHECK YOUR ELIGBILITY</strong></h4>
<p>Florida’s agricultural producers have faced significant losses due to recent hurricanes including damage to structures, crops, and long-term productive assets. This program, developed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), will provide financial support to help producers rebuild, restore operations, and return to full production. <strong>If your operation experienced damage or loss during the 2023 or 2024 hurricane seasons, you may be eligible for assistance</strong>. Learn more and check your eligibility at the <a href="https://blockgrant.fdacs.gov/en-US" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FDACS Florida Block Grant web site</a>.</p>
<h4><strong>TAX TIPS FOR FOREST LANDOWNERS FOR THE 2025 TAX YEAR</strong></h4>
<p>Many of our forestry activities can have tax implications. Understanding the forest related tax rules and integrating tax planning into your forest management decisions can help increase your after-tax return. New legislation enacted in 2025 reinstates and makes permanent several tax provisions affecting forest landowners and adds new incentives for capital investment. Although many key provisions take effect starting in 2026, some are already effective for the 2025 tax year. The Tax Tips publication provides general information to support you and your tax advisor. It is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Please consult your tax advisor about your specific tax situation.  <a href="https://research.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/80000" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Access the 2025 Tax Tips for Forest Landowners here</a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://myflforest.land/films/taxes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Watch Dr. Tamara Cushing’s “Forest Tax Basics” on MyFLForest.Land</a>.</p>
<h4><strong>NEW FOREST HEALTH MODULE RELEASED IN THE UF ONLINE FOREST LANDOWNER ACADEMY</strong></h4>
<p>The UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences extension team is excited to announce the launch of a new Forest Health Module in the Online Forest Landowner Academy. Those already enrolled in the course have full access to the new module.</p>
<p><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2023/02/logoFLA-white.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-6365 alignright lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="151" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2023/02/logoFLA-white-300x151.png"></a>The Forest Health Module includes presentations, video, and extension publications about what forest health means, the important diseases and insects to watch for in your pine stands, and what to do if you detect a problem. You’ll learn about the life cycles of fungal pathogens like fusiform rust and pitch canker, how to identify infected tree tissues, how to distinguish them, how you can minimize risks of infection, and what to do if you have infected trees. You’ll also learn about the most important pine beetles that can impact our pine stands, like the southern pine beetle; why and how they will enter and damage pine trees, which pine species and stand conditions are most susceptible, and how you can minimize risks.</p>
<p>For more details on the new content and instructors, see the recent <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/2026/02/10/new-forest-health-module-released-in-the-online-forest-landowner-academy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blog post about the new Forest Health Module here</a>.</p>
<p>Here’s the direct link to enroll or access the course if you are already enrolled:<br />
<a href="https://ifas-sfrc-for.catalog.instructure.com/courses/for-fla" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://ifas-sfrc-for.catalog.instructure.com/courses/for-fla</a>.</p>
<p>As always, questions about the course can be directed to Chris Demers, <a href="mailto:cdemers@ufl.edu">cdemers@ufl.edu</a>, (352) 846-2375.</p>
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<h4><strong>APPLY NOW FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE’S FUTURE FORESTS PROGRAM</strong></h4>
<p><strong><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2026/01/20230719_120255-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-13613 alignright lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2026/01/20230719_120255-300x225.jpg"></a>Apply by March 27, 2026</strong></p>
<p>Florida’s Future Forests Program is designed to help increase the acreage of healthy forests in Florida by assisting Florida landowners with establishing and/or maintaining forest stands. The program offers landowners cost-share payments for site preparation, seedling purchase, and planting.</p>
<p>The 2026 program will be accepting applications through March 27, 2026. To initiate the application process, the landowner, or an authorized representative of the landowner, must contact the Florida Forest Service (FFS) County Forester assigned to the county where the property is located. <a href="https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/For-Landowners/Grants/Florida-s-Future-Forests-Program" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Find more information about the Future Forests Program and how to apply here.</a></p>
<p><a href="https://myflforest.land/films/florida_future_forests/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Watch “Will the State Pay Me to Plant My Forest?” on MyFLForest.Land</a>.</p>
<h4><strong>APPLY NOW FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE’S RESTORE LANDOWNER INCENTIVE PROGRAM</strong></h4>
<p><strong><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2026/01/RESTORE-photo.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-13505 alignright lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="128" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2026/01/RESTORE-photo-300x128.png"></a>Apply by March 27, 2026</strong></p>
<p>RESTORE is an acronym referring to the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012. The objective of the RESTORE Landowner Incentive Program is to increase the acreage of healthy pine ecosystems in Florida by helping forest landowners to establish and/or maintain forest ecosystems, which improves water resources and forest health. The program offers incentive payments for tree establishment practices (site preparation, seedling purchase, and planting) and timber stand improvement (TSI) practices (first pulpwood thinning, underbrush treatment, and prescribed burning).</p>
<p>The RESTORE program will be accepting applications through March 27, 2026. To initiate the application process, the landowner, or an authorized representative of the landowner, must contact the Florida Forest Service (FFS) County Forester assigned to the county where the property is located. <a href="https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/For-Landowners/Grants/Enhancing-Gulf-Waters-Through-Forested-Watershed-Restoration-RESTORE-Landowner-Incentive-Program-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Find more information about the RESTORE Landowner Assistance Program and how to apply here</a>.</p>
<h4><strong>GOT YOUR 2026 FLORIDA LAND STEWARD WALL CALENDAR?</strong></h4>
<p><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2025/11/2026-Florida-Land-Steward-Calendar-Cover.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-12817 alignright lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="232" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2025/11/2026-Florida-Land-Steward-Calendar-Cover-300x232.jpg"></a>There are a few left. The Florida Land Steward wall calendar features beautiful photography, our Florida Land Steward Landowner of the Year, habitat management tips, partnership opportunities, resource contacts, and more. Request your calendar by sending an email with your mailing address to Suzette Cook at <a href="mailto:suzettecook@ufl.edu">suzettecook@ufl.edu</a>. These are first-come, first-serve to interested landowners, while supplies last.</p>
<p><strong>We need your feedback to keep this tradition going!</strong> Did you enjoy and use the 2025 Florida Land Steward wall calendar? To continue this annual tradition, we need to know if and how the Florida Land Steward Calendar is being used. <a href="https://forms.office.com/r/vH09dN0RDs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Please share your feedback on the 2025 edition here</a>. Won’t take but a couple minutes!</p>
<p><strong>Want to contribute to future editions of the Florida Land Steward calendar?</strong> If you would like to contribute to the production of future editions of the <strong>Florida Land Steward Calendar,</strong> you can <strong>donate</strong> at <a href="https://wildlifeflorida.org/wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://wildlifeflorida.org/wildlife/</a>. Click the “Donate” button on the top right. In the field where you can write a note, please indicate “<strong>Private Lands Fund</strong>”. Thank you!</p>
<h4><strong>GET FLORIDA LAND STEWARD EMAIL UPDATES</strong></h4>
<p>Don’t miss out on news and events! Sign up for the regular email updates! Send an email to Chris at <a href="mailto:cdemers@ufl.edu">cdemers@ufl.edu</a> to be added to the email listserv. Florida Land Steward email updates are sent once a week or every other week and include the latest calendar of workshops, tours and other events; a link to the current issue of the quarterly Florida Land Steward newsletter; updates on cost-share and other assistance programs, opportunities, and resources; and other stewardship related news and information.</p>
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<h4><strong><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2020/09/fls_logo_final_haggit080811_compressed.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-2920 alignright" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2020/09/fls_logo_final_haggit080811_compressed-300x293.jpeg" alt="Florida Land Steward Program Logo" width="230" height="225" /></a>MORE NEWS, EVENTS, AND OPPORTUNITIES</strong></h4>
<p>See our <a href="https://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/florida-land-steward/bulletin-board/events-calendar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Events Calendar and News</a> page for upcoming events and ongoing programs, initiatives, and opportunities.</p>
<h4><strong>ACCESS THE QUARTERLY FLORIDA LAND STEWARD NEWSLETTER ONLINE</strong></h4>
<p>Access the current and back issues of the <a href="https://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/florida-land-steward/about-us/newsletter/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">quarterly Florida Land Steward newsletter here</a>.</p>
<h4><strong>HAVE AN EVENT OR RELATED NEWS TO SHARE?</strong></h4>
<p>Drop a line with the details and link(s) to Chris at <a href="mailto:cdemers@ufl.edu">cdemers@ufl.edu</a>.</p>
<h4><strong>CONSIDER A GIFT IN SUPPORT OF THE UF/IFAS FLORIDA LAND STEWARD PROGRAM</strong></h4>
<p>The mission of the UF/IFAS Florida Land Steward Program is to help and encourage private landowners to actively manage their land resources for long-term environmental, economic, and social benefits. This program is largely supported by partners and donors. If this program has made a difference in your land stewardship efforts, please consider a gift.  <a href="https://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/florida-land-steward/about-us/give/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Support the UF/IFAS Florida Land Steward Program here</a>. Thanks!</p>


Invasive air potato vine, by Thomas Wright, UF/IFAS
NATIONAL INVASIVE SPECIES AWARENESS WEEK FEB. 23-27, 2026
National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) is an international event dedicated to raising awareness about invasive species, the threats they pose, and the actions that can be taken to prevent their spread. Aggressive invasive plants pictured above are Old World climbing fern (left) and cogongrass (right). In Florida we have some opportunities to take action with Weed Wrangles and the Invasive Plant Tiered Training Course. Check these out:
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! WEED WRANGLES COMING UP IN FLORIDA
Weed Wrangles are volunteer efforts to help rescue our public parks and conservation areas from invasive species through removal and or treatment of the worst invasive trees, vines, and flowering plants. Supervised by an expert in invasive weed management, Weed Wrangle volunteers learn, practice, and begin a habit of maintaining an area free of non-native invasive plants. They can also encourage replanting with natives in removal areas.  Find a Weed Wrangle in your area to participate in.
SHARPEN YOUR INVASIVE PLANT MANAGEMENT SKILLS IN THE FREE INVASIVE PLANT TIERED TRAINING ONLINE COURSE 
Provided by University of Florida IFAS, this introductory course is for volunteers, land managers, landowners, and others who may be new to invasive species management. This course will prepare you to provide a basic description of invasive plant species impacts and why it is important to manage them; identify basic plant growth forms and key leaf characteristics; demonstrate proper use of herbicides, equipment, and PPE protocols; and navigate and communicate field hazards safely. This is a free, accessible introduction into the world of invasive species management. Learn more and enroll in the Invasive Plant Tiered Training online course
Watch “Florida Invasive Plants” on MyFLForest.Land.
Cory Young shares remarks about forest stewardship at Young Family Farm at the Feb. 4 FWC Commissioners Meeting.
YOUNG FAMILY FARM RECOGNIZED AS 2026 FLORIDA LAND STEWARDS OF THE YEAR AT FEB. 4 FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION (FWC) COMMISSIONERS MEETING
Cory, Robert, and Devony Young were recognized as 2026 FL Land Steward Landowners of the Year at the Feb. 4 FWC Commissioners meeting. Watch the Florida Channel recording of the award presentation here. Note that the award presentation takes place at the 45-minute mark in the recording.
The Putnam County landowners are recognized for outstanding and exemplary stewardship of their land resources and promoting land stewardship. Learn more about Young Family Farm: 2026 Florida Land Stewards of the Year.
Join us for a Florida Land Steward tour at Young Family Farm on March 26, 2026.
FLORIDA BLOCK GRANT DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAM OPENING SOON – CHECK YOUR ELIGBILITY
Florida’s agricultural producers have faced significant losses due to recent hurricanes including damage to structures, crops, and long-term productive assets. This program, developed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), will provide financial support to help producers rebuild, restore operations, and return to full production. If your operation experienced damage or loss during the 2023 or 2024 hurricane seasons, you may be eligible for assistance. Learn more and check your eligibility at the FDACS Florida Block Grant web site.
TAX TIPS FOR FOREST LANDOWNERS FOR THE 2025 TAX YEAR
Many of our forestry activities can have tax implications. Understanding the forest related tax rules and integrating tax planning into your forest management decisions can help increase your after-tax return. New legislation enacted in 2025 reinstates and makes permanent several tax provisions affecting forest landowners and adds new incentives for capital investment. Although many key provisions take effect starting in 2026, some are already effective for the 2025 tax year. The Tax Tips publication provides general information to support you and your tax advisor. It is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Please consult your tax advisor about your specific tax situation.  Access the 2025 Tax Tips for Forest Landowners here.
Watch Dr. Tamara Cushing’s “Forest Tax Basics” on MyFLForest.Land.
NEW FOREST HEALTH MODULE RELEASED IN THE UF ONLINE FOREST LANDOWNER ACADEMY
The UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences extension team is excited to announce the launch of a new Forest Health Module in the Online Forest Landowner Academy. Those already enrolled in the course have full access to the new module.
The Forest Health Module includes presentations, video, and extension publications about what forest health means, the important diseases and insects to watch for in your pine stands, and what to do if you detect a problem. You’ll learn about the life cycles of fungal pathogens like fusiform rust and pitch canker, how to identify infected tree tissues, how to distinguish them, how you can minimize risks of infection, and what to do if you have infected trees. You’ll also learn about the most important pine beetles that can impact our pine stands, like the southern pine beetle; why and how they will enter and damage pine trees, which pine species and stand conditions are most susceptible, and how you can minimize risks.
For more details on the new content and instructors, see the recent blog post about the new Forest Health Module here.
Here’s the direct link to enroll or access the course if you are already enrolled:
https://ifas-sfrc-for.catalog.instructure.com/courses/for-fla.
As always, questions about the course can be directed to Chris Demers, cdemers@ufl.edu, (352) 846-2375.


APPLY NOW FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE’S FUTURE FORESTS PROGRAM
Apply by March 27, 2026
Florida’s Future Forests Program is designed to help increase the acreage of healthy forests in Florida by assisting Florida landowners with establishing and/or maintaining forest stands. The program offers landowners cost-share payments for site preparation, seedling purchase, and planting.
The 2026 program will be accepting applications through March 27, 2026. To initiate the application process, the landowner, or an authorized representative of the landowner, must contact the Florida Forest Service (FFS) County Forester assigned to the county where the property is located. Find more information about the Future Forests Program and how to apply here.
Watch “Will the State Pay Me to Plant My Forest?” on MyFLForest.Land.
APPLY NOW FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE’S RESTORE LANDOWNER INCENTIVE PROGRAM
Apply by March 27, 2026
RESTORE is an acronym referring to the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012. The objective of the RESTORE Landowner Incentive Program is to increase the acreage of healthy pine ecosystems in Florida by helping forest landowners to establish and/or maintain forest ecosystems, which improves water resources and forest health. The program offers incentive payments for tree establishment practices (site preparation, seedling purchase, and planting) and timber stand improvement (TSI) practices (first pulpwood thinning, underbrush treatment, and prescribed burning).
The RESTORE program will be accepting applications through March 27, 2026. To initiate the application process, the landowner, or an authorized representative of the landowner, must contact the Florida Forest Service (FFS) County Forester assigned to the county where the property is located. Find more information about the RESTORE Landowner Assistance Program and how to apply here.
GOT YOUR 2026 FLORIDA LAND STEWARD WALL CALENDAR?
There are a few left. The Florida Land Steward wall calendar features beautiful photography, our Florida Land Steward Landowner of the Year, habitat management tips, partnership opportunities, resource contacts, and more. Request your calendar by sending an email with your mailing address to Suzette Cook at suzettecook@ufl.edu. These are first-come, first-serve to interested landowners, while supplies last.
We need your feedback to keep this tradition going! Did you enjoy and use the 2025 Florida Land Steward wall calendar? To continue this annual tradition, we need to know if and how the Florida Land Steward Calendar is being used. Please share your feedback on the 2025 edition here. Won’t take but a couple minutes!
Want to contribute to future editions of the Florida Land Steward calendar? If you would like to contribute to the production of future editions of the Florida Land Steward Calendar, you can donate at https://wildlifeflorida.org/wildlife/. Click the “Donate” button on the top right. In the field where you can write a note, please indicate “Private Lands Fund”. Thank you!
GET FLORIDA LAND STEWARD EMAIL UPDATES
Don’t miss out on news and events! Sign up for the regular email updates! Send an email to Chris at cdemers@ufl.edu to be added to the email listserv. Florida Land Steward email updates are sent once a week or every other week and include the latest calendar of workshops, tours and other events; a link to the current issue of the quarterly Florida Land Steward newsletter; updates on cost-share and other assistance programs, opportunities, and resources; and other stewardship related news and information.


MORE NEWS, EVENTS, AND OPPORTUNITIES
See our Events Calendar and News page for upcoming events and ongoing programs, initiatives, and opportunities.
ACCESS THE QUARTERLY FLORIDA LAND STEWARD NEWSLETTER ONLINE
Access the current and back issues of the quarterly Florida Land Steward newsletter here.
HAVE AN EVENT OR RELATED NEWS TO SHARE?
Drop a line with the details and link(s) to Chris at cdemers@ufl.edu.
CONSIDER A GIFT IN SUPPORT OF THE UF/IFAS FLORIDA LAND STEWARD PROGRAM
The mission of the UF/IFAS Florida Land Steward Program is to help and encourage private landowners to actively manage their land resources for long-term environmental, economic, and social benefits. This program is largely supported by partners and donors. If this program has made a difference in your land stewardship efforts, please consider a gift.  Support the UF/IFAS Florida Land Steward Program here. Thanks!

NATIONAL INVASIVE SPECIES AWARENESS WEEK FEB. 23-27, 2026 National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) is an international event dedicated to raising awareness about invasive species, the threats they pose, and the actions that can be taken to prevent their spread. Aggressive invasive plants pictured above are Old World climbing fern (left) and cogongrass (right). In […]

Wood

Narrower Topics

Termites

Woody Ornamentals

Publications

Preserving Woodenware in Beekeeping Operations

Wood Preservatives

Timber Inventory: A Primer for Landowners

Steps to Marketing Timber

Woodpecker Poles and Habitat Wood in Your Yard

4-H University students get hands-on lessons in forestry, aquaculture, surveying

Florida Land Steward Update, March 6, 2026

Florida Land Steward Update, February 20, 2026

Wood

Narrower Topics

Forestry

Termites

Wood-destroying Insects

Woody Ornamentals

Publications

Preserving Woodenware in Beekeeping Operations

Wood Preservatives

Timber Inventory: A Primer for Landowners

Steps to Marketing Timber

Woodpecker Poles and Habitat Wood in Your Yard

4-H University students get hands-on lessons in forestry, aquaculture, surveying

Florida Land Steward Update, March 6, 2026

Florida Land Steward Update, February 20, 2026