This week the Madcaps discuss their favorite aspects of parks that are along the Santa Fe River in North Central Florida.  Oleno, Ichetucknee, Gilchrist, and more are discussed this week!Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_florida_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

The Madcaps discuss the various aspects of one of the most exciting and diverse state forests in Florida.  The Withlacoochee has caves, lakes, ponds, rivers, trails, and much more!Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_florida_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

The Madcaps discuss the Florida State Parks that are along the historic Suwannee River, from springs to history and everything in between.    The Florida Excursionist and The Sunshine State Seekers compare their experiences at each state park.Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_florida_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

This week the Madcaps discuss their experiences visiting the state parks in the Florida Keys.  This includes Key Largo Hammock, John Pennekamp, Windley Key, Lignumvitae Key, Indian Key, San Pedro, Long Key,  Curry Hammock, Bahia Honda, and Fort Zachary Taylor.Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_florida_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

This week the Madcaps discuss the Florida Trailwalker Program, with Brooks White of the Florida Forest Service.  By filling out comment cards and logging miles, the Florida Forest Service sends out freebies to hikers that hike different designated trails in Florida State Forests.  All three of the Madcaps are participants in the program.  For details and a listing of the trails go to: https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Our-Forests/State-Forests/State-Forest-Recreation/Recreational-Activities/Hiking/Trailwalker-ProgramPlease subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_florida_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

This week we had the pleasure of learning about the Florida Native Plant Society with Valerie who is the Director of Communication and Programming with the FNPS.    Information about the FNPS and the annual conference is below:The Florida Native Plant Society's mission is to preserve, conserve, and restore the native plants and native plant communities of Florida. FNPS has 33 chapters throughout the state, and probably one that meets and hikes near you. Valerie is the Director of Communications and Programming for FNPS.Conference info and registration: fnps.org/conferenceVirtual conference: April 28-30 (recorded for those that aren't available all weekend, available forever to ticket purchasers)In-person Field Days:Naples Field Days May 6-7Tallahassee Field Days May 13-14Sanford Field Days May 19-21Questions? Email Valerie - communications@fnps.orgPlease subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_florida_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

The Madcaps recorded this episode from Torreya State Park with two special guests.  Wisdom Dave, a seasoned hiker from the Great Out Dorks (IG @thegreatoutdorks), and Patrick Connolly also an outdoor enthusiast as well as a journalist with the Orlando Sentinel (IG @pconnpie).  After a hike that day, we reflect on the excitement and features of this unique park.  Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_florida_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

The Florida Madcaps cover their outdoor experiences in West Florida, particularly the area around Pensacola.  State and National Parks are discussed as well as Blackwater State Forest.  Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_florida_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

The Florida Madcaps talk about the Ocala National Forest and share their experiences with the springs, wildlife, trails, and history.  Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_florida_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

The Florida Madcaps talk about the venerable Gold Head Branch State Park (GHBSP), one of the original Florida State Parks.  Opened in the 1930’s GHBSP was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).  It has trails, lakes, and wildlife.  The Mapcaps discuss their recent trip there going over the natural features, history, and things to see.Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_florida_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

With two dollar entrance fee and dozens of spectacular trails, springs, and rivers.  Florida's State Forests are a hidden gem of our state.  The Madcaps discuss some of their favorite trails and outings while exploring the different forest areas.This is the link to the Trailwalker Program. We will cover it more in depth on a later episode. https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Our-Forests/State-Forests/State-Forest-Recreation/Recreational-Activities/Hiking/Trailwalker-ProgramPlease subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_florida_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

Our guest this week is Nicole Llinás executive director of Current Problems.  The only organization in the entire southeastern United States devoted to keeping our fresh waterways clean.  While they are known for their clean-up events, Current Problems uses a data-driven approach to help prevent the improper disposal of trash in our waterways. Current Problems can be contacted at:  cleanup@currentproblems.org  On Saturday March 11, 2023 Current Problems hosts Clean Creek Revival, an epic cleanup and celebration in Gainesville, Florida.  Clean Creek Revival Registration:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/clean-creek-revival-2023-registration-free-tickets-537719763287Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_florida_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

Florida Springs Council's executive director Ryan Smart discusses the new BMAP case win and how it helps the springs, upcoming challenges, and calls to action.  Specifically how to help with the round of harmful bills that are being introduced which seek to limit the say that local voices have in protecting the environment.  Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_florida_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

The Florida Madcaps discuss the various aspects of Seminole State Forest including the hidden springs, events, as well as flora and fauna.Also, there is an announcement of a partnership between the Florida Springs Council and the Florida Madcaps Podcast.Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_florida_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

On this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Linda Wilinski who is an avid conservation photographer.  Linda Wilinski is a conservation photographer with focus on freshwater springs.She is a certified Florida Master Naturalist, attended Crealde’ School of Art and has won several prices along with exhibiting her photography throughout Florida.Wilinski uses her art to tell stories of Florida’s incredible wildlife and advocate for its protection. Living on the Rainbow River has enabled her to spend most of her free time kayaking, snorkeling, and educating others about the importance of Florida’s springs. Her vision is to re-connect people with the outdoors, to bring awareness of Florida’s beauty as well as shedding light onto its hardships. The purpose of her art is to encourage conservation. Linda has formed a special bond with some of the local wildlife and is also known as “the otter whisperer”. She volunteers as a board member of Rainbow River Conservation, is part of the Florida Springs Council Communication Advisory Board and donates to non-profit organizations on a regular basis. https://youtube.com/@lindawilinski2771Website: www.lindawphotography.comSocial Media: @lindawphotography  Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_florida_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

Paynes Prairie is Florida's first State Preserve.  It is 23,000 acres full of wildlife such as gators, bison, horses, over 300 species of birds, and much more.  The feature which makes it a wet prairie rather than a lake is the Alachua Sink where the water from the prairie flows into the Floridan Aquifer.  In this episode, we talk about some of the more notable features and things to see as well as nearby Price's Scrub.Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_florida_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

The Sunshine State Seekers (Chris and Chelsey) and The Florida Excursionist (Ryan) discuss their connection to Florida and what to expect from future podcast episodes.Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_florida_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

If you plan on recreating in any of Florida's publically accessible lands within the Florida Wildlife Corridor your experience may vary depending on who manages it and what amenities are available.   From county to national parks Chris, Chelsey, and Ryan discuss the rules, risks, and personal experiences that they have had in different public lands.Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_florida_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/