ReportWire

Tag: Live Wildly

  • Live Wildly Teams Up With Discovery Channel’s Misty Wells to Explore the Sights, Sounds and Unique Species of the Florida Keys

    [ad_1]

    Watch the Discovery Channel’s “Let’s Take It Outside” program this Sunday, Oct. 26, and discover what makes Florida wild


    SAINT AUGUSTINE, Fla., October 23, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Live Wildly – the Florida non-profit working to help people fall in love with nature – will be featured in the upcoming episode of the Discovery Channel’s “Let’s Take It Outside” program, starring angler and outdoor enthusiast Misty Wells.

    The episode will air at 5:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, on the Discovery Channel, and viewers will get the chance to meet two of Live Wildly’s dedicated team members – Senior Director of Conservation Dr. Thomas Eason and Events Producer Michelle Yepez – as they boat across the Florida Keys, catch lobster and discuss what makes Florida’s lands and waters so special. It is also available to watch on demand starting Oct. 26 on Discovery GO and shortly thereafter on Discovery Plus.

    “What a blast to explore Florida’s natural areas with Misty Wells,” said Eason. “We not only got the chance to see the amazing and diverse species that call Florida home, but we experienced firsthand why Florida is known as one of the greatest outdoor recreational spots in the world.”

    Live Wildly is the official sponsor of the sixth season of “Let’s Take It Outside.” Live Wildly’s work to protect Florida’s lands and waters will be highlighted throughout the season, and viewers will be invited to “Join the Movement” to explore, connect with and protect wild Florida.

    “Partnering with the Live Wildly Foundation and its mission is the perfect partnership as we share the same goal to keep Florida wild,” said Wells. “Given the growth and development pressures in Florida, every acre saved for Florida’s future is a win. I am proud to be part of the Live Wildly team and future.”

    Along with hosting “Let’s Take It Outside,” Wells also is a Live Wildly Outdoor Adventurist and will be working with Live Wildly to encourage people to get outside and connect with nature.

    “Misty’s passion for Florida’s lands and waters makes her the ideal ambassador for this movement to protect nature, bringing new audiences into the fold and inspiring them to care about conservation,” said Live Wildly’s CEO Lisa Shipley. “People protect what they love, and working together, we are helping people fall in love with nature.”

    Live Wildly’s mission is the long-term protection of Florida’s lands and waters, starting with a permanently conserved Florida Wildlife Corridor. The Corridor, established in 2021, is an 18-million-acre network of lands and waters stretching from the Everglades to the Panhandle. It not only provides habitat for almost 2,000 different species – including the iconic Florida panther, manatees, and the Gopher tortoise – but also supports more than 100,000 jobs and generates $30 billion in annual revenue through recreation, tourism, agriculture and other industries.

    To learn more, visit www.LiveWildly.com

    Source: Live Wildly Foundation

    Related Media

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Live Wildly and Sing Out Loud Festival Raise $130,000 to Protect Florida’s Wild Places

    [ad_1]

    More than 25,000 people from around the world gathered in St. Augustine, FL, to celebrate music and nature


    SAINT AUGUSTINE, Fla., October 2, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Live Wildly and Sing Out Loud Festival, with the help of more than 25,000 music fans, raised over $130,000 for conservation in St. Johns County, FL. The funds will go directly toward local land conservation initiatives that safeguard Florida’s wild beauty.

    The funding was raised through a portion of ticket sales from Sing Out Loud Festival’s Live Wildly Showcase, a mission-driven music festival designed to spark deeper connections to Florida’s wild places. Held Sept. 20-21 in historic St. Augustine, FL, the festival weekend featured 14 headliners such as platinum-selling artist Hozier, indie star Beabadoobee and folk-pop artist Vance Joy.

    “Nature, like music, has the power to move people,” said Lisa Shipley, CEO of Live Wildly. “We’re proud to partner with Sing Out Loud to inspire people to protect Florida’s wild lands. People protect what they love. From the food we eat to the air we breathe to the places we recreate, nature plays a vital role in our daily lives.”

    In between world-class acts, festival attendees explored the Live Wildly tent, where they were surrounded by the sights of Florida’s unique natural areas. Inside the air-conditioned, springs-themed environment, guests cooled off while learning about Florida’s iconic freshwater springs and the many species that depend on them. Vibrant imagery and educational displays throughout the venue highlighted the importance of protecting Florida’s fragile ecosystems. Near the center of the event, Live Wildly showcased the return of its 15-foot inflatable Florida panther and debuted a new cub, a nod to the critically endangered species with only a little over 200 believed to remain in the wild.

    This marks the second consecutive year Live Wildly has teamed up with Sing Out Loud to raise funds for Florida conservation. Year-round, Live Wildly collaborates with public and private partners across the state to connect people with Florida’s wild places and inspire lasting support for protecting them.

    “Our partnership with Live Wildly reflects what Sing Out Loud Festival is all about – using the power of music to bring awareness and inspire action,” said Gabe Pellicer, CEO & President of SJC Cultural Events, Inc., the 501c3 organization that produces Sing Out Loud Festival. “Thanks to this collaboration, we’ve shown that when music and conservation come together, we can make a real impact for Florida’s wild places. And that impact goes beyond one weekend of music – it helps safeguard the lands and waters that define Florida’s identity and sustain our communities for generations.”

    Live Wildly’s mission is the long-term protection of Florida’s lands and waters, starting with a permanently connected Florida Wildlife Corridor. The Corridor, established in 2021, is an 18-million-acre network of lands and waters stretching from the Everglades to the Panhandle. It not only provides habitat for almost 2,000 different species – including the iconic Florida panther, manatees, and the Gopher tortoise, but also supports more than 100,000 jobs and generates $30 billion in annual revenue through recreation, tourism, agriculture and other industries.

    Source: Live Wildly Foundation

    Related Media

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Live Wildly Foundation Celebrate 25 Years of Florida Forever During National Public Lands Day

    [ad_1]


    TALLAHASSEE, FL, September 23, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Florida Forever program, which has protected more than 1 million acres of lands across the state for the benefit of both people and nature. To celebrate, the Live Wildly Foundation is joining the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on Sept. 27 for National Public Lands Day, encouraging Floridians and visitors to get outside and explore Florida’s unique natural areas.

    Florida Forever is more than an environmental land acquisition program. It is shaping the future of Florida’s landscapes, natural resources and economy. The program purchases land, guaranteeing permanent public ownership, access and management for recreation, restoration and conservation, and partners with private landowners to place conservation easements on properties that preserve working farms, ranches and forests. These acquisitions provide a host of ecosystem benefits, including water quality and quantity, storm resilience, habitat and species protection, and outdoor recreation. Through cooperative partnerships, Florida Forever continues as the state’s blueprint for conserving natural resources.

    “National Public Lands Day reminds us how fortunate we are to have access to so many amazing state parks, wildlife management areas and other public lands across Florida, where we can relax, recreate and discover the vital role nature plays in our daily lives,” said DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “The Florida Forever program has been essential in conserving many of these public areas while also keeping working lands healthy and productive.”

    Among the public recreational areas made possible through Florida Forever that people can visit on National Public Lands Day, and year-round, are:

    In recent years, the Florida Forever program has accelerated its work to support the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act. Signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2021, the act established the Wildlife Corridor, 18 million acres of connected lands and waters that stretch from Northwest Florida to the Everglades. The corridor provides important habitat for species such as the Florida panther, supports roughly 114,000 jobs and contributes $30 billion in annual revenue through recreation, tourism, agriculture and other industries. Through Florida Forever, more than 325,000 acres of lands and waters within the Wildlife Corridor have been conserved.

    “Florida’s natural systems are the backbone of our local economies and communities,” said Lisa Shipley, Live Wildly CEO. “Florida Forever, along with other conservation initiatives like the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act, have created unparalleled opportunities for Floridians to enjoy public lands while ensuring that our state’s wild and working lands are protected for generations to come.”

    For more information on Florida Forever, visit FloridaForever.org.

    Source: Live Wildly Foundation

    Related Media

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Live Wildly Partners With Sing Out Loud Festival to Make Beautiful Music for People and Nature

    [ad_1]

    The Live Wildly Showcase concert will raise funds for conservation while connecting people to Florida’s wild places


    SAINT AUGUSTINE, Fla., August 26, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Live Wildly is partnering with Sing Out Loud Festival for the second year in a row to present the Live Wildly Showcase – a mission-driven concert designed to spark deeper connections to Florida’s wild places.

    The two-day outdoor concert – held in St. Augustine, FL, Sept. 20-21 – will be headlined by multiplatinum-selling sensation Hozier, with an exciting lineup that also includes indie-pop favorite Beabadoobee, rising breakout star sombr, and other world-renowned artists.

    For each ticket sold, $10 will go to conservation efforts in Florida’s St. Johns County. Last year’s Live Wildly Showcase raised more than $160,000 for land conservation.

    “The Live Wildly Showcase is more than just a concert – it’s a call to action,” said Lisa Shipley, CEO of Live Wildly. “By coming together to celebrate today’s most powerful music, we’re also uniting to protect the wild lands and waters that make Florida extraordinary. Music has the power to move people, just like nature does. When the two come together, we create something deeply inspiring – a chance to connect, to learn, and to make a difference.”

    In addition to its Showcase concert, Live Wildly is also inviting festival goers to step beyond the stage and explore wild Florida with four curated experiences taking place during the month of September across St. Johns County.

    These immersive adventures have been created in partnership with local conservation and cultural organizations and are designed to help people learn about the vital role nature has played in Florida’s past, present and future.

    • Wild Waters Art Exhibit opens on Sept. 1 at the historic Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum in downtown St. Augustine, and offers people the chance to explore the natural beauty of Florida through the eyes of artists who were inspired by its rivers, lakes, wetlands and coasts. Presented by the Harn Museum of Art in partnership with the UF Center for Landscape Conservation Planning, the self-guided exhibit invites you to connect with Florida’s water-rich ecosystems in a new, artistic way.

    • Bird Wildly Walking Tours will be offered before the Live Wildly Showcase concerts Sept. 20-21, taking people through two of St. Augustine’s most iconic landscapes – Mission Nombre de Dios and Castillo de San Marcos. Led by experienced birders from the St. Augustine Bird Club and St. Johns Regional Audubon, these one-hour tours are ideal for beginners and seasoned birders alike. Tour space is limited. Register for the tours here.

    • Explore history and nature at the Fort Mose Historic State Park. Home to the site of the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in what would become the United States, this 40-acre waterfront park features a full-scale reconstruction of the original 18th-century fort as well as a boardwalk and scenic spots for picnicking, birding and kayaking.

    • Experience the wild side of St. Augustine with special boat and kayak tours presented by St. Augustine Eco Tours. Five guided tours will take place from Sept. 19-21, offering an up-close look at the region’s rich marine life, scenic waterways and coastal ecosystems. The 90-minute boat tours will give participants the chance to see dolphins and coastal birdlife while cruising through rivers and creeks with expert naturalist guides. The two-hour guided paddle tours include a short on-land clinic before heading under the Bridge of Lions and into the salt marshes. Tours are available at a discounted rate of $40. Register here.

    More information about Live Wildly’s Showcase concert and the curated nature adventures during Sing Out Loud Festival can be found here.

    “People protect what they love,” Shipley added. “And Florida gives us so much to love – from untamed forests to crystal-clear springs. Our hope is that this event opens hearts and minds, and encourages more people to step outside, fall in love with the wild, and become its fiercest protectors.”

    Contact Information

    Live Wildly Press Contact
    pressrelease@livewildly.com

    Source: Live Wildly Foundation

    Related Media

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Looking to Beat the Heat this Summer? Live Wildly Shares Florida’s Top Five Spots to Cool Off in Nature

    [ad_1]


    TAMPA, Fla., July 16, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    As temperatures rise across the Sunshine State, it might be tempting to stay inside and crank the air conditioning. But getting out into Florida’s wild spaces can help you stay cool while connecting with the beauty and power of nature!

    Live Wildly, a nonprofit inspiring people to experience and protect Florida’s natural landscapes, is reminding Floridians that forests and freshwater springs offer their own natural air conditioning, with forests keeping temperatures as much as 13 degrees cooler than surrounding areas. And the state’s numerous natural springs provide refreshing escapes in clear waters that stay a cool 68-72 degrees year-round.

    “Protecting Florida’s forests and other natural areas can help all of us stay cooler as temperatures rise,” said Lisa Shipley, CEO of the nonprofit Live Wildly. “Walking beneath shaded forest canopies, tubing down rivers, or taking a plunge into natural spring waters is a great way to beat the heat – and it’s a lot more fun than sitting inside staring at a screen!”

    Whether you’re looking for a refreshing swim or a breezy trail to explore, here are Live Wild’s top five outdoor places to stay cool this summer:

    1. Wekiwa Springs State Park: With crystal clear waters that stay a refreshing 72-degrees year-round, Wekiwa Springs is the perfect place to snorkel, swim, or just dangle your feet in crisp spring waters. Living up to its name – “wekiwa” comes from the Creek word meaning “bubbling water” – the park offers visitors natural swimming pools and the opportunity to float above a bubbling aquifer. Kayak rentals are available on-site to paddle the Wekiwa River. Located a quick 25-minute drive from Orlando, it’s the perfect place to explore nature while beating the heat. Reservations are required for entry, so make sure to plan ahead.

    2. Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park: Despite its devilish name, this Gainesville park provides visitors a lush and unexpected oasis. You’ll feel the temperature drop as you descend a staired-boardwalk into a 120-foot sinkhole. Small waterfalls and streams tumble down the steep limestone walls where thick vegetation thrives even in the driest of summers. Once at the bottom, enjoy the cool shade of a miniature rainforest. You might even spot shark teeth and other fossils embedded in the walls, revealing the ancient history of this geological wonder.

    3. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park: This Gulf Coast beach, located along a barrier island near Naples, is considered one of the most pristine stretches of beach in the world. Enjoy cool ocean breezes while you swim, search for shells, or spot dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles swimming offshore. Bring your own kayak, canoe, or paddleboard to explore Water Turkey Bay. A hard-bottom reef located off the shoreline offers fun snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities.

    4. Blackwater River State Park: Located in the panhandle, the park offers numerous ways to cool off along the meandering Blackwater River. You can fish along the river’s sandy banks or from the park’s numerous oxbow lakes. Rent kayaks, canoes, and tubes to float down the river’s shallow waters and pass over deep swimming holes. For those who prefer to stay dry, there are trails for hiking and biking in the shade of towering longleaf pines.

    5. Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve: Enjoy the cool breezes and shady maritime forests of this sprawling research reserve while learning how estuaries benefit our daily lives (among other things, they filter our water, reduce flooding, and serve as nurseries for fish, crabs and shrimp). Visitors can paddle the serene waters of Guana Lake, the Guana River, and the Tolomato River, or hike trails while looking for some of the 200 bird species that have been recorded here. The reserve also offers guided tours during which you can learn about the human and natural history of this coastal habitat located just 20 minutes north of St. Augustine.

    Live Wildly believes that the more people connect with nature, the more they’ll want to protect it. That’s why the organization is committed to preserving wild places, sharing their stories and empowering Floridians to be part of conservation solutions.

    “These aren’t just beautiful places to visit,” said Shipley. “They’re vital ecosystems-and the heart of our State’s economic prosperity.

    To find more cool outdoor escapes and learn how Live Wildly supports conservation efforts across Florida, visit LiveWildly.com and follow @LiveWildlyFL on social media.

    About Live Wildly:
    Live Wildly is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Florida’s natural landscapes and wildlife. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, Live Wildly works to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and empower individuals to take action to protect the environment. The organization is committed to safeguarding Florida’s rich biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

    Source: Live Wildly Foundation

    Related Media

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Live Wildly Takes It Outside with Misty Wells of the Discovery Channel 

    [ad_1]

    Discovery’s “Let’s Take It Outside” program will feature Florida’s Wildlife Corridor, state parks, and other places where people can connect with wild Florida


    TAMPA, Fla., May 27, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Live Wildly is joining forces with the Discovery Channel’s “Let’s Take It Outside” program to shine a spotlight on Florida’s wild lands and waters – and the vital role they play in supporting economies, communities, and well-being.

    Hosted by avid angler and outdoor enthusiast Misty Wells, the nationally-syndicated program travels the world to get viewers excited about reconnecting with the outdoors. 

    Wells has joined Live Wildly as an Adventurist, helping to tell the story of wild Florida through her unique lens. Live Wildly Adventurists are the voices of Florida’s wild places-filmmakers and writers, photographers and scientists, athletes and seekers-who venture into the field to capture and share the beauty, challenges, and wonder of this vast and vital landscape. 

    “We’re thrilled to work with Misty to raise awareness of Florida’s world-class outdoor recreational areas. From hiking on the Florida Trail, to kayaking the Everglades and angling pristine coastal waters, Florida has it all,” said Lisa Shipley, CEO of Live Wildly. “These wild places not only fill our hearts and inspire our souls, they also are the foundation of Florida’s economy, supporting more than 100,000 jobs and generating tens of billions in revenue through recreation, tourism, agriculture, forestry, and many other industries.”

    Live Wildly will work with “Let’s Take It Outside” to produce a segment for its next season that will be shot in outdoor locations across Florida, including in state parks and the Florida Wildlife Corridor, an 18-million-acre stretch of connected lands and waters from the Panhandle to the Everglades.

    The segment will be filmed this summer and is expected to air this fall.

    As a sponsor of the show’s sixth season, Live Wildly’s name and logo also will be featured during every episode, asking viewers to Join the Movement to keep wild Florida secure and healthy for future generations. 

    Live Wildly and Misty Wells are also planning to participate in several exciting events together over the coming year to encourage even more people to get outside and discover wild Florida. Stay tuned for more information!

    “People protect what they love,” Shipley said. “That’s why Live Wildly is so excited to work with Misty because she helps people find ways to get outside and fall in love with nature.”

    Source: Live Wildly Foundation

    Related Media

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • JJ Grey & Morfo’s Blackwater Sol Revue To Be Livestreamed Globally

    [ad_1]

    Festival Hosted By Grey And Presented By Live Wildly Will Livestream For Free For The First Time Ever


    TAMPA, Fla., May 23, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    On Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25, acclaimed Alligator Records recording artist JJ Grey, leader of JJ Grey & Mofro, will host the 2025 Blackwater Sol Revue presented by the Live Wildly Foundation. Today, Friday, May 23, Grey announced that, for the first time ever, the festival will be livestreamed around the world for free.

    The free livestream will be hosted on Volume.com and available at this link: https://volume.com/blackwatersolrevue.

    There will be an additional donation link for people to contribute to Live Wildly’s conservation efforts. According to Live Wildly, “We are proud to present JJ Grey’s Blackwater Sol Revue. Donations made on this livestream will directly support conservation initiatives that help preserve wild Florida.”

    JJ Grey & Mofro will headline both nights at Florida’s St. Augustine Amphitheatre. Other artists on the bill include 49 Winchester, The White Buffalo, John Anderson, Andy Frasco & The U.N., The Marshall Tucker Band and Huntley.

    About JJ Grey & Mofro:
    From his early days playing cover music in a Jacksonville juke joint while working at a lumberyard, to headlining sold-out shows worldwide, JJ Grey has always poured his soul into his music. Since his debut album Blackwater in 2001, Grey has delivered moving, funk-infused rock and Southern soul. His tenth album, 2024’s Olustee, sees him returning to his roots, sharing personal stories of redemption, hard luck, and inner peace. The album, steeped in the Southern myths of his Florida home, showcases his gritty baritone and evocative songwriting, blending the carnal with the cerebral. Through vivid lyrics and passionate delivery, Grey reminds listeners to respect the natural world, live in the moment, and, most importantly, enjoy life’s good times.

    About Live Wildly:
    Live Wildly is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Florida’s natural landscapes and wildlife. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, Live Wildly works to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and empower individuals to take action to protect the environment. The organization is committed to safeguarding Florida’s rich biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

    For more information on JJ Grey & Mofro, visit jjgrey.com or the official Facebook Page.

    Source: Live Wildly Foundation

    [ad_2]

    Source link