Alex Freeze

With all the new faces around here, I wanted to take a second to say hello! 👋🏻 I’m Alex, a 7th generation Floridian and child of the wild 🌿 I grew up in Tampa, but spent most of my young life on either a Gulf coast barrier island (Little Gasparilla) exploring sand dunes and mangroves, or on my grandparent’s 300 acre cattle ranch just outside Bradenton, chasing cows and roaming through oak hammocks. I’m someone who equally loves both art and science, and working at the intersection of creative storytelling and cutting-edge conservation is my happy place. My work has ranged from trekking through the swamps of south Florida as @carltonward ’s field photography and camera trap assistant (pictured here camped in the flooded aftermath of Hurricane Irma) to teaching environmental biology as an adjunct professor at @radfordu , anthrozoology at @vamdcentaur , and now advocating for the protection of wildlife corridors with @floridawildlifecorridor . Our film Hidden Wild was created to give Palm Beach County students the opportunity to experience the wilderness hidden in plain sight right in their own backyards. Our hope is that students and Florida residents alike will be inspired by this journey to go out and experience wild Florida for themselves, taking time to appreciate the natural wonders of the Sunshine State. To me, Hidden Wild is so much more than an adventure film. Our journey showcases in a spectacular way what can happen when a community invests in protecting its natural treasures. Florida is a densely populated state, the 3rd most populated in the country, in fact. 1,000 people a day move to Florida, and the pace of development is far outrunning that of conservation. Protecting our natural resources isn’t just about saving land for wildlife, but ultimately saving people, too. Hidden Wild is a taste of the joy being immersed in the outdoors can bring, if we will only take a moment to go exploring ourselves. Film link in bio. 📸 Carlton Ward Jr. #exploreflorida #realflorida #floridaexplored #floridawild #keepflwild #lovefl #wildflorida #keepfloridawild #pureflorida #discoverflorida #floridanature #floridaadventures #hiddenwild #raw_florida

Through a proud partnership with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, @litorestudio (my incredible cousin) presents this custom watercolor and gouache coastal map motif depicting the Florida Wildlife Corridor overlaid with a whimsical tapestry of Florida’s flora and fauna. Litore Studio is honored to donate 20% of the proceeds from every order of this map motif directly to the important work of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation. The Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation champions a collaborative campaign to permanently connect, protect and restore the Florida Wildlife Corridor – nearly 18 million acres of contiguous wilderness and working lands crucial to the survival of many of Florida’s 131 imperiled animals. Learn more @floridawildlifecorridor . #floridawild #keepflwild #lovefl #keepfloridawild #protectwildplaces #hiddenwild #floridawildlifecorridor #connectprotectrestore #peopleneednature #optoutside #conserveflorida

“Test panther” to Florida panther 📸 🐾 One of the most exhilarating (and deeply challenging) parts of creating the @pathofthepanther film was maintaining a network of over 30 photo and video camera traps. These “studios in the woods” were scattered across south Florida waiting for the chance to capture never before seen images of the secret lives of the Florida panther. Building, deploying, testing and maintaining these systems was a full time job, with countless hours spent troubleshooting and problem solving through every issue you could imagine; water damage, electrical malfunctions, dead batteries, mouse-chewed wires, ant infestations, and my personal favorite; cows and bears turning the cameras into their personal chew toys and scratching posts. The hurtles to capture these images seemed endless, but the results speak for themselves. These images are windows into the lives of the rarest cat in Florida. Photos by @carltonward and @wildpath . Camera trap systems currently being deployed and maintained by the amazing @georgemckenziejr @leyoho and @maliabyrtus with assistance from a wonderful network of volunteers in south Florida. You can see these images and many more in PATH OF THE PANTHER, a @grizzlycreekfilms and @natgeo documentary streaming on @natgeotv April 22, @hulu on April 23, and @disneyplus May 5! Go to pathofthepanther.com to learn more! #pathofthepanther #wildpath #floridapanther #exploreflorida #realflorida #floridawild #keepflwild #lovefl #wildflorida #keepfloridawild #discoverflorida #protectwildplaces #floridanature #hiddenwild #flwild #floridawildlife #floridawildlifecorridor #connectprotectrestore #peopleneednature #optoutside #wildlifecorridors #florida #conserveflorida

Remember who you are, weird nature girl 🐾🦇🐊🦋 🦉🌿📸🩵 #wildlife #wildlifebiologist #conservation #conservationist #keepflwild

Join us in the heart of Marion County on Wednesday, May 20th for a special evening bringing together landowners, conservation leaders, horse farm advocates, and community members committed to keeping the Florida Wildlife Corridor connected and protected. Set against Ocala’s world-renowned horse country, this convening will explore how working lands, wildlife habitat, and vibrant rural communities can thrive together. Following a networking hour and partner expo, we are honored to feature keynote speaker Ben Masters, National Geographic Explorer and acclaimed filmmaker. His storytelling on wildlife connectivity, ranching heritage, and conservation stewardship reflects the collaborative spirit shaping Marion County and the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The keynote will be followed by a reception featuring a hosted bar and Florida- inspired bites. Throughout the evening, guests will: • Connect with fellow landowners and conservation partners • Learn about practical stewardship tools and opportunities • Explore how smart planning and rural land protection support both working lands and habitat • Engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of Marion County Whether you are a horse farm owner, conservation advocate, community leader, or simply passionate about Florida’s landscapes, this event offers a chance to be part of a solutions-focused conversation shaping the region’s future. 🎟️Get your tickets at the link in our bio! This event is hosted in partnership with Horse Farms Forever and sponsored by The Saint Bernard Foundation and Duke Energy Corporation.

‼️New Episode Today at Noon‼️ There’s a version of Florida you don’t see from the road. You have to step into it. Listen to it. Understand it. For Alex, that’s where it all begins… not just studying the wild, but helping people feel connected to it. Because when people feel like they belong in the story, they start to care what happens next. And that’s where conservation really begins. 🎙️ New Trail to Tide episode is live today at noon only on the @outdoorradionetwork 📸 provided by @alexofthewild #trailtotide #womenintheoutdoors #getoutside #conservation

Join us in the heart of Marion County on Wednesday, May 20th for a special evening bringing together landowners, conservation leaders, horse farm advocates, and community members committed to keeping the Florida Wildlife Corridor connected and protected. Set against Ocala’s world-renowned horse country, this convening will explore how working lands, wildlife habitat, and vibrant rural communities can thrive together.⁠ ⁠ Following a kickoff networking hour and partner expo, we are honored to feature keynote speaker Ben Masters (@bencmasters ), National Geographic Explorer and acclaimed filmmaker. His storytelling on wildlife connectivity, ranching heritage, and conservation stewardship reflects the collaborative spirit shaping Marion County and the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The keynote will be followed by a reception featuring a hosted bar and Florida- inspired bites.⁠ ⁠ Throughout the evening, guests will:⁠ • Connect with fellow landowners and conservation partners⁠ • Learn about practical stewardship tools and opportunities⁠ • Explore how smart planning and rural land protection support both working lands and habitat⁠ • Engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of Marion County⁠ ⁠ Whether you are a horse farm owner, conservation advocate, community leader, or simply passionate about Florida’s landscapes, this event offers a chance to be part of a solutions-focused conversation shaping the region’s future.⁠ ⁠ We hope you’ll join us for this evening of partnership, purpose, and place. Secure your tickets at the link in my bio.⁠ ⁠ This event is hosted in partnership with Horse Farms Forever and sponsored by The Saint Bernard Foundation and Duke Energy.

Join us on Friday, February 27, from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM (ET) for the next Corridor Connect+ webinar, where we’ll explore “Linking Lands, People, and Purpose for a Connected Corridor” - how innovative partnerships, landowner leadership, and creative collaboration are shaping the future of the Florida Wildlife Corridor. This 90-minute virtual convening will bring together conservation leaders, landowners, researchers, and storytellers to highlight how lands, people, and purpose come together to sustain connectivity across Florida—and beyond. 🔗Click the link in bio to signup Agenda Highlights: Corridor Conservation Updates Mallory Dimmitt, CEO, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation Partnership Spotlight: Tribal Leadership & Landscape Connectivity A fireside conversation exploring innovative partnerships between the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians, the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, and others—highlighting cultural stewardship, conservation leadership, and collaborative land protection. Featured Artist Susan Cerulean shares reflections from decades of exploring Florida’s wild places through bird research, coastal conservation, and storytelling—illustrating how personal narrative can deepen connection, empathy, and stewardship across the Corridor. Regional Connectivity in Action Kelly Homan, Auburn University Natural Heritage Program, discusses tri-state conservation work across Georgia, Alabama, and Florida, including collaborative mapping and data-driven approaches that inform regional connectivity planning. Innovating Conservation Funding through PES A first-look at the Florida Wildlife Corridor Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) Pilot Program, exploring how new funding tools can support working lands that provide habitat connectivity, water quality and aquifer recharge benefits. Audience Q&A Moderated by Alex Freeze, Corridor Connect Director Closing Remarks & What’s Next A preview of 2026 Corridor initiatives and Corridor Connect+ LIVE with Marly Fuller, CXO, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation PS: Can’t make it on February 27? Register anyway and we’ll send you a replay link. Link in bio to signup.

What an inspiring night of film and conservation. Thank you to everyone who came out to our Eco Cinema Night with @stpeteecoclub and @suncoastsierra at @greenlightstpete ! Special thank you to @wildpath and @floridawildlifecorridor for your involvement in the films and conservation story telling. And of course that you to Director and Producer of both films @ktbryden as well as Lauren Yoho leyoho and Alex Freeze @alexofthewild for being part of our expert panel! Would you like to see another environmental film night? 🎥🍿

Join St. Pete Eco Club Wednesday January 28th 6-9 pm for a special night of environmental storytelling, hosted at @greenlightcinema in partnership with @suncoastsierra . This evening brings our community together around powerful films and meaningful conversation about wildlife, conservation, and Florida’s changing landscapes. We’ll be screening two National Geographic documentaries: The Little Brown Bird Once down to only 80 individuals in the wild, the Florida grasshopper sparrow is one of the most endangered songbirds in the United States. This film follows biologist Fabby Baeza-Tarin and an unexpected team working to protect the sparrows, their shrinking habitat, and the headwaters of the Everglades. Florida Bear Tracks This film follows a black bear biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and her all-female research team as they capture and tag bears across the state, gathering critical data on wildlife corridors and habitat connectivity. After the screenings, stay for a panel discussion with @ktbryden of @wildpathfilms @laurenyoho of @wildpathfilms @alexfreeze with @flwildcorridor Moderated by @domjuan_de_la_medina , the conversation will explore filmmaking, Florida wildlife conservation, and how local action connects to larger environmental movements. Light refreshments will be provided ✨ Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door, space permitting. RSVP through the link in our bio. Come watch, listen, and be part of the conversation. 🎥

2016 was my year of learning. Learning my camera. Learning my craft as an educator and storyteller. Learning how to be a scientist. Learning what it actually takes to make conservation impact happen—and how I could be part of that impact. It was a year of some of the most intensely painful and beautiful change I’ve ever experienced. Some things I wish I could change. Some things I would never change. Ten years later, I can say this with clarity: I’m grateful for the person 2016 shaped me into. I’m grateful for the lessons that hurt. I’m grateful for the ones that cracked me open. 2026 me exists because 2016 me chose boldness and risk over what was comfortable and easy. I’m grateful for that girl 🌿📸🐾

Join @stpeteecoclub and @suncoastsierra at Green Light Cinema @greenlightstpete for an inspiring evening of environmental documentaries. We will be screening two compelling short documentaries focused on Florida wildlife and conservation: The Little Brown Bird Production: @wildpath @cornellbirds A visually stunning short film exploring the fragile relationship between wildlife, habitat, and human development through the journey of a small but resilient bird. The film highlights how environmental change impacts species living on the edge. The story and filmmaker’s work has been featured within National Geographic’s broader environmental coverage. Florida Bear Tracks Production: @wildpath An intimate look at Florida’s black bears and the conservationists working to protect them. The film examines habitat loss, human–wildlife conflict, and what it takes to ensure a future where bears and people can coexist. Following the screenings, stay for a panel discussion featuring KT Bryden (The director, producer, and cinematographer on both films) @ktbryden and Alex Freeze (Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation Corridor Connect Director) @alexofthewild , moderated by Dominic Medina. The conversation will explore the filmmaking process, Florida wildlife conservation, and how local environmental stories can reach broader audiences. Light refreshments will be provided. Tickets are $10 when purchased through the link in @stpeteecoclub ’s bio and $12 at the door. The theatre seats 80 so attend first-come-first serve after online tickets are sold. This event is perfect for film lovers, environmental advocates, and anyone curious about Florida’s natural world. Come watch, listen, and be part of the conversation. 🎥 Thanks to @greenlightstpete for the venue and services to make this event happen. Check out their theatre for more engaging events, programs, and more.