Elysia wears many hats, but in short she’s an all-around badass. She recently stepped into the role of Team Leader for the Headwaters Ecosystem Management Team, Archbold Biological Station’s in-house prescribed fire strike team. In this position, she leads regional fire management efforts to restore and maintain critical ecosystems while reducing wildfire risk across the Everglades Headwaters and the Lake Wales Ridge.

Before joining Archbold, Elysia served as the Area Biologist for Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Lake Wales Ridge sites, where she worked to conserve large habitat corridors and restore some of Florida’s most endangered plant communities.

As you might expect, Elysia has incredible fire stories and she brought that same energy, passion, and deep knowledge to our conversation on the show.

Join Us at the Lake Wales Ridge Fire Fest

Also, if you’d like to hear more from Elysia and other fire experts, join us at the Lake Wales Ridge Fire Fest on November 8th, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Highlands Hammock State Park in Sebring, Florida. We’ll be hosting a live podcast recording and expert panel featuring Elysia and other leaders in fire ecology.

About Fire Fest

Explore the essential role of fire in Florida’s ecosystems at a day-long festival filled with learning, demonstrations, and community engagement. Admission is free with the park’s $6 entrance fee.

10:00 AM — Gates Open

Grab a map, visit interactive exhibits, and explore booths and food trucks. See fire equipment up close, from helicopters to fire trucks, and chat with crews protecting Florida’s landscapes.

10:30 AM – 12:30 PM — Presentations

Hear from fire scientists, land managers, and conservation experts during a morning of talks and discussions.

1:00 PM — Main Stage: Live Panel & Podcast Recording

Join our panel of experts as they share real-world fire stories and insights, including a special live podcast taping.

1:00 PM — Burn Crew Gears Up

Watch the team prepare for ignition and learn what goes into a safe prescribed burn.

2:00 PM — Public Briefing & Walk to Burn Site

Get an overview of the upcoming demonstration and its ecological benefits.

2:30 PM — Prescribed Burn Demonstration

See fire in action! Live commentary and Q&A will accompany the burn.

~5:00 PM — Mop-Up & Wrap-Up

Watch how the crew ensures the site is safe before closing out the day.

Learn more here: https://www.archbold-station.org/events/fire-fest-2025/