Announcing: America's Forgotten Prairie
Our Next Documentary Takes Us to Florida's Last Wild Prairie
What if we told you that wild bison and Spanish colonial horses roam free in Florida?
After the incredible journey of documenting King of the Everglades, we're thrilled to announce XPLORIST's next conservation film: America's Forgotten Prairie—a short documentary exploring one of the most unique and overlooked ecosystems in North America.
The Last Wild Prairie in Florida
Hidden in plain sight near Gainesville lies Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, a 21,000-acre biological treasure unlike anything else in the region. This diverse basin marsh represents one of America's last intact wet prairie ecosystems—a vanishing landscape that once dominated the Southeast.
But what makes this place truly remarkable isn't just the prairie itself. It's what calls it home.
Where Bison Roam Free
Since 1975, American bison have thrived here in an incredible 50-year conservation success story. These magnificent animals roam freely across the wetlands, proving that megafauna can adapt and flourish in Florida's climate while restoring historical grazing patterns that shaped this landscape for millennia.
Alongside them, wild Spanish colonial horses descended from the animals that arrived with early explorers centuries ago create a living portrait of pre-settlement Florida—a world brought back from the edge of being forgotten.
A 20-Minute Film, Years in the Making
This isn't just another nature documentary. Over one intensive week on location (January 10-17, 2025), we'll capture:
Bison herd dynamics across the sweeping wet prairie
Fire ecology and its critical role in habitat management
Wild horse behavior in one of Florida's most unique settings
Ecosystem restoration success stories from the experts who made it happen
We're partnering directly with Florida Park Service staff and rangers to ensure our storytelling is grounded in science, authenticity, and respect for the animals and landscape we're documenting.
Why This Story Matters
Wet prairies are disappearing across North America. Most people don't even know Florida had them—let alone that one still exists with wild bison grazing beneath Spanish moss and cypress.
This film serves as:
Educational resource for understanding prairie ecology and fire management
Conservation model showcasing science-driven ecosystem restoration
Public inspiration to support wildlife management programs
Historical documentation of a landscape few will ever witness
The XPLORIST Approach
True to our mission, we're committed to:
Low-impact observation prioritizing animal welfare
Ethical filmmaking with strict wildlife protocols
4K cinematography and FAA-compliant aerial systems
Expert voices from the rangers and scientists who know this land best
All footage will be shared with Florida State Parks for educational use, visitor centers, and public outreach—at zero cost to them.
How You Can Help
We're raising $3,500 to fund this independent production. In just 24 hours since announcing this project, we've already raised $325 thanks to early supporters like you.
Support tiers range from $25 to $500, with perks including film credits, signed prints, 4K downloads, and Executive Producer recognition.
Support America's Forgotten Prairie →
What's Next
Pre-production has already been well underway and principal photography is scheduled for January 10th. Over the coming weeks, you'll get behind-the-scenes updates, early footage previews, and stories from the field as we document this remarkable place.
We're also seeking small business sponsors interested in supporting independent conservation filmmaking. Custom partnership packages are available.
From the Everglades to the Prairie
While we are busy with the hunt for "Croczilla" in King of the Everglades, we're also expanding our focus to tell the broader story of Florida's wild places—the ones hiding in plain sight, waiting to be rediscovered.
Paynes Prairie is America's forgotten treasure. Let's make sure it's remembered.
Project Stats:
📍 Location: Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Florida
🎬 Format: 20-25 minute short documentary
📅 Principal Photography: January 10-17, 2025
🎯 Goal: $3,500 fundraising target
🦬 Subject: Wild bison, horses, and wet prairie ecology
Distribution:
XPLORIST platforms (YouTube, website, newsletter)
Conservation film festivals (Jackson Wild, Wild & Scenic)
Partner screenings with conservation organizations
Educational institutions and visitor centers
