Listen "EP #7 We Almost Divided Florida. The Story of the Cross Florida Barge Canal "
Episode Synopsis
In today’s episode, Kaylee and Maegan explore the life and legacy of Marjorie Harris Carr, a trailblazing conservationist who fought to protect Florida’s natural spaces. They discuss her role in establishing the Paynes Prairie Wildlife Refuge, her opposition to the Cross Florida Barge Canal, and the power of community advocacy in shaping environmental policy. The episode highlights the impact of public engagement, the formation of environmental advocacy groups, and the lasting legacy of the Cross Florida Greenway. As part of Women’s History Month, Kaylee and Maegan recognize Carr’s contributions to conservation and the importance of protecting Florida’s ecosystems.Chapters:03:05 Introduction to Florida's Unique History 05:56 Marjorie Harris Carr: A Trailblazer in Conservation 09:13 The National Youth Administration and Its Impact 11:58 Marjorie's Early Career and Family Life 15:07 Establishing Paynes Prairie Wildlife Refuge 17:54 Community Engagement and Environmental Awareness 21:02 The Cross Florida Barge Canal: Ambitious Plans and Consequences 23:59 Labor Struggles and Community Displacement 26:45 The Aftermath of the Canal Project 27:44 Environmental Concerns and Advocacy 32:02 The Impact of Public Engagement on Environmental Awareness 37:08 Formation of Environmental Advocacy Groups 42:06 Legislative Changes and Environmental Protection 48:50 The Legacy of the Cross Florida GreenwayResources: https://fladefenders.org/history/marjorie-harris-carr/https://myfloridahistory.org/frontiers/article/95Book: Ditch of Dreams by David Tegeder and Steven Nollhttps://www.floridastateparks.org/Cross-Floridahttps://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/history-cross-florida-greenwayhttps://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/historic-santos-recreation-areaThank you for listening! To learn more about the podcast, join us on Instagram & YouTube. https://www.instagram.com/ourfloridapodcast https://www.youtube.com/@ourfloridapodcast If you have any recommendations or Florida Experiences you'd like to share, email us at [email protected]
More episodes of the podcast Our Florida Podcast
EP#23 Mermaids in the Springs: Weeki Wachee
30/06/2025
EP#22 The Mysterious Skunk Ape of Florida
23/06/2025
EP#21A Look at Florida's LGBTQ History
16/06/2025
EP#20 How to get away with grave robbery?
09/06/2025
Ep#19 FWC Commissioner Rodney Barreto
26/05/2025
EP# 16 Should We Hunt Florida’s Black Bears? What You Need to Know Before the FWC Meeting
12/05/2025
EP#15 2015 48 Hour Black Bear Hunt
05/05/2025