Meet MaVynee "Beach Lady" Betsch

For decades, the "Beach Lady" was the fearless voice of American Beach—a vibrant haven for Black families during segregation. This special place offered joy, connection, and freedom, but over time, it faced threats from development and neglect.

MaVynee, a former opera singer with an international career, gave it all up to fight for something bigger. She donated her wealth to environmental preservation, becoming a passionate advocate for the land, history, and culture she loved.

Her most enduring environmental effort? Protecting NaNa Dune, Florida`s tallest natural dune system. It stands today as a testament to her tireless work and unshakable spirit.

The tides may rise and fall, but MaVynee’s impact will last forever—a legacy as profound as the waves on the shore. 🌊 💙

📸 Portrait of MaVynee Betsch by Gary Clark (Florida Times Union). Other photos by Charles Stankiewicz (National Park Service).

Learn more about her incredible story through the link in our bio!

#FloridaHistory #BeachLady #WeAreWildFlorida #EnvironmentalHero #AmericanBeach

WE ARE SO BACK!! (And so is your go-to list for wild Florida adventures!) 🥳🎉

These event roundups take time, but they’re worth it—because getting more people outside, connected, and fired up about Florida’s wild side is what we’re here for.

Tag a friend, share this post, and help us spread the word! Every share builds a community that loves, protects, and explores Florida’s incredible natural spaces. Let’s keep the wild spirit alive! 🌎✨

#WildFlorida #ExploreAndProtect #FloridaOutdoors #livewildly #livewildlyfl #thingstodoinflorida

When life cancels your paddling trip, hop on a swamp buggy instead! 🌿🚜

Live Wildly adventurist @georgemckenziejr traded oars for wheels and explored @natureflorida`s jaw-dropping 11,500-acre Disney Wilderness Preserve. Think rare wildlife, epic views, and conservation lessons—because nature loves a good plot twist. 🐦🌾

Want the full scoop (and some unreal pics)? Check out George`s new blog post—linked in our bio! ✨ #DisneyWildernessPreserve #LiveWildly #WeAreWildFlorida @nature_org

Happy Florida Arbor Day! 🌳🌴

We’re here to celebrate the trees that make our world greener, cleaner, and more beautiful. Share what you love most about trees in the comments! 🌿

This post is not sponsored by the Lorax.

#FloridaArborDay #LoveTrees #Lorax #LoveThatDude #IsTheLoraxADude #TreeAppreciation #PlantATree #ArborDay #Sustainability #GoGreen #LiveWildlyFL #WeAreWildFlorida

We can’t decide… does Okefenokee look more stunning at nighttime, or during the day?

Photos by @adventurist_sara #LiveWildlyFL #WeAreWildFlorida #Okefenokee

🐾 The Florida Wildlife Corridor is a lifeline for connecting wild habitats and protecting the incredible species that call it home.

🌿 Ready to make an impact? Share this guide with a friend and help spread the word!

Discover the beauty of this vital ecosystem by checking out the original (and stunning!) infographic from @angeline.maps and @archboldstation—link in bio.

Let’s explore, protect, and celebrate the wild together 🌎✨

#LiveWildlyFL #FloridaWildlifeCorridor #WeAreWildFlorida

The Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge is home to the largest freshwater swamp in North America, clocking in at over 700 square miles. 🗺️

🛶 In December, Live Wildly adventurists Sara, George, Lauren, and Aaron had the opportunity to join with naturalist guide Dan Jones from @okefenokeeadventures and paddle 40 miles across the swamp, from the Northeast corner across to the Southwest.

🗺️ While the entirety of the Okefenokee sits in Georgia, the wetland ecosystem continues across the border into the Pinhook Swamp in Osceola National Forest.

💧It is the headwaters of two different rivers, the Suwannee River flowing West to the Gulf of Mexico and the St. Mary’s River flowing East to the Atlantic. It is also a major recharge point for the Floridan Aquifer.

🚰 North Florida’s water quality is a direct result of the Okefenokee’s ability to filter and purify surface water and slowly recharge underground rivers.

💫 Connected natural ecosystems are vitally important for the health of wildlife and humanity alike. Stay tuned over the coming weeks and months as Live Wildly explores the myriad ways humans and nature are connected across geopolitical borders.

Photos by @adventurist_sara