On the latest episode of The Sustainable Angler podcast, I sit down with Mac Stone—National Geographic photographer, TED speaker, and lifelong conservationist—to talk about the power of imagery in protecting wild places. From the Everglades to ancient cypress forests, Mac’s work has helped change public opinion, influence policy, and permanently protect critical lands.
From Ranch Hand to Renowned Conservation Photographer
Mac and I first crossed paths in 2008 working at the A Bar A Ranch in Wyoming. The ranch holds a special place in my heart as I met my wife that same summer, and I was also introduced to fly fishing and read Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard that fateful summer. Not long after the season ended, Mac began his journey as a field biologist in Francis Beidler Forest and Everglades National Park. Those early years shaped his passion for documenting wetlands—ecosystems that are often misunderstood but are essential for biodiversity, clean water, and climate resilience. Today, Mac is the Executive Director of Naturaland Trust, and here is his TED Talk video with over 1 million views:
Photography as a Tool for Conservation
Through his camera, Mac has shown the world why places like the Everglades matter. His award-winning book, Everglades: America’s Wetland, brought global attention to the need for freshwater flow into Florida Bay. By combining science, storytelling, and striking images, he helped policymakers and the public alike see what was at stake.
Surprising Discoveries with National Geographic
During our conversation, Mac shared some of the incredible—and unexpected—stories from his time with National Geographic:
- Unmarked Revolutionary War graves discovered in Camden, South Carolina
- “Ghost forests” of ancient cypress trees, where tree rings reveal secrets of human history dating back thousands of years
- The mystery of the ghost orchid’s pollinator, captured in the film Chasing Ghosts, which revealed surprising new insights about this rare species
These stories remind us that ecosystems still hold lessons for us—if we can protect them long enough to listen.
Protecting Francis Beidler Forest
One of the most urgent topics we discussed is the Francis Beidler Forest, home to 1,500 year old, old-growth cypress and tupelo trees—the largest intact tract of old-growth cypress forest left on earth. Recently, this forest was threatened by a proposed utility right-of-way expansion from Santee Cooper, which would have destroyed some of irreplaceable trees and habitat.
Thanks to public outcry, Mac’s advocacy, and organizations like the Audubon Society South Carolina, this threat has been averted—for now. It’s a powerful reminder that conservation works when people take action. Read more about the “Victory: Agreement protects an ancient Southern swamp forest.”
Lessons for Conservation Everywhere
While much of Mac’s work focuses on the Everglades and Southern wetlands, the lessons are universal:
- Protecting ecosystems preserves biodiversity and cultural history
- Restoration and habitat protection benefit communities and wildlife alike
- Storytelling and imagery are powerful tools to drive conservation
Listen to the Full Episode
If you care about conservation, storytelling, or simply love wild places, this episode is a must-listen.
I would be remiss if I didn’t also thank Mac’s talented wife, Hannah, who created the logos for The Sustainable Angler and Emerger Strategies!
Special thanks to Mac for all he does to protect what he loves, and if you like what you’re hearing, Subscribe, share, and help us spread the word about the power of photography to protect places we love! If you like what you are hearing, please consider leaving a Rating & Review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
This episode is brought to you by Emerger Strategies, and A New Earth Project, the sustainability initiative of Atlantic Packaging.
Thanks for listening!