Ted Hall is a Minneapolis-based photographer and filmmaker.

He creates projects that promote environmental education and inspire conservation.

Ted’s intro to the Fakahatchee Strand:

In 2010, Ted helped his mom move to Naples, Florida. After hearing that the moving truck would be delayed a day, Ted said something cryptic to his mother and “borrowed” her car.

He drove east on Alligator Alley (I-75) with a vague, mythic destination in mind. He had heard tales of the Everglades as a child, but was it real? Ted noticed the birds on the tree branches along the highway, huge with plumage out of a Dr. Seuss book.. Then he saw the “panther crossing” road sign. Wait, what?!

Next, a sign read, “Come see the REAL Florida, Fakahatchee Strand Next Exit.”

Stepping into the parking lot, Ted saw a falcon. Then he noticed a coiled black snake sunning itself. There was a gator in the pond and a giant Pterodactyl shaking off its wings at the top of a pine tree. across the lake. More on that another time.

Ted then met biologist, Mike Owen, whose deep knowledge of the place was as amazing as the animal encounters he’d recently had. After joining Mike on a swamp walk, Ted was hooked. He’d developed the “Fakahabit,” where the only cure is to share your enthusiasm for the place!

tedhallphotography@gmail.com
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Jed Smentek is a co-owner of the audio software company CrumplePop and an Audio Engineer.

He moved to Miami from Minneapolis to be closer to the wildlife and adventure that can be found in South Florida national and state parks.

Jed enjoys sailing around the Florida coast with his partner, Michelle. He also has extensive hiking and backpacking experience.

Chance encounter: In 2016, Jed took a journey to the Hoh Rain Forest, located in NE Washington State Olympic National Park). After having camped near Glacier Moraine, Jed was on his way back to base. As he hiked along the lush Hoh River Trail, Jed heard something ahead. Was it a bear? No, it was something strangely familiar.

“Uh… Ted?”

In truly uncanny happenstance, Ted and Stacy, were on the Hoh River Trail doing a day hike as well! This encounter led to Jed and Ted staying in touch.