February, 2026 Field Trip
February Field Trip: Back to Jumping Gully Preserve
Date and Time: Saturday, February 21, 2026, 9:00 am
Meeting Location: 17235 Forge Dr, Spring Hill FL 34610
Come prepared with good closed toed walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and water. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather.
Field Trip Leader: Taylor Hays Langford
Several years ago we had a big crowd that visited Jumping Gully Preserve and hiked several of the trails. Since that time Pasco County has cleared additional new trails. We will hike these trails and go through small sandhill areas, a xeric oak hammock, and mesic flatwoods habitat.
This property is located northeast of Crews Lake and in a designated Ecological Corridor. The Preserve is not open to the public and we are able to visit with our staff from the Environmental Land Acquisition and Management Program (ELAMP). The Preserve was purchased in 2009 and 2011 with funds raised through the voter-approved Penny for Pasco sales tax that dedicates 25% of the county’s share of funds raised to environmental lands purchases. Originally passed in 2004, the program continues to have strong support from residents.
Taylor Hays-Lankford, is the Biologist I for Pasco County’s Environmental Land Acquisition and Management Program (ELAMP). She graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Policy and is currently enrolled as a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in the same program. Taylor began her career with the program as a Biological Technician I in 2021 and has been able to put her passion for conservation into practice. When Taylor is not at work, she enjoys going on hikes with her friends and learning about local ecology.
Directions from Heritage Park Community Center:
Head north on US-41 N/Land O' Lakes Blvd for 14.2 miles to Bowman Rd. Turn left on Bowman and travel 1.1 miles to Forge Rd and then 1.2 miles to our meeting place, 17235 Forge Dr.
If you have questions or need to contact me, please call or text 813-416-5672 or email raclayton01@yahoo.com
January, 2026 Field Trip
January Field Trip: Tour of the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Green Swamp West Tract of the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve
Meeting Time: Friday; January, 23, 9:00 am
Location: Green Swamp West Entrance, 13347 Ranch Road, Dade City, FL 33525
Wear: good walking closed toed shoes, clothing appropriate for the weather and sunscreen
Bring a hat, water, a snack and bug repellant.
Field trip Leaders:
Chris Green, Lead Land Manager, Land Resources Department, SWFWMD
Mark Fulkerson, Ph.D., P.E., Chief Professional Engineer, SWFWMD
To follow up the January meeting’s presentation by Dr. Faulkerson, he and Chris Green will lead a tour of Green Swamp West. We will leave our cars in the parking area at the meeting location and ride in 4x4 trucks to tour this District property. There are bathroom facilities at the parking area.
Highlights of the tour will include stops to view various natural communities (sandhill, pine flatwoods, dome swamp, floodplain swamp and Withlacoochee River) and the species that found in these ecosystems. Additionally, we will learn how staff manage these natural systems and how the District monitors the water resources they are tasked to protect.
https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/green-swamp-west-tract
Due to seating space in the trucks, this field trip has a limited capacity. Please contact Becky Clayton at raclayton01@yahoo.com, or text 813-416-5672 if you would like to be on the list of participants.
Chris Green has been with SWFWMD since 2022, Chris is responsible for managing District-owned conservation lands. His primary responsibilities include prescribed fire, habitat management, forest management, and natural systems restoration. He has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with a focus on Natural Resource Management from Oakland University in Michigan. Prior to joining the District, Chris worked for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Dr. Mark Fulkerson is a Citrus County native who grew up paddling, fishing, and camping along many of our region’s waterways. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering and both a Master’s and Ph.D. in Civil Engineering with an emphasis on water resources. Over the past 20 years, he has led a variety of projects that includes developing a comprehensive model of the entire Withlacoochee River Watershed and surveying the river’s entire 160-mile-length to characterize its unique dynamics.
Directions: From Heritage Park Community Center Rd turn left on US-41 N/Land O' Lakes Blvd and turn right at the light onto Ehren Cutoff. Travel 6.7 miles to State Road 52 E. Stay on SR52 for 14.2 miles, continue onto Clinton Ave E/County Rd 52Alt. for 1.5 miles. Then continue straight onto Enterprise Rd for 2 miles and turn left onto Auton Rd. Stay on Auton for 1.7 miles and then turn on River Ranch Road. Stop at the gate and park.
Still have questions? Email Becky Clayton at raclayton01@yahoo.com or text or call 813-416-5672.Becky Clayton
raclayton01@yahoo.com
November, 2025 Field Trip
November Field Trip - Nature’s Classroom Environmental Center, Hillsborough County Schools
Date and Time: Saturday, November 15,00, 9:00 a.m.
Location:13100 Verges Rd., Thonotosassa, FL 33592
Field Trip Guide: Karen Johnson, Administrator, Nature’s Classroom
Nature’s Classroom was established in 1969 as joint School District and Southwest Florida Water Management District initiative to provide hands-on environmental education for students. Located on a 365 acre preserve along the Hillsborough River, the center offers a multi-day field study focusing on the river’s ecosystem, native wildlife and water resources for all sixth grade students. We will visit the outdoor classroom on the river and tour the interpretative center. Next we will visit the animal compound which acts as a sanctuary with non-releasable native animals that include black bear, deer, bob cats, snakes and various birds of prey. Finally we explore the boardwalks that go through their wetlands and hammocks.
Karen Johnson has lived most of her life in Hillsborough County and is a graduate of the University of South Florida. She has been an educator of the Hillsborough County Public Schools since 1989. She has been associated with Nature’s Classroom since 1991 and has served as the Administrator for 19 years. Her passion is to create opportunities for individuals of all ages to build connections as a part of the world around them; not apart from it.
Directions:
From north of Tampa. Follow I-75 S and follow signs for Naples. Take exit 266, 582A/E Fletcher Ave/Morris Bridge Rd. Take a left onto Morris Bridge Rd at the intersection and continue for 2.6 miles to Verges Rd. Follow Verges Rd to the entrance for Nature’s Classroom.
Questions? Email Becky Clayton at raclayton01@yahoo.com or text or call 813-416-5672. Becky Clayton
raclayton01@yahoo.com
June 2025 Field Trip
June Combined Monthly Meeting and Field Trip: Tour of Pasco County Schools Energy and Marine Center (EMC) and Boat Trip to Durney Key
Date and Time: Saturday, June 7th, 8:30 am
Location: Energy and Marine Center, 9130 Old Post Road,Port Richey, FL 34668
Wear good walking, closed toed shoes, clothing appropriate for the weather and sunscreen.
Bring a hat, water, a snack and bug repellant. It is suggested that wear or bring water shoes or shoes you don’t mind getting wet if you plan on going on the boat trip.
Field trip Leader: Josh McCart, Environmental Resource Teacher, Pasco County Schools. Pasco County’s Energy and Marine Center is located on a coastal hammock on the Salt Springs Run Estuary in Port Richey, Florida. This facility is ideal for research and explorations involving coastal ecology, wetlands, marshlands, and estuarine environments. At the EMC, Salt Springs drain into the Gulf of Mexico providing comparisons between freshwater and saltwater environments. The center is surrounded by marsh grasses, three species of mangrove, and oyster bars. Frequent visitors to the center outside of the students, includes raccoons, foxes, armadillos, marsh hares, marsh periwinkles, egrets, herons, stingrays, fiddler crabs, turtles and tortoises, dolphin, the occasional manatee, and much much more.
We will have a short meeting in the building and then take a tour of the center before heading out to Durney Key on two pontoon boats. Durney Key is spoil island about a mile off the coast. Josh McCart is heading up a five-year project on Durney to establish an oyster reef barrier, remove invasives, and replant native plants. We will tour the key with Josh as he describes the project planned for the island.
Each boat holds 15 people so make sure you sign up at the May or June monthly meeting or contact Becky Clayton at raclayton01@yahoo.com, or text 813-416-5672. If you don’t want to go out to the island you can still come to the EMC for the meeting and tour of the facility.
https://durneykey.com
Directions: From Heritage Park Community Center Rd turn left on US-41 N/Land O' Lakes Blvd for 6.7 miles. Turn left at the light at State Road 52W and travel 12.4 miles to US 19. Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto US19S. Go 3.9 miles then turn right onto Bay Boulevard and then .4 miles to Old Post Road. Travel on Old Post Road for .7 miles to the entrance of the EMC. Becky Clayton
Becky Clayton
raclayton01@yahoo.com
May 3, 2025 Field Trip
May Field Trip: Talk and Tour at Heartwood Preserve
Date and Time: Saturday, May 3, 9:00 a.m - 11:00 a.m.
Location: 4100 Starkey Blvd, Trinity FL 34655
Wear good walking, closed toed shoes, clothing appropriate for the weather and sunscreen.
Bring a hat, water and bug repellant
Field Trip Leaders: Designated Nature Coast and Hernando Chapter members will lead tours of the Preserve.
This field trip is one of Heartwood Preserve’s on-going Talk and Tours. We will start in the Welcome Center where Heartwood staff member, Samantha VanTassel will provide an introduction to the Preserve then chapter members will lead tours through the longleaf pine flatwoods and describe the role of prescribed burns in the preserve.
Heartwood Preserve is a natural cemetery within a 41-acre conservation sanctuary. Located adjacent to the Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, the Preserve serves as a natural buffer for one of the region’s main freshwater resources, the Anclote River. It includes a flatwoods community with longleaf pine, wiregrass, saw palmettos and dozens of wildflowers and shrubs as well as protected wetlands. https://heartwoodpreserve.com/nature-preserve/
Directions: From State Rd 54 and US41. Head west on SR 54 for 11.8 miles. Turn right onto Starkey Blvd. and travel 1.6 miles and turn left into the Preserve.
Becky Clayton
raclayton01@yahoo.com
April, 2025 Field Trip
April Field Trip: Wildflower Hike in Big Pine Tract of the
Chinsegut Wildlife and Environmental Area (WEA), Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission
Date and Time: Friday, April 11, 9:00 a.m.
Location: Meet at the parking lot of Big Pine Tract
12060 Old Crystal River Rd, Brooksville, FL 34601
Wear good walking, closed toed shoes, and sunscreen
Bring a hat, water, bug repellant and a snack
Field Trip Leader: Colleen Muylaert, Education Specialist, Chinsegut Conservation Center
The Chinsegut Big Pine Tract is a part of the Chinsegut Wildlife and Environmental Area. It covers 442 acres, and is managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The area is home to one of the few remaining old-growth long leaf pine forests left in Florida, the second largest contiguous tract in the state. Until you stand among them, it’s hard to picture just how large and old they are. Many of the longleaf pines are estimated to be over 200 years old. The unique character of this pine forest support a diversity of associated wildlife including common native plants and wildlife, as well as rare and imperiled species. https://myfwc.com/media/29946/chinsegut-big-pine-trails.pdf.
If you would like to visit the Chinsegut Conservation Center after the hike it is just a short distance away at 23212 Lake Lindsey Road, Brooksville, FL 34601
Colleen Muylaert grew up in Michigan and moved to Florida about seven years ago with her husband and their two sons She started her dream job at Chinsegut Conservation Center, in May 2022 as an Education Specialist. Prior to that she worked in the Hernando County School District.
Directions to Big Pine Tract: 12060 Old Crystal River Road, Brooksville, FL 34601. From the Land O Lakes Community Center head north on US41N for 29 miles. Pass by a Dairy Queen at 25 miles. Make a slight left onto Old Crystal River Rd and travel .9 miles to the entrance to the Big Pine Tract on your right.
Questions? Email Becky Clayton at raclayton01@yahoo.com or text or call 813-416-5672 with any questions. Becky Clayton
raclayton01@yahoo.com
March, 2025 Field Trip
March Field Trip: Upper Pithlachascotee Preserve Hike
Date: March 15, 2025
Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Meet: in the parking lot, wear good walking, closed toed shoes, and sunscreen. Also bring a hat, water and bug repellant.
Location: 17135 Minneola Dr, Spring Hill, FL 34610
Field Trip Leader:Taylor Hays-Lankford, Biologist, Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources
The Upper Pithlachascotee River Preserve occupies 129 acres near the south end of Crews Lake. The preserve was purchased in 2007 and is managed by the Pasco County Environmental Lands Acquisition and Management Program (ELAMP). It protects the headwaters of the Pithlachascotee River and its tributary, Ryals Branch. The Preserve is a mosaic of wetland and upland habitats. Not to be missed is the Champion Bald Cypress on the boardwalk. We should see lots of plants coming back out and wildflower blooms. Restrooms are available.
Taylor Hays-Lankford, is the Biologist I for Pasco County’s Environmental Land Acquisition and Management Program (ELAMP). She graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Policy and is currently enrolled as a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in the same program.
Directions: The road in is a bit rough but not too long. It will be well worth it.
From Heritage Park Community Center: Head north on US 41 for 6.8 miles and turn left on SR 52W. Travel on SR52W for 1.2 miles and turn right on Kent Grove Drive. Stay on Kent Grove Drive for 1 mile then turn left onto Orange Drive. Orange Dr turns left and becomes Vance Drive. Travel a short distance and then turn right onto Minneola Drive and travel to the Preserve entrance.
R
Becky Clayton
raclayton01@yahoo.com
Past Field Trips, 2025
January Field Trip
After the Storm: A Hike through Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park
Date: January 11, 2025
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Meet in the park lot, wear good walking, closed toed shoes, and clothing appropriate for the weather. Also bring a hat, water and bug repellant.
Location: Park Main Entrance; 8737 U.S. Highway 19, North, Port Richey, FL 34668
Field Trip Leader: Dr. Megan Moore, Sea Grant Agent II for Pasco County
Are you interested in seeing the effect Hurricane Milton had on our coast? Dr. Moore will lead us through some of the park trails as we observe the effects of Hurricane Milton and the inundation of the gulf waters on the native plants in the park. We will also spend time identifying the different types of mangroves, learn about the mangrove community and its role in protecting the coastline of Florida.
For more information about the park. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/werner-boyce-salt-springs-state-park
Directions: from Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park Community Center
Head north on US-41N for 7.7 miles and turn left on State Rd 52W. Travel 12.4 miles on SR52 and then use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto US19 S. Head south on US19 for 3.5 miles and turn left into the entrance to the Park.
Becky Clayton
raclayton01@yahoo.com
Past Field Trips, 2024
Field Trip Opportunities for November
Nature Coast November Field Trip: Florida Native Plant Demonstration Garden at the Nature Coast Botanical Gardens
Date: Saturday, November 16
Time: 9:30 am - 11:30 pm
Location: 1489 Parker Ave., Spring Hill, Florida
We visited the Hernando Chapter’s native plant demonstration garden at the Nature Coast Botanical Gardens in 2012 when the Chapter had completed the first phase. The Chapter members have been very busy since then and expanded the garden area and most of the plants are well established. The garden highlights ecosystems common to Central Florida including the sandhill community, a hammock, and a wetland. We will tour Native Plant garden and then you can visit the other areas of the Botanical Garden if you like.
https://www.naturecoastgardens.com/
Directions:
From US 19, turn right or east on Spring Hill Dr., then continue about 1/2 mile to Parker Ave., turn left and the gardens are 2 blocks on your left.
From US 41. Head north to past SR 52 to left on County Line Road continue 8.5 miles and turn right onto Cobblestone Drive 1.2 then turn left on Spring Hill Drive. 1/2 mile to Parker Ave., turn left and the gardens are 2 blocks on your left.
Other Opportunities:
Hernando Audubon Field Trip: Big Pine Tract
Saturday, November 9, 2024 9:00 am
https://www.hernandoaudubon.org/field-trips-events
Meet at 8 a.m. t in the parking lot at 12060 Old Crystal Road, Brooksville. The entrance to the Big Pine Tract is 1 mile north of where Old Crystal River Road intersects with U.S. 41, just north of Brooksville. They will walk the upland trail through longleaf pine habitat. The trail eventually leads down to the lowlands and into a lovely oak hammock. There is a forty-foot change in elevation making for a variety of vegetation and birds. Expect to see many woodpeckers and some songbirds. The walk is about 2 miles. Make reservations here. For more information, contact Bev: bevalhansen@gmail.com or 352-686-0460.
Suncoast Chapter Native Plant Society Lower Green Swamp Preserve
Saturday, November, 16, 2024, 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
This will be a lengthy hike in a large preserve in northeastern Hillsborough County. We hope to get around the white trail and back. The distance is about 6 miles, but there are shorter options, depending on conditions. To read about the Preserve and view a trail map, see the website below. https://hcfl.gov/locations/lower-green-swamp-nature-preserve.
To register, contact Tina (Mable C) Patterson, email mablepatterson@hotmail.com or phone (305) 298-6381 , text or call, and leave your name and message and contact information. Field trip participants should have water, sun protection, and comfortable clothing. Closed toe shoes and long pants are recommended. Insect repellant, walking stick and snacks are other useful items.
Talk & Tour: Flatwoods Habitat Management & Red-cockaded Woodpeckers with Vince Morris at Heartwood Preserve
November 23 10:00 am - 11:00 am
4100 Starkey Blvd Trinity, FL 34655
Come out and learn about the endangered Red-cockaded woodpecker and it’s vital role in the flatwoods ecosystem. Vince Morris is the Resource Administrator
with the Withlacoochee Forestry Center. Contact Heartwood at 727-376-5111 for more information. https://heartwoodpreserve.com/nature-preserve/
October Field Trip
October Field Trip: Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Plant Walk with the Hernando Chapter NPS
Date and Time: Saturday, October 12, 2024, 900 a.m.
Meeting Location: Use the main entrance off US 19 N. Turn left onto Rattlesnake Cp Rd and there will be the main entrance parking area for the WMA with restrooms. We will meet there at 9:00 am, and then drive our cars in to the first sandhill wetland to park.
Come prepared with a hat, sunscreen, and water. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather.
Field Trip Leader: Renae Nowicki
Sandhill wetland" might sound like a contradiction in terms, but you will learn about the unique geography that supports their existence. We will walk the limerick road to a second sandhill wetland, enjoying the gorgeous upland sandhills in October bloom all the way. We will then walk back to the vehicles the way we came.
Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is a key piece of a nearly unbroken stretch of protected public lands reaching 200 miles from Pasco County to the Apalachicola River. https://myfwc.com/recreation/lead/chassahowitzka/planning-your-visit/
About Renae Nowicki
Renae is principal ecohydrologist, GIS analyst, and database designer at EcoHydrologix LLC. Over the past 25+ years, she has performed a wide array of ecohydrologic and water resources assessments, primarily for local governments, municipalities, state agencies, and water supply authorities. Her specialties include sandhill wetland, pond & lake ecohydrology which makes her the perfect person to help interpret what we see at Chassahowitzka.
Directions: From the Land O’ Lakes Heritage Lakes Community Center:
(Toll Road) Head north on US41. Turn left at SR52W and travel 3.1 miles to FL589 toll road North for 16.9 miles. Take exit 46 for FL-50 toward Brooksville/Weeki Wachee. Stay on FL-50 for 1.3 miles and then turn right onto Sunshine Grove Rd for 6.8 miles. Turn right onto Hexam Rd. for 3.3 miles to US19N. Turn right on US 19 and go 2.3 miles and then turn left on Rattlesnake Cp Road OR
(No tolls) Head north on US41. Turn left at SR52W and travel 2.5 miles to Shady Hills Rd. Turn right and go 7.6 miles to Mariner Blvd. Stay on Mariner for 3.6 more miles then turn left onto Landover Blvd. Turn left onto Northcliffe after 1 mile and go 2.1 miles to US19N. Turn right and travel 7.7 miles and turn left on Rattlesnake Cp Road.
If you have questions or need to contact me, please call or text 813-416-5672.
Becky Clayton
September Field Trip: University of South Florida Herbarium
Date and Time: Saturday, September 14, 2024, 10:00 a.m. - Noon
Meeting Location: Meet at 9:45 on the first floor at the USF Library, 4101 Apple Drive, Tampa, FL 33620
Additional parking information will be sent prior to the field trip.
Carpooling is encouraged. Contact Barbara Kawczynski at bkaw12@gmail.com if you need a ride or are will to drive.
Tour Guide: Associate Curator the Florida Environment and Natural History collections - Christopher A. Kiahtipes, Ph.D.
We will start the tour at new herbarium space at USF Library and conclude with a tour of Herbarium library and collections associated with USF Herbarium. During the tour Chris will talk about the following topics:
- Organization of the more than 300,000 specimens in the library space
- Range of specimens currently held by the USF Herbarium.
- Core functions of herbarium, associated teaching/research collections, and plans for how to preserve these in perpetuity.
- Brief history of the USF Herbarium.
- Important specimens and species from our collection.
- How the USF Herbarium can help us better understand a changing world.
Directions to USF Library.
Follow I-75 S and take exit 265 to FL-582 W/E Fowler Ave for 3.4 miles and turn right at the entrance to USF onto Leroy Collins Blvd and turn right on Apple Dr. OR Follow I-75 S and I-275 S and take exit 51 for Fowler Ave towards Temple Terrace. Turn left onto Leroy Collins Blvd at the entrance to USF and then turn right on Apple Dr.
If you have questions or need to contact me, please call or text 813-416-5672 or email raclayton01@yahoo.com
June Meeting & Field Trip
JUNE Meeting and Field Trip Combined
Because of Summer Camp at the Community Center at Land O’Lakes Heritage Park we are unable to use our meeting space in June and July.
(Note: We will not have a meeting nor a field trip in July)
LOCATION: Heartwood Preserve, 4100 Starkey Blvd, Trinity FL 34655
This is part of the Starkey Wilderness Preserve and is a natural cemetery within a 41-acre conservation sanctuary where the natural habitats found here—longleaf pine flatwoods and cypress dome—are protected.
DATE: Saturday, June 22
Meeting: 9:00 am
We will have our meeting in the preserve’s Welcome Center with breakfast refreshments available.
Field Trip: 10:00 am
Our field trip will be in conjunction with one of the preserve’s ongoing events Talk and Tour. At least four of our members will be stationed around the preserve to talk about what is blooming and the Flatwoods in general. This event will be included in the Heartwood newsletter and we will have some handouts available at the Welcome Center.
Pine Flatwoods are dominated by longleaf pine, one of the most important trees in upland communities of the Southeastern US. Other important plants are wiregrass, saw palmetto, many wildflowers and small shrubs. Wildlife found here includes gopher tortoises, bobwhite quail, Sherman’s fox squirrel, Florida wild turkey and white-tailed deer.
Prescribed Fires are performed to keep the longleaf forest healthy. The results of regular fire in a longleaf community are amazing. Grasses and shrubs sprout within days of a burn and many plants, such as wiregrass, only go to seed following a burn.
April Field Trip
Title/Topic: Circle B Bar Reserve Hike
When: Saturday, April 20, 2024, 9:00 am
Where: Circle B Bar Reserve Hike
Address: 4399 Winter Lake Rd., Lakeland, FL 33803
Meet in front of the Discovery Center
Carpooling is encouraged. More information will be provided the trip or you can contact Barbara Kawczynski atbkaw12@gmail.com
What to wear: good walking, closed toed shoes, and sunscreen. Bring a hat and water. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather.
Description:
This joint field trip with the Heartland Chapter will be a highlight of the year. There is lots to see on this 1,267 acre property with its varied ecosystems, bird populations, and other creatures. Heartland members know the Reserve well as they have their meetings at the Discovery Center. The field trip will be led by several of their most knowledgeable members.
The Circle B Bar Reserve is named after a cattle ranch that once existed
on this property. The property was jointly acquired by the Polk County Environmental Lands Program and the Southwest Florida Water Management District in December 2000 to protect the floodplain of Lake Hancock and to restore the Banana Creek marsh system. Much of the property had been converted to pasture, but in 2005 and 2006, restoration projects were completed to restore much of the original hydrologic function of the lands. Lake Hancock, often considered the headwaters of the Peace River, flows more than 100 miles from Polk County southwest to the Gulf of Mexico. Oak hammock, freshwater marsh, hardwood swamp and the lakeshore are among the unique characteristics of this property.
The marsh area is about 400 acres and as a result of the marsh system restoration project, the Reserve is now home to some impressive bird activity. The bird population includes a variety of wading birds, waterfowl, ospreys and bald eagles. The ongoing restoration in the Banana Creek Marsh has provided foraging and breeding areas for a number of species never recorded on the site before. In 2008, the Reserve was added to the Great Florida Birding Trail. Alligators, eagles, osprey, red shouldered hawks, wild turkey, barred owls, wood storks, white ibis, sandhill cranes, moorhens, pied-billed grebes, black-necked stilts, red-bellied woodpeckers, bobwhite quails, eastern meadowlarks, savannah sparrows, American kestrels, great blue herons, American white pelicans, sandpipers, spoonbills, great egrets, ducks and other waterfowl and wading birds are often seen. We might also see otters, bobcats, grey fox, armadillos, squirrels (gray and fox varieties), frogs, turtles, black racer snakes, five-lined racerunner lizards and other reptiles. Many migratory birds are also found there in the winter months.
The ecosystems of Circle B are historically composed of live oak hammocks, marsh and upland sandhill and sand pine scrub. The live oak hammock form a canopy and is dominated by live oaks, and epiphytes; spanish moss, resurrection fern, and butterfly orchid, and the terristerial plant beggerweed. The marsh has seasonal wet and dry periods and include alligator flag pickerelweed, and arrowheads.
The sandhill trees in the Reserve include longleaf pine, broadleaf trees, like turkey oak, bluejack or upland willow oak. Herbaceous plants include dog banana, Florida paintbrush, and sky blue lupine. The sand pine scrub is characterized by having white sand and dominated by sand pine. It is said to be the oldest community found in Florida. The understory thickets are composed of scrub oaks, rusty lyonia, and a variety of lichens. Wildflowers consist of scrub mint and garberia,.
For those that are interested, you may also want to visit The Nectary, a native plant nursery in Lakeland, on your way home. 1047 East Main Street, Lakeland FL. https://www.thenectarylkld.com
Directions:
Directions to Circle B Bar Reserve: 4399 Winter Lake Rd.
Lakeland, FL 3380: circlebbarreservemap
From the Polk Parkway: Exit No. 10, then turn south on U.S. 98 (Bartow Road). From U.S. 98, turn east on Winter Lake Road (State Road 540) and travel about 2 miles to the reserve's entrance on the south side of the road.
Questions? Email Becky Clayton at raclayton01@yahoo.com or text or call 813-416-5672.
May Field Trip
May Field Trip: EcoTour Boat Trip on Tampa Bay with Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center.
Date and Time: Thursday, May 16, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Meet at Gate 23 on the St. Pete Pier at 11:15 so we can leave by 11:30. (See below for more detailed info below about where to meet and parking.)
Come prepared with a hat, sunscreen, and water. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather.
Bring a bag lunch to eat on the boat.
Cost: $17 per person.
The trip is limited to 45 people. There will be sign up sheet and you can pay at the April or May meeting or contact Jonnie Spitler jspitler1120@gmail.com Please limit guests to 2 people.
The boat is wheelchair accessible upon request. Please contact Becky Clayton.
Description:
We will explore the Tampa Bay ecosystem with marine science educators from Tampa Bay Watch’s Discovery Center. The USCG-certified eco-vessel is big enough for 45 people. We will do some wildlife watching, learn about the area’s history and a fisheries trawl will enable us to take a closer look at common local species. Frequent sightings from the boat include dolphins, manatees, birds, stingrays, and more.
A nonprofit organization founded in 1993, Tampa Bay Watch leads habitat restoration and protection activities throughout the year. Thousands of volunteers contribute their time to help the bay recover from environmental challenges and ensure its long-term health.
All proceeds support Tampa Bay Watch's mission to foster a healthy Tampa Bay watershed through community-driven restoration projects, education programs, and outreach initiatives.
If you would like to visit the Discovery Center after the tour, the exhibit gallery features interactive displays, live animals, and a touch tank. Admission is $8 for adults, $3 for children and $6 for seniors. There is also a gift shop for those that are interested.
Getting there and parking:
The physical address for the pier is 700 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. If arriving via I-275, follow the interstate signs and exit onto I-375. I-375 becomes 4th Avenue North and guests should follow that to the end where it forms a T with Beach Drive. If you want to avoid some traffic, consider taking a left on Beach Drive, then a right on 5th Avenue North and a right on Bayshore Drive. You will find the Pier entrance at the next left.
When you arrive, you may park in any available parking space on the pier, they recommend either the Dolphin Lot or the Pelican Lot (see map below). All parking on the pier is paid parking. Once you arrive, you can walk toward the spot on the map below titled "Eco-Vessel Launch". Their eco-vessel team will be there and ready to set sail at 11:30am.
They recommend we arrive at least 30 minutes in advance at 11:00 to find parking and walk to the boat to ensure we are ready for an 11:30am departure.
Questions: Email Becky Clayton at raclayton01@yahoo.com or text or call 813-416-5672.
March, 2024 Field Trip
March Field Trip: Jumping Gully Preserve
Date and Time: Saturday, March 30, 2024, 9:00 am
Meeting Location: 18823 Fishburne Dr, Spring Hill. We will meet the field trip leaders at the gate.
Come prepared with good closed toed walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and water. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather.
Join us for this special opportunity to visit and hike Pasco County’s Jumping Gully Preserve, located northeast of Crews Lake and in a designated Ecological Corridor. The Preserve is not open to the public and we are able to visit with our field trip leaders from the Environmental Land Acquisition and Management Program (ELAMP). The Preserve was purchased in 2009 and 2011 with funds raised through the voter-approved Penny for Pasco sales tax that dedicates 25% of the county’s share of funds raised to environmental lands purchases. Originally passed in 2004, the program continues to have strong support from residents.
The Preserve includes a restoration project to transform cattle pastures back to their original sandhill and dry prairie ecosystem. The property provides habitat to a variety of species including an abundance of sandhill cranes, wild turkey, and gopher tortoises. We will visit habitats including wet prairie, improved pasture, and oak hammock. One of the highlights will be stopping on the berm that cuts through the historic lake bed of Crews Lake to view the vast expanse of protected land. There will be opportunities to see a variety of upland and wetland native plant communities and learn about the progress and successes of the project.
Our Field Trip Leaders will be:
Ryan Long, is the Land Management Coordinator for Pasco County’s Environmental Land Acquisition and Management Program (ELAMP). He graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Policy. Ryan began his career with the County in 2016 as the Biologist for the program. Given Ryan’s passion for the environment and local conservation, being Land Management Coordinator hardly feels like a job, but more of an opportunity to make a difference. During his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family at different Preserves or on their boat in the Gulf.
Taylor Hays-Lankford, is the Biologist I for Pasco County’s Environmental Land Acquisition and Management Program (ELAMP). She graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Policy and is currently enrolled as a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in the same program. Taylor began her career with the program as a Biological Technician I in 2021 and has been able to put her passion for conservation into practice. When Taylor is not at work, she enjoys going on hikes with her friends and learning about local ecology.
René Wiesner Brown, PhD, is the former Natural Resources Manager for Pasco County and was the first Environmental Lands Program Manager when ELAMP began operations in 2005. René was involved in the early negotiations to protect Jumping Gully and will provide some of that history. She is currently the Senior Director of Habitat Restoration for the nonprofit Ecosphere Restoration Institute and is involved in numerous habitat restoration projects around Tampa Bay and in seagrass restoration around the State. She also works in climate change science and policy and is an appointed member of the Expert Review Group of the UN’s Race to Resilience.
Directions from Heritage Park Community Center:
Head north on US-41 N/Land O' Lakes Blvd for 11.2 miles. Turn left onto Winding Creek Drive and then continue onto Bakersfield Drive. Turn left onto Craigs Wy/Fishburne Dr for 1.2 miles. The gate will be on the right.
If you have questions or need to contact me, please call or text 813-416-5672 or email raclayton01@yahoo.com Becky Clayton
raclayton01@yahoo.com
February Field Trip: USF Botanical Gardens
Date and Time: Saturday, February 24, 2024, 9:30 am
Meeting Location: 12210 USF Pine Drive, Tampa, FL 33612
(Intersection of USF Pine and Alumni Drives.)
Meet in the parking lot of the Gardens.
Come prepared with good walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and water. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather.
Tour cost: $6.00 per person, payable on entry
Field Trip Leader:
Craig Huegel, who became the new USF Botanical Garden Director in August 2022, has a rather broad professional background in west-central Florida starting in 1987. He co-founded the Urban Wildlife Cooperative Extension program at the University of Florida and then became the first manager of Pinellas County’s Brooker Creek Preserve for 12 years. Since then, he has worked as an environmental consultant, started his own consulting company, and taught biology at St. Petersburg and Tampa College.
Craig has an M.S. in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Wisconsin and a PhD in Animal Ecology from Iowa State University. He also has loved and grown plants since early childhood and manages a small native wildflower nursery out of his home called Hawthorn Hill. Craig has authored six books on native plants and wildlife and writes two popular blogs related to plants and gardening.
Description:
We will follow up the Craig’s presentation at our February meeting with a tour with Craig of the various gardens within the USF Botanical Gardens with a focus on their native plant collection. Currently, they have about 200 species of native woody plants. They also have a developing native wildflower meadow with about 50 species of native grasses and wildflowers, a scrub which contains several dozen scrub species and 3 pitcher plant bogs. They’ve added a littoral planting along the edge of Lake Behnke and a South Florida woody plant area. In addition to these gardens there is also a wide diversity of natives scattered throughout the Gardens which we will visit.
https://www.usf.edu/arts-sciences/botanical-gardens/
Directions:
12210 USF Pine Drive, Tampa, FL 33612. Intersection of USF Pine and Alumni Drives.
From 1-275: Take Fowler Avenue Exit. Head east to Bruce B.Downs Blvd./30th Street and turn left. Go north one block to Pine Drive (1st light) and turn right. Go east one block to the first traffic light and turn left. Go north one block to the Garden entrance on left at the intersection with Alumni Drive.
From I-75: Take Fowler Avenue Exit. Head west to Bruce B. Downs Blvd./30th Street and turn right. Go one block north to Pine Drive (1st light) and turn right. Follow Pine to left and Garden entrance is on left at the intersection with Alumni Drive.
Questions? Email Becky Clayton at raclayton01@yahoo.com or text or call 813-416-5672.
Becky Clayton
raclayton01@yahoo.com
January, 2024 Field Trip
January Field Trip: Hike in Colt Creek State Park
Date and Time: Saturday, January 27, 2024, 9.30 a.m.
Meeting Location: Colt Creek State Park parking lot
16000 State Road 471
Lakeland, FL 33809
$4 per vehicle - limit 8 people per vehicle
Come prepared with good walking/hiking closed toed shoes, a hat, bug spray, sunscreen, and water. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather.
Bring a picnic lunch to eat after the hike or stop in Dade City for lunch on your way home.
Field Trip Leader:
Heather Coleman is the Park Services Specialist at Colt Creek State Park. Heather was born and raised in Kissimmee, Florida. She graduated from Florida Southern College in 2017 with a BA in Environmental Studies. As the Park Services Specialist, Heather is the volunteer coordinator and interpretive chairperson for the park. She loves sharing her passion for the outdoors through her work. When she is not working, Heather likes to spend time with her husband, one year old baby, and family exploring the real Florida either hiking, biking, or paddle boarding.
Description:
We will follow up Heather’s presentation at our January monthly meeting with a guided hike at Colt Creek State Park. This State Park includes more than 5,000 acres of large strands of vulnerable longleaf pine flatwoods, lakes and winding creeks, thick cypress domes and open vistas. Butting up to the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve East Tract and Hampton Tract. The Park is home to many species of plants and animals including bald eagles, white-tailed deer, American alligators, otters, many birds and butterflies several threatened species such as the gopher tortoise and the Sherman’s fox squirrel. There is also a heavy arrival of migrating birds at this time of year. The ranger will guide us through the pine flatwoods trail which is relatively flat with a grassy cover growth and some uneven terrain, roots and exposed limestone while explaining the history of of the Park.
Park Brochure:
https://www.floridastateparks.org/sites/default/files/media/file/clt-brochure.pdf
November Field Trip
November Field Trip: Vista Gardens Tour
Date and Time: Saturday, November 18, 2023, 9:30 a.m.
Meeting Location: 13572 South Village Drive, Tampa, FL 33618
Wear good walking, closed toed shoes, and sunscreen. Bring a hat and water.
Field Trip Leader: Roberta Owens, M.Ed., is the manager of VISTA’S Wildflower Garden and guided its development. She focused on professional and program development, communication, and creativity during her 40+ year career in Early Childhood Education. She relocated to Florida in 2016 excited about gardening year around and joined a community garden, VISTA Gardens, near her home. Having learned the importance of companion planting to successful vegetable gardening, it became her mission to develop native plant gardens surrounding the raised beds to attract beneficial insects and wildlife.
VISTA (Village Institute for Sustainable Technologies and Agriculture) Gardens, founded in 2008, is a community garden in the Carrolwood area of North Tampa where members grow vegetables and flowers for families and neighbors. Approximately 75 percent of all food crops grown in the United State depend on pollinating animals. VISTA developed Florida native plant gardens north, south, east and west of the vegetable gardens to support beneficial insect populations for the flowers and vegetables. The Pollinator Gardens at VISTA have successfully aided in producing ample crops for the 65 raised garden beds while providing a demonstration garden for education about the benefits of Florida native plants.
VISTA’s Wildflower Garden now has over 50 varieties of Florida native plants and is one of 12 Viva Florida Landscape Demonstration grants awarded by the Florida Wildflower Foundation in 2021. Vista was also awarded a commendation in 2022 by the Hillsborough County Commission for its dedication to enhancing the community’s natural beauty and environmental prosperity.
The field trip will be our opportunity to see the tour community garden while Roberta and other garden volunteers answer our questions and guide us through the development of the plantings and discuss their successes and challenges.
Directions: From Heritage Park Community Center head south on Land O’ Lakes Blvd (U.S. 41S.) for 3.4 miles to Dale Mabry Highway (FL597S) and follow it for 7.8 miles. Turn right on Ehrlich Rd. And then turn left onto S. Village Dr. Please read the note from Roberta below.
Note: VISTA Gardens is located at 13572 South Village Drive, Tampa, FL 33618 in the Carrollwood Village neighborhood. As they are "off the grid," Google is sometimes not helpful. The Colonnade Senior Living Center, 13550 S Village, and Village Towers condominium community, 1 3608 S Village Drive, surround VISTA Gardens to the east and west respectively.
Parking is available just inside the gate.
Questions? Email Becky Clayton at raclayton01@yahoo.com or text or call
813-416-5672.
October Field Trip
Title/Topic: Return to Janet Butterfield Brooks Wildlife and Environmental Area (WEA)
When: Saturday, October 14th @ 9am
Where: 15478 Bailey Hill Rd, Brooksville, FL 34614
Meeting Location: We will meet at the south entrance of the WEA (comprised of a vehicle sized gate) along Bailey Hill Road. There is no address for this entrance, use the address for the residence directly across from the entrance for navigation purposes. 15478 Bailey Hill Rd, Brooksville, FL 34614 which is 0.3 miles west of Citrus Way. Park along the North side of Bailey Hill Road as far off the road as you can manage.
What to wear: Good walking, closed toed shoes, and sunscreen. Bring a hat, water, bug repellant and a snack. There are no restrooms at Janet Butterfield, so please plan accordingly.
Note: For those that are interested we can have lunch at a spot in Brooksville on our way home.
Field Trip Leader: Hanna Brinkley, Director, Chinsegut Conservation Center, FWC
We are going back! We are very fortunate that Hanna has invited us along with the Hernando Chapter to return to the The Janet Butterfield Brooks WEA in October. October is one of the best times of the year to see wildflowers and it should be spectacular. If you missed the trip in May don’t miss this opportunity.
This property is restricted to FWC staff for management and research purposes in accordance with the restrictions in the deed of donation. While the deed of donation restricts land use and general public access is not allowed, the property can be used for educational purposes under FWC supervision. Inviting groups like FNPS to go on hikes is one way FWC can expand use and enjoyment of the area while respecting the terms of the deed.
The hike is just under 2 miles along sandy and somewhat uneven terrain and is . moderate in duration and difficulty. Our focus will be the mosaic of upland species that call the preserve home, and the fall blooms. The Nature Conservancy managed the preserve starting in 1974 and transferred it to FWC in 2005.
Janet Butterfield Brooks WEA encompasses approximately 319 acres in Hernando County and has some of the area’s last tracts of older growth longleaf pine sandhill forests and hardwood hammocks. The vast mix of mesic hammock, upland hardwood forest and bottomland forest found here provides important wildlife habitat for key sandhill species including gopher tortoises, southeastern American kestrels and many sandhill dwelling plants beneath the towering longleaf pines. The WEA is part of the southernmost extent of the unique Annutteliga Hammock which hold clay laden soils, karst topography and limestone at or near the soil surface. It also includes both southern and northern limits of many plant species.
Directions: From Heritage Park, Land O’ Lakes, Head north on Land O' Lakes Blvd/US Hwy 41 N for 23.4 miles to Cortez Blvd. Turn left on Cortez for 1.5 miles then go straight past the Hardee’s and onto Cobb Rd. Travel 1.8 miles and turn left onto Fort Dade Ave and then in 2.9 miles right on to Citrus Way. Turn left onto Bailey Hill Road and travel .3 miles to the site. Park along the North side of Bailey Hill Road as far off the road as you can manage. We will meet near the gate.
Questions? Email Becky Clayton at raclayton01@yahoo.com or text or call 813-416-5672.
September, 2023 Field Trip
September Field Trip: Chassahowitzka River Paddle
Date and Time: Monday, September 18, meet at 8:45 am (Rain day is Tuesday Sept 19th)
Location: Chassahowitzka River Campground 8600 W. Miss Maggie Dr. Homosassa, FL 34448
Wear: A bathing suit, water shoes, sunscreen and a hat. Bring a lunch or snacks and plenty of water.
Fees: $5.00 parking fee for everyone. $7.00 with a trailer.
Bring your own or rent from the campground.
Please call the Campground directly at 352-382-2200 for kayak, canoe or boat rental reservations
Kayaks - $35/Day plus tax
Two person kayaks - $45/Day plus tax
Mad River canoe - $45/Day plus tax
Jon boats - $50/Day plus tax
Paddleboards - $50/Day plus tax
The Chaz is an easy river to kayak and is a favorite spot. It can be very crowded on weekends which is why we will going on a weekday. This spring-fed River is named an Outstanding Florida Waterway for its pristine, natural condition. The springs and the wildlife make it very special. As part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, there is much bird-watching (over 250 species) and wildlife viewing including alligators, manatees, raccoons, otters, deer and more. We will relax and take our time to paddle to some of the springs; Seven Sisters, Crab Creek, Potters, Little and Big Salt or up Baird Creek to Blue Spring and a beautiful spot, The Crack.
Directions: head up US 19 past SR 50 towards Homosassa. Turn left (west) on Miss Maggie Dr, across from Sugarmill Woods, head west 1.7 miles to the campground/camp store.
Past Field Trips
May Field Trip
May Field Trip: A Special Invitation to Hike Janet Butterfield Brooks Wildlife and Environmental Area (WEA)
Hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
Date and Time: Saturday, May 13, 9:00 a.m.
Meeting Location: We will meet at the south entrance of the WEA (comprised of a vehicle sized gate) along Bailey Hill Road. There is no address for this entrance, use the address for the residence directly across from the entrance for navigation purposes. 15478 Bailey Hill Rd, Brooksville, FL 34614 which is 0.3 miles west of Citrus Way. Park along the North side of Bailey Hill Road as far off the road as you can manage.
Wear good walking, closed toed shoes, and sunscreen. Bring a hat, water, bug repellant and a snack.There are no restrooms at Janet Butterfield, so please plan accordingly.
Note: For those that are interested we can have lunch at a spot in Brooksville on our way home.
We are very fortunate that the Hernando Chapter NPS has invited us to join them in a rare opportunity to explore the The Janet Butterfield Brooks WEA in May. This property is restricted to FWC staff for management and research purposes in accordance with the restrictions in the deed of donation. While the deed of donation restricts land use and general public access is not allowed, the property can be used for educational purposes under FWC supervision. Inviting groups like FNPS to go on hikes is one way FWC can expand use and enjoyment of the area while respecting the terms of the deed.
The hike will be led by FWC staff from Chinsegut’s Conservation Center. The hike will be moderate in duration and difficulty, and our focus will be the mosaic of upland species that call the preserve home, as well as the land management strategies that support them. Janet Butterfield has been burned in some areas this winter and should be putting on fresh new growth this spring. The hike is just under 2 miles along sandy and somewhat uneven terrain. The Nature Conservancy managed the preserve starting in 1974 and transferred it to FWC in 2005.
Janet Butterfield Brooks WEA encompasses approximately 319 acres in Hernando County and has some of the area’s last tracts of older growth longleaf pine sandhill forests and hardwood hammocks. The vast mix of mesic hammock, upland hardwood forest and bottomland forest found here provides important wildlife habitat for key sandhill species including gopher tortoises, southeastern American kestrels and many sandhill dwelling plants beneath the towering longleaf pines. The WEA is part of the southernmost extent of the unique Annutteliga Hammock which hold clay laden soils, karst topography and limestone at or near the soil surface. It also includes both southern and northern limits of many plant species.
Directions: From Heritage Park, Land O’ Lakes, Head north on Land O' Lakes Blvd/US Hwy 41 N for 23.4 miles to Cortez Blvd. Turn left on Cortez for 1.5 miles then go straight past the Hardee’s and onto Cobb Rd. Travel 1.8 miles and turn left onto Fort Dade Ave and then in 2.9 miles right on to Citrus Way. Turn left onto Bailey Hill Road and travel .3 miles to the site. Park along the North side of Bailey Hill Road as far off the road as you can manage. We will meet near the gate.
Questions? Email Becky Clayton at raclayton01@yahoo.com or text or call 813-416-5672.
April Field Trip
April Field Trip: Native Plant Hike in Croom
Date and Time: Saturday, April 15, 9:00 a.m.
Location: 26578 Croom Road (Forest Road 6), Brooksville, FL 34601
Tucker Hill Day Use Area, Croom Tract, Withlacoochee State Forest
Wear: good walking, closed toed shoes, and sunscreen.
Bring a hat, water, bug repellant and a snack.
There are restrooms and picnic table on site. You can bring a lunch to eat on the or we can have lunch at a spot in Brooksville on our way home.
Field Trip Leader: Colleen Werner, Biologist, Withlacoochee State Forest
The Withlacoochee State Forest (WSF) encompasses 164,073 acres in Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Pasco, Sumter counties and is the third largest state forest in Florida. The WSF is divided into several distinct tracts of land including the Croom Tract, which is located in Hernando and Sumter counties, with over 20,000 acres. WSF protects one of the largest patches of sandhill habitat remaining in Florida. There is also a historic cemetery at the Tucker Hill Day Use Area.
Among the familiar turkey oaks, live oaks, and pines within the sandhill habitat, an impressive variety of vegetation thrives despite the arid soil conditions. We will begin our hike with Colleen at a mesic hammock where we will see Pecluma ptilota (Comb Polypody). Next we will walk through sandhill habitat and will be visiting a red-cockaded woodpecker cluster where we might get lucky enough to see the birds. The lupines usually begin blooming in March so there’s a chance we will see some of the blue flowers and other wildflowers, plants and wildlife.
https://www.plantrealflorida.org/plant-communities/detail/sandhills-zone-9
https://www.fnai.org/PDFs/NC/Sandhill_Final_2010.pdf
Colleen Werner is a Biologist Scientist II at the Withlacoochee State Forest. She has been at the WSF for 22 years and has the lead role for management of rare flora, karst resources and cultural resources. She also assists the WSF Ecology Unit with prescribed burns, invasive weed control and rare fauna management. Colleen has a B.S. in Environmental Botany from USF.
Directions: 26578 Croom Road (Forest Road 6), Brooksville, FL 34601
From Brooksville head north on U.S, Highway 41 to Croom Road (C-480). Take a right and proceed east on Croom Road to trailhead at Tucker Hill Day Use Area.
Questions? Email Becky Clayton at raclayton01@yahoo.com or text or call 813-416-5672 with any questions.
March Field Trip
March Field Trip: Talk and Walk at Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park
Date and Time: Saturday, March 18, 9:30 a.m.
Location: Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park
8001 Double Branch Rd.
Tampa, FL 33635
Meet: At the Environmental Education Center
Cost: $2 per car up to 8 people
Bring a hat, water, bug spray and wear sunscreen and good walking shoes. If it’s been rainy some of the trails might be wet so wear shoes you don’t might getting wet.
Need a Ride? Willing to drive? Let me know I’ll try to match you up.
Lunch: See below
Field Trip Leader: Joel Jackson
Hillsborough County founded the Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park in 1982 saving the environmentally sensitive terrain from potential being reconfigured into a waterfront subdivision. It now provides a protected area for nature study and passive recreation. The 596-acre peninsular park hugs the bay’s northern shoreline and protects valuable coastal habitat and ecological communities that include mangrove forests, salt marshes, freshwater marshes, oyster beds, coastal hammocks, and pine flatwoods.
We will start the morning in the Environmental Education Center to view the interpretive exhibits that describe the park environment, history, and geology, and live animal displays. Joel will provide a short presentation and then we will head out on the trails and boardwalk. There are three short, easy nature trails – the Eagle, the Otter, and the Bobcat – each explores different aspects of the park’s ecosystems. Gopher tortoises, zebra swallowtail butterflies, and bobcats live here. Red shouldered hawks and bald eagles are sometimes seen near the live oaks and other hardwood trees near the wetlands. The shoreline and waters attract park other wildlife and many other species, including Roseate spoonbills, ospreys, otters, bottle nosed dolphins, and manatees. There should be lots wildflowers blooming in March.
Joel Jackson is a lifelong resident of the Tampa area, served in Africa as a Peace Corps Volunteer and graduated from USF with both Bachelor and Master’s degrees. He was the first park and recreation planner for the City of Tampa and managed Hillsborough County’s $10 million park bond program to design and develop six nature parks for the county including Lettuce Lake Park. When he became the City of Tampa parks grounds manager he drafted the guidelines for a program to purchase environmental lands for Hillsborough County (ELAPP) which to date has acquired over 63,000 acres of conservations lands. His last position was Hillsborough County’s manager for park planning, design, and development. Joel is a 41-year member of the Florida Native Plant Society, a member of Tampa Audubon Society and has received both the FNPS 2016 “Green Palmetto” award for public service and SWFWMD’s 2020 “Water Wise” award for Pasco County. His hobbies are Photography and making Bluebird nesting boxes.
Extra Activities after the hike:
Kayaking or canoeing. If you want to further explore the creek and bay, bring your kayak or canoe or rent one from the park after the hike. Canoes and kayaks can be rented on site at the entry station. $25 for up to 4 hours. Paddling trail maps are available at the entry station
Fishing is welcome along the shoreline.
There are picnic tables and shelter available if you bring your lunch or there are many good restaurants close by to eat.
If you have questions or need to contact me please call or text 813-416-5672.
Becky Clayton
February Field Trip - Edibles in the Wild
Location: Aripeka Sandhills Preserve
18000 Aripeka Road
Hudson, FL 34667
Date and Time: Saturday, February 18, 2023 10:00 am
Field Trip guide: Valerie Anderson, Director of Communications and Programming, FNPS
Valerie will follow up her presentation at our February meeting with a field trip to the Apripeka Sandhills Preserve. She will primarily focus on learning to identify our native blueberries in the offseason. Valerie will point out habitat for chanterelles and boletes (edible mushrooms). We will also discuss and find edible native mints and other native plants.
The Preserve was acquired as part of the Weekiwachee Preserve on November 8, 2007. This was a joint acquisition with the Southwest Florida Water Management District and Pasco County. The funding from Pasco County was provided by Penny for Pasco. The preserve is managed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District as a part of a regional system of conservation lands that extends up to Crystal River Buffer Preserve, preserving the southernmost coastal hardwood hammock in western Florida. As part of this large preserve, Aripeka Sandhills preserves important habitat communities such as dense hardwood swamps and pine-covered sandhills
Valerie Anderson is the second-full time staff person for FNPS, hired in September 2018 as the Director of Communications & Programming. She runs the virtual FNPS educational programming and assists with many aspects of running FNPS. She lives in Kissimmee with her wife and two dogs, where she is active in her local chapter (Pine Lily), botanizes, lifts weights, and does sprint triathlon.
Directions:
From Heritage Park in Land O’ Lakes. Head north on Land O' Lakes Blvd/US Hwy 41 N for 6.5 miles to State Rd 52 W and turn left. Travel for 1.9 miles and turn right on to Shady Hills Rd for 4.7 miles. Turn left onto Peace Blvd/Platinum Dr and continue to follow Peace Blvd for 2.9 mi. Continue onto Denton Ave for 3.7 miles. Turn left onto Little Rd for .7 miles. Use the right 2 lanes to turn right onto US-19 N. Stay on US 19 for 1.3 miles then turn left onto State Hwy 595. The destination will be on the right.
Becky Clayton call or text 813-416-5672 or raclayton01@yahoo.com with questions.
January 2023 Field Trip - Walking Tour of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Location: Marie Selby Gardens, Downtown Campus
1534 Mount Street
Sarasota, FL. 34236
https:selby.org/visit/
Date and Time: Saturday, January 14, 2023 9:30am
Cost: $18 per person for tour and general admission
Meet at Paynes Mansion Gate at 9:15 to center by 9:30
West good walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen
Sign up with Becky Clayton or Jonnie Spitler at the January meeting or call/email Jonnie. Pay by Thursday, January 12 to reserve your spot.
