These are not pleasant times for a Florida adventurer. COVID-19, a novel coronavirus, has necessitated the closure of all Florida State Parks, many activity areas within our National Forests, and even some local county and city parks. While I understand the need for social distancing, I do believe it is important to get out of doors and even to socialize. SO…
This morning, I met a friend at Pine Meadows Conservation Area. We figured that until we are locked down due to COVID-19, we can meet a few times a week for some fresh air and exercise. We were easily able to enjoy our walk, share some conversation, and soak up the beautiful morning, while maintaining a safe distance from each other.
From the parking area just inside the park, we headed up the graded road into the park and took the first trail to the left. This is the trail that has what looks like monitoring equipment off to the right just as you get on the trail. We noticed LOTS of Caeser Weed on the left side of the trail. Naturally, since I think it is a pretty plant with a cute flower, it is highly invasive. This conservation area is loaded with invasives, and while the County plants lovely native plants, like Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) and Red Mulberry (Morus rubra), this might be a great place for the Native Plant Society to do a few clean-up events. We also noticed water lettuce growing on the trail that follows the canal — you read that right! The water lettuce was growing on land. I guess that stuff really will take over the planet someday (yep, I think it’s pretty, so you can tell it’s another invasive plant).
I am hoping to get a few kayak excursions in before our State is fully locked down and non-essential travel disallowed, and if Lake County keeps its conservation areas open, this will be one of them. The County has prepared a launch area that is adequate, if not ideal, and it is easy to launch into the mile long canal that leads to the lakes. Once you enter the shallow lakes that make up the Pine Meadows waterways, there is so much to see! To me, the highlight of this area is the bird life. Aquatic birds, songbirds. . .there is birdsong everywhere and so many birds to see!
So, COVID-19 may have us all considering how we need to modify our behavior, but I’ll be darned if it will keep me indoors. I believe I’ll go wash my hands and plan another trip to Pine Meadows to get some good bird photos. How are you coping with the restrictions on accessing public places? Stay safe, and be sure to keep your hands clean and your distance from others. The sooner we learn to do this well, the sooner the restrictions will be lifted!