WWW – 4.20.2020
Seminole State Forest – Bear Pond Interpretive Trail
When the State Parks closed due to the “safer at home” order issued by Governor Ron DeSantis in response to COVID-19, Steve and I were heartbroken. The majority of our adventuring, after all, occurs in our State Parks. But this closure has motivated us to spend more time in our local reserves, preserves, and conservation areas. I’ve been raving about the Seminole State Forest, and recently, we met a friend at the Bear Pond Trailhead for a morning of hiking in the Forest.
Continue reading “Seminole State Forest – Bear Pond Interpretive Trail”Backyard Bioblitz
This year’s Bioblitz, an annual citizen science project where participants record their wildlife sightings in the iNaturalist app for cataloging by Conservation Florida, has been moved from Rock Springs Run State Reserve to your very own backyard!
If you’d like to take part, just download the iNaturalist app to your smartphone. This app allows you to record your observations directly to Conservation Florida’s bioblitz project. Please visit the iNaturalist tutorials for more information and join the iNaturalist project here. Record your findings! You can also share your experience on social media using #GreatFloridaBioblitz
WWW – 4.1.2020
What’s the difference between State Parks and State Forests?
I recently mentioned on Facebook that I was in the Seminole State Forest, and a friend responded that they thought State Parks were closed due to the COVID-19 restrictions. She was absolutely correct: State Parks are closed — BUT the State Forest is still open.
It got me thinking, what is the difference between State Parks and State Forests? This answer will only apply to Florida, so if you’re in another state things might be a bit different. If that’s the case, please comment! I’d love to know how things work in other states. After all, we love Florida but it’s not like we never cross the state line!
Continue reading “What’s the difference between State Parks and State Forests?”A Walk in the Time of Coronavirus
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…
Continue reading “A Walk in the Time of Coronavirus”Happy Birthday to My Exquisite Florida
Super short post today, but it occurred to me last night that just a year ago, My Exquisite Florida officially kicked off this blog. It has been a fun year, and I’m still learning the ins and outs of blogging — I’ve got a long way to go to get where I want to be, but isn’t that kind of the way life is supposed to be?
Thank you for sharing this year with me, and thanks for being on board for the upcoming adventures. Don’t let COVID-19 keep you from getting outdoors. Even with social distancing, you can still hike with a friend or find a peaceful place to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. The chance to do those things may be one of the silver linings to the dark cloud that is pandemic.
Looking forward to meeting you to play outside!
2020 Firefly Festival at Blue Springs
UPDATE: I learned today that the Florida State Parks have cancelled all organized activities and events through the month of March. So, it is quite likely that if there is a Firefly Festival at all, it will be during the first week of April…if the fireflies are still around.
This is probably wise. COVID-19 is no laughing matter, and your loved ones’ health is far more important than the Firefly Festival. But if you love the Festival, you might think about making a donation to Friends of Blue Springs — the Festival is a major fundraiser for them.
Stay safe and healthy!
Any day now, the start of the 2020 Blue Springs Firefly Festival will be announced on the Friends of Blue Springs Facebook page. Steve and I can hardly wait! We went twice in 2019, and I hope to go at least twice this year.
Have you been? What’s your favorite firefly memory? Once in the mid 80s, I was on a bus from the airport to a conference in Ohio, and the wide fields in the dark night were FULL of fireflies! It was a beautiful sight, but I do believe the Blue Springs fireflies are my favorites.
WWW – 3.11.2020
Bats at Ft. Cooper State Park
I really like bats, but what I know about them could fit in a thimble. A really tiny thimble. So, they eat insects, fly at night, and don’t really get tangled in our hair. . .that’s about what I knew before Steve and I listened to Sherry from the Florida Bat Conservancy share her knowledge and passion for bats. We were also able to see two bats up close, and then watch a bat colony take flight at dusk. Now I want to know more, and Steve has finally agreed that we should have a bat house or two on our property.
Continue reading “Bats at Ft. Cooper State Park”