Exceptional Adventures in Paradise
In the interest of seeing as much magic as possible, Steve and I went on a hike with the Highlander Chapter of Florida Trail Association on a recent Saturday night. Every year, the Highlanders assemble and hike through Lake Norris to the primitive campsite, share a splendid potluck dinner, and then hike back in the dark and enjoy a firefly display. Continue reading “Another Firefly Event – Lake Norris”
Ichetucknee Springs, affectionately referred to as “The Itch”, is the site of the April 20 Gorgeous Ladies on the Water kayak trip, and it is a stunning place. Popular in the summer with tubers, the headspring is a first-magnitude spring (flow of at least 100 cubic feet of water every second). The shallow spring run is populated with many other springs, including nine that are named, as it channels water approximately six miles to the Santa Fe River. The Santa Fe later joins the Suwannee River, which carries water from The Itch all the way to the Gulf of Mexico.
I recently attended a presentation of the Volusia County Extension Office. Dr. Raoul Boughton, University of Florida, presented a program about coyotes and their effect on Florida ranches. University of Florida presents great programming for the public, and for a naturalist, it’s a great way to add depth to what we know.
The coyote (Canis latrans, var. Eastern) branched off from the eastern and red wolf approximately 150,000 years ago. Because they are closely related, coyotes and wolves overlap in range. Coyotes and red wolves can interbreed. Although red wolves are twice the size of coyotes, they are at risk of becoming outbred because there are so many more coyotes than red wolves.
Continue reading “Coyotes in Florida”
Being outside and surrounded by nature has an exhilarating effect on me. Put me on a hiking trail for an hour, and I become simultaneously energized and relaxed – stronger, happier – more peaceful. And how these emotions become magnified when I’m on the water! But is there any “real” evidence to validate these benefits? There sure is, and we will explore that evidence in this series.
Continue reading “Nature, Health, and Wellbeing — Are They Related?”
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports today that Karenia brevis, the microscopic organism responsible for Red Tide, has been observed in Hillsborough, Sarasota, and Bay counties over the past week. This is normal, and no fish kills or respiratory irritation related to red tide has been reported in the same time period. There has been no observation of K. brevis along Florida’s East Coast. In short, all is well. Continue reading “Red Tide resources”
Don’t overlook it! Look up into the oaks and you are very likely to see resurrection fern.
Continue reading “Resurrection Fern”
In an earlier entry, I described a turtle die-off that has been occurring among Florida freshwater turtles, particularly along the St. John’s River. I have updated information to share.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reports that about 300 sick and dead turtles have been found in the past year. There are no external injuries or obvious signs of infection, and no toxins have been found, including those that could be caused by an algae bloom like red tide.
Continue reading “Updated Information Regarding Freshwater Turtle Die-Off”