I’ve completed the requirements for the Coastal module of the Florida Master Naturalist Program. Since that was my third major module, I am now a certified Florida Master Naturalist!
Continue reading “I did it, y’all!”I did it, y’all!
WWW – 2.13.2019
WWW – 2.6.2019
Australian Pines
Let’s start with the good news about the Australian Pine. Casuarina equisetifolia (also Casuarina cunninghamiana and Casuarina glauca) is a beautiful tree that grows up to 150′. The wood splits easily and burns cleanly; the sap is drinkable; and the gum is edible. . .if you are stuck on a deserted island, you probably would find the Australian Pine a good companion for survival. It provides shade and produces a calming rustle when the breeze moves through it. It was introduced to Florida to stabilize canals and ditches.
Continue reading “Australian Pines”Hey…who beat me to the beach?
This morning I stepped on to this tiny little beach at the Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center, and found that I was not the first!
At first, I thought it was a raccoon, but the fingers don’t look nearly long enough. Possums, too, have long fingers. After a little sleuthing, I think it may be a river otter or a skunk…but then I second guess myself and go back to thinking it was a raccoon. What do you think?
Lake County Public Lands Management Program
Lake County has some beautiful conservation areas, and it’s thanks to the foresight of our voters. In 2004, voters approved a referendum which included a millage so that the County could issue bonds to acquire and improve land. The purpose of such acquisitions is to protect our drinking water, improve water quality of Lake County rivers and lakes, protect open areas, and provide recreation areas. To date, nearly 3000 acres have been acquired. In 2005, Lake County created the Public Lands Management Program, which is responsible for acquisitions and improvements of public lands.
Continue reading “Lake County Public Lands Management Program”This is amazing.
Check this out. Ed Yong, writing in The Atlantic, reports that plants are far more communicative than we expected. I’m not even going to try to summarize his work — invest a bit of time and enjoy this article. https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2019/01/plants-use-flowers-hear-buzz-animals/579964/
A lovely little spring
Our friends, Kathy and Kim, invited us kayaking on the Suwannee River. We stopped for lunch on a sandy bank, and after a bit of exploring found this spring. Spend a minute or two listening to the water flowing…aaah. You’re welcome.
Blueways of Lake County, Florida
We are so fortunate, as residents of Lake County, to have a system of Blueways. Blueways are paddling trails through the lakes and rivers of Lake County.
Continue reading “Blueways of Lake County, Florida”What is My Exquisite Florida?
God, the universe, the divine. . .
the Milky Way that hangs over us. . .
the owls that hoot in the early morning. . .
there is magic in that.
Magic, and a deep sense of how connected we all are to each other and to everything the universe contains. There are moments where that connection is all that exists – where we can experience perfect peace. Steve and I want to seek out those moments in our beautiful home state and share them with you here.
And we’re determined to spend more time in nature. Come with us! Let’s find all the exceptional adventures Florida has to offer.
Welcome aboard!
Pam Jennelle