WWW – 6.3.2020
Tate’s Hell State Forest – Dwarf Cypress
On my recent trip to visit pitcher plants in the Apalachicola State Forest, I took a side trip into Tate’s Hell State Forest. Here, we visited Cash Creek and the Kendrick Boardwalk. Each of these sites is easily accessible by vehicle. The drive to Kendrick Boardwalk was long and dusty, and I would not have attempted it if the road was wet. Getting stuck in this place would not be a good idea, and AAA may not have been up to rescuing us!
Stunted Cypress
The Kendrick Boardwalk overlooks a bowl-shaped depression where the cypress trees do not exceed 20′ in height. These cypress trees are genetically the same as bald cypress trees that often grow up to 100′, but in this area of Tate’s Hell, they are stunted. No one seems to know why. I suspect it must have to do with available nutrients, but have no science to back that up.
In doing some very quick research for this post, I’ve been trying to find out if there is a specific variety of dwarf cypress. The dwarf cypress trees at Lake Norris in Eustis, Florida, look nothing like the trees in Tate’s Hell. Of course, the Eustis trees are growing in a lake, and the Tate’s Hell trees are in what is a bog at best. These stunted trees may be a separate variety of cypress, or they may be bald cypress. It’s up for discussion.
Finding Kendrick Boardwalk
To reach this boardwalk, turn north into Tate’s Hell from SR 65 in Eastpoint. Signs will direct you to the High Bluff Tract. Watch for the Cash Creek Recreation area on the right — pass it but be on the lookout for North Road. Turn right on North Road and follow it to Dry Bridge Road. Turn right and proceed until you see the signs for the Kendrick Boardwalk. The view is definitely worth the side trip when you’re on your way to Sumatra to see pitcher plants!
Mimosa pudica – Sensitive Plant
Bear Tracks Blackberry Farm
Slowly, slowly, our state is re-opening. State parks are opening with attendance restrictions, preserves are once again available, and people are taking advantage of the wonderful weather to get some exercise and Vitamin D. But if you want an adventure that’s DELICIOUS as well as relaxing and recharging, check out Bear Tracks Blackberry Farm.
Continue reading “Bear Tracks Blackberry Farm”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”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.
Take action to protect bats
Photo credit: “Bat Swarm” by alexvalentine is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Bat maternity season is almost here, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding the public to check their homes and other structures for bats and seal potential entry points. Are there cracks in your chimney or holes in your siding? Bats and other small mammals can fit into these small spaces, and now is the best time to inspect your home!
Continue reading “Take action to protect bats”Bobcats – quiet grace on four paws
Only once have I seen a bobcat in the wild. Very early in the morning on the south side of Lake Okeechobee, the bobcat was just moseying across a driveway on the far side of the road. It was an encounter just long enough to realize what I was seeing, and for the bobcat, I suppose, there was no encounter at all.
Continue reading “Bobcats – quiet grace on four paws”
WWW – 12.4.2019
WWW – 11-27-2019
