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.
Updated Information Regarding Freshwater Turtle Die-Off
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.
What do we know?
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”Fireflies at Blue Springs State Park
UPDATE:
We had a terrific time at Lights of Nights at Blue Springs State Park.
Continue reading “Fireflies at Blue Springs State Park”Wildcat Lake, Ocala National Forest
Yesterday was the third Saturday of the month, and since my naturalist classes are done, I was finally able to paddle with GLOW (Gorgeous Ladies On the Water). GLOW is a group of friends who meet regularly to kayak, SUP, and otherwise enjoy the beautiful waters in our area. This day, we met early on an overcast morning at Wildcat Lake, located in the Big Scrub of the Ocala National Forest.
Continue reading “Wildcat Lake, Ocala National Forest”
What’s going on with Florida freshwater turtles?
We find them often in the pool: flat turtles with leathery shells, long necks and odd noses. Sometimes the shells have a subtle pattern that looks like dark stains left on a dark green tablecloth. . . maybe last year’s Thanksgiving gravy that never really came out in the laundry. Sometimes they are over a foot long, but once Steve rescued what must have been a young turtle, less than 6 inches from nose to tail. We put them in a large bucket and relocate them to Lake Eustis. If I were a turtle in need of rescue, I would want Steve to find me and put me in a lake because he wonders about turtles he has saved for long after I have forgotten them.
Continue reading “What’s going on with Florida freshwater turtles?”WWW – 3.6.2019
WWW – 2.13.2019
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”