Every year, white pelicans migrate to Florida’s warmer climes, leaving behind the chilly northern lakes of Canada and the Midwest. Here, they find sanctuary in our coastal estuaries, lakes, and rivers. Watching them soar in tight formation or feed in synchronized choreography is like witnessing a living ballet—a performance perfected over millennia. Today, let’s take […]
The Lazy Blog
Heart of Babcock Ranch Reserve: Discovering Wild Florida in Late October
Nestled in the beating heart of Florida’s wildlands, Babcock Ranch Reserve sprawls across 67,000 acres of pristine wilderness, mere miles from the buzz of Punta Gorda. As a naturalist venturing here in late October, you’re granted a front-row seat to some of Florida’s finest seasonal transformations. The dry air settles in as autumn’s crispness hints […]
Florida Springs Over Memorial Day
Well, we thought the springs would be crowded over Memorial Day, and we were right… But still totally worth it! We went to Gilchrist Blue Springs, Poe Springs, and Ichetucknee Springs… and we floated down the Ichetucknee in Inner Tubes. Fun Trip!
Exploring Stoneybrook with Forest Crooke
The FNPS Serenoa Chapter spent the morning with Forest Crooke reviewing the native plant commitments of this extraordinary community. What an amazing story he has to tell.
The Golden Glory of Coreopsis at Myakka
As spring casts its rejuvenating spell over the landscapes of Florida, Myakka River State Park transforms into a vibrant tapestry of colors and life. Among the many natural wonders that grace this protected haven, the blooming of the coreopsis stands out as a golden spectacle that captivates the heart and soul of every nature enthusiast. […]
Tiger Creek Preserve with Cheryl Millet
We explored Tiger Creek Preserve with its manager. Tiger Creek Preserve is a place of mystery and contrasts. It sits on the eastern edge of the Lake Wales Ridge, one of Florida’s ancient islands. Separated from the mainland long ago by a shallow sea, the Ridge is peninsular Florida’s oldest and highest landmass. Fast forward […]
Myakka’s Leafy Legends
Learning the Park’s Favorite Native Plants Steve led a group of thirty down Ranch House Road and told the stories of the most interesting plants in the hydric hammock. From the event promotion: With over 800 species in Myakka River State Park, learning and identifying plants can seem an overwhelming task. In this program, naturalist […]
Orange Hammock WMA with Hunter Folmar
Hunter Folmar took the Florida Native Plant Society (Serenoa Chapter) on a walk and and talk about a 5,000 acre+ area that has approximately 9 miles of trails, including the 7-mile Tarflower Trail and the 2-mile Slough Point Trail. The recent acquisition of orange Hammock, situated between the RV Griffin Reserve and the Longino Preserve, […]
The Blooming of Pine Lilies in Florida
Nestled within the mosaic of Florida’s diverse ecosystems, the pine lily, also known as Lilium catesbaei, stands as a vibrant testament to nature’s artistry. This captivating wildflower, often overlooked due to its sporadic appearance and specific habitat requirements, embodies the intricate balance of the region’s natural environment. As a naturalist, I find the blooming of […]
BioBlitz at Celery Fields
Selby/iNaturalist is doing a bioblitz competition with Orlando, and I heard the Bobolinks were coming through at Celery fields — the trip was worth it! Here are the IDs…