July 3rd, 2008 Sandra Friend
More trails in the works for Tampa Bay, thanks to Southwest Florida Water Management District. Their newly minted management plan for Chito Branch Reserve - another reservior for thirsty Tampa Bay - in southeastern Hillsborough County includes networks of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails … and they need volunteers to make it happen. Meanwhile, you’re welcome to wander through the woods; the main entrance is off Browning Road, with another planned off CR 39. More details in this article from the Tampa Tribune.
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July 2nd, 2008 Sandra Friend
Episode 001: Lyonia Preserve (5:02)
A Volusia county natural land, Lyonia Preserve has the fine distinction of being the the best place in Florida to see a Florida scrub-jay. These colorful and large birds are found nowhere else in the world but the Sunshine State. Their habitat is very specific - high, dry scrub with low trees - and extremely fragmented across the state. The scrub-jay is listed as a threatened species. The podcast provides a description of a walk through the preserve, with directions on how to get there, and some scrub-jay calls I recorded on site.
Music included in this podcast:
“The River Bank” by Shaun Harris, RoyaltyFreeMusic.com
“Savannah Sketch” by Kevin McCloud, Incompetech.com
Get details about and directions for the hike at www.floridahikes.com/lyoniapreserve
Play or download the podcast with the tools below. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed for the Florida Hikes! podcast.
Florida Hikes! Episode 1: Lyonia Preserve [5:03m]:
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July 1st, 2008 Sandra Friend
This Saturday, July 5, Lake County will offer a guided hike on the Scrub-Jay Trail in South Clermont. It’s a special event offered each first Saturday of the month, even in summer. Meet at 8 AM for coffee and juice, an orientation session, and then a guided walk across the scrub preserve. Learn more about the preserve, which is only open on weekends, at The Florida Scrub Jay Trail.
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July 1st, 2008 Sandra Friend
July is Florida Recreation and Parks Month, and what better way to celebrate than to visit your local state park? It’s summer, so if you’re going to hike, get there when the gates open at 8 AM, or pick a park where paddling and swimming is a part of the fun too, like Lafayette Blue Springs State Park or Wekiwa Springs State Park.
On Sunday July 13, admission to all state parks is free. Get out there and enjoy your Florida treasures!
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July 1st, 2008 Sandra Friend
Yup, this just in … Hillsborough River State Park has added pancake griddles just like the beloved ones at DeLeon Springs State Park so you can show up, take an early morning hike, and settle down to a pancake breakfast that you and the family cook at your own table. Thanks to Gary White at The Ledger for bringing this to the public’s attention.
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