Pinecraft Park is in the heart of Amish country, and the park has a playground that is typically filled with plain-clothed types speaking Pennsylvania Dutch and playing some game that I don’t understand. But they say what happens in Pinecraft stays in Pinecraft, at least that’s what I’m told by my Anabaptist connections. Anyway, the […]
Lazy Naturalist Nature Journal
The nature journal is where we post updates on recent excursions into the Sarasota wild. Click here to have these updates mailed to you.
Windy Day North Lido
Prickly pears in bloom — that was definitely the highlight. I was hoping for a bird fallout with the South Wind, but no go….
Highlands Hammock State Park
Highland Hammock Park is about an hour and a half from Sarasota, and it has a variety of interesting and accessible ecosystems. Probably the most distinct is the cypress swamp, which we really don’t see much of in SRQ. More info on Highlands Hammock…
Urfer Family Park
Urfer Family Park, at the corner of Bee Ridge and Honore is surprisingly diverse in plant life, and on a Friday afternoon, is very quiet. I was excited to spot a Gopher Tortoise, as well as a Zebra Swallowtail, which made me look forward to future trips.
Hickey Creek Mitigation Park
Hickey Creek Mitigation Park is co-managed by the Lee County Department of Parks and Recreation and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. It consists of a variety of habitats including palmetto-oak scrub, pine flatwoods, and seasonal wetlands. Views of scenic Hickey Creek can be enjoyed from the trail and overlook areas. The ecosystem presently […]
Myakka Dry Prairie Hike
Walked in the FNAI reference area out Ranch House Road — a Beautiful spot. From the datasheet: There are no trees in the reference dry prairie. The shrub cover is approximately 40 percent and generally less than 2 feet tall. Dominant shrubs are saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), and dwarf live oak (Quercus minima). Other common […]
Brooker Creek Preserve
Brooker Creek Preserve is approximately 8,700 acres, and the largest natural area in Pinellas County. It consists primarily of forested wetlands and pine flatwoods. Bordered by dense urban development, the Preserve provides both a unique refuge for native flora and fauna, as well as an opportunity for citizens to explore the natural beauty of wild Florida. […]
Browning Plants at Myakka
It felt like a cold and windy day at Myakka (for Florida) as I did my usual route out Ranch House Road and back via Power Line. And many of the plants were browning and beautiful. A little thin in the fauna department, but I saw about six turkeys cross Ranch House Road. After that, […]