What's Out There?
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it.” - Ferris Bueller
Everyone has their own hiking style - some like to get their steps in and work up a sweat, while others prefer to stop and sketch what they see to really soak in the flora and fauna around them. Many adventurers prefer a combination of the two, depending on the season. On your next hike, try adopting a relaxed pace and try to spot all of the interesting things you won't want to miss! Please keep in mind that ALL flora, fauna, and everything in between on nature preserves is protected and should never be removed or interacted with. Look, but don't touch!
Triple Creek Nature Preserve - fireflies
In the warm, rainy season (think May-July) hike in the afternoon or
join us on a night hike to spot fireflies! There are 56 species of fireflies to be found all across the state, and you're most likely to find them in grassy areas with sandy soil and areas with scattered trees. In Florida, light pollution and urbanization are a large factor in the lack of opportunities to spot these insects. Light pollution lessens the fireflies' ability to spot each other, which means they are less likely to mate and increase the population. Although they are smaller in number, catching a glimpse will add a magical component to your adventure. Reference the trail map to find areas of trail that come close to creeks or streams, and get ready to spot some lighting bugs!
Triple Creek trail mapUF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones
Alafia River Corridor (North) Nature Preserve - deer
The most common species of deer in Hillsborough County is the white-tailed deer. You'll quickly notice that the deer in Florida are much smaller than their out-of-state counterparts. This is due to the climate and soil type in much of the state. Less body mass means less energy expended in the hotter months; nutrient-poor soils also cause this smaller stature. Taking a hike in the early morning at Alafia River Corridor North is the best way to spot these elusive mammals! A quick tip for spotting deer on your adventures: hike as quietly as possible (if you like to go in groups, try to limit conversations to a minimum) and stow your car keys away in your hiking pack. Deer are spooked easily and will take off at the slightest disturbance.
Alafia River Corridor (North) trail map
Bell Creek Nature Preserve - passionflower
These flowers seem to originate from another planet! Although the flowers themselves last for only a day, they are a sight to behold. Many hikers have claimed this stunning flower as their "official Florida native favorite", and it's easy to see why. Beyond their good looks, these vines are the host plant for the mature gulf fritillary butterfly larva, which is a striking orange color with black warning spikes. Although passion fruit is a popular culinary ingredient, the wild vines do not produce edible fruit (for humans, at least!) The best place to see these flowers is the blue trail at Bell Creek Nature Preserve during summer and early fall.
Bell Creek trail map
