The Trailblazer

The Conservation and Environmental Lands Management Department has just launched a Wildlife Crossings project in conjunction with research associate Dr. Daniel Smith of the University of Central Florida’s Biology department. Dr. Dan Smith and Conservation Parks Coordinator Jan Kirwan Dr. Dan Smith's interests include studying the movement patterns and habitat use of land animals and integrating conservation, transportation, and land-use planning. He has written and conducted several studies on these projects. Dr. Smith’s lab will be evaluating the importance of habitat connections between existing conservation lands, road conflicts, and wildlife-crossing measures needed. They will identify key locations for wildlife crossings and provide structure and site design recommendations. Wildlife crossings are especially important in Hillsborough County as our ELAPP lands are currently a patchwork throughout the county connecting environmentally sensitive habitats. Evaluating these l...

 Announcing the NEW Hillsborough FL Nature Tours App! At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, our Outreach team had an excellent idea to develop a set of audio tours that would help extend how we conduct passive recreation and outreach at our conservation parks and nature preserves. This idea quickly turned into a several month-long project in collaboration with many of our CELM staff members across the county to select sites and develop app language. To date, there are 14 audio tours available at some of our most popular sites including: Nature Preserves         Alafia River Corridor - South         Apollo Beach          Bahia Beach         Bell Creek         Blackwater Creek         Golden Aster         Lake Frances         Lower Green Swamp         Triple Creek Conservation Parks ...

Conservation Parks and Nature Preserve are accessible to all within a ten-mile radius of most residences in Hillsborough County. On Hillsborough County-managed lands, it is important to know the distinctions between the two types of site before heading out on your journey. Here are the shared similarities: Dogs must always be leashed on any Hillsborough County property. Wildlife, other hikers' dogs, and dog-shy visitors may not enjoy your pet's enthusiastic greetings as much as others. All  Rules and Expectations  must be followed while visiting. Each site has its own webpage where you can find any information needed prior to your visit. Hillsborough County provides monthly educational programming such as night hikes and guided paddles.  Subscribe to the Trailblazer Newsletter  to discover your next guided adventure! Edward Medard Conservation Park Fishing Pier Conservation Parks are perfect for family outings. Between primitive camping, paved trails, kayaking, ...

Near the end of April, McKinstry, Inc. staff enjoyed generously giving their time and efforts to beautify Lettuce Lake Conservation Park by removing Caesar's Weed once again. This invasive plant is rightly named as if left to it's own devises it will spread dominion near and yonder. The plant grows quickly and can reach 2 to 7 feet by the end of the year. It's seeds are travelers, that easily attach to clothing or fur. Help removing this plant is always appreciated. Ranger Murley from Lettuce Lake extended his sincere gratitude for what the team accomplished that morning. Above and beyond the fact that the team performed admirably and removed quite a bit of Caesar's Weed, they were also extremely pleasant during the experience. The entire team was positive, upbeat, smiling and happy. The group was also inquisitive and received answers to many great questions. Not only has this group volunteered at Lettuce Lake previously, but they have also served at Alderman's Ford...

Input sought for park that houses war memorials and serves as a military event venue You don’t have to be a veteran to complete an online survey  asking for public comment that will help to plan for the future of the County’s Veterans Memorial Park . The survey seeks community input on questions such as how the park is currently used, how the community would like to use the park in the future, and how the park can reach its full potential. The online survey is an opportunity for residents who could not attend the previously held workshop or open house. Those who did attend and would like to provide additional feedback are also invited to use the online option. For the best experience, participants should use Chrome, Firefox, or Safari as their browser. The survey will remain open through Tuesday, May 24. Feedback from the public will help identify how veterans and residents use the park and generate consensus and a vision for the future. Hillsborough County will work with the...

Installation of covered bench. Conservation & Environmental Lands Management (CELM) frequently partners with Boy Scouts of America (BSA) local troops to foster skill building and encourage leadership in the youth of our community. These efforts in turn beautify and improve conservation parks and nature preserves. Toward the end of March in Hillsborough County's southernmost region, Camp Bayou Nature Preserve benefitted by having Dawson G. build not one, but two covered benches. These benches provide a nice resting place along the trail. It is apparent that Dawson is proud of his accomplishment and he should be! Eagle Scout projects take time in planning, gathering materials through fundraising or sponsorship and efforts of constructing and installation. Dawson proudly perched on his project bench. Eagle Scout projects are beneficial to the creatures on site where the projects are installed, whether they be human or another species. These projects serve a purpose in allowing eac...

Even if you go hiking, riding, bird watching or kayaking in our conservation parks, you may not have had the opportunity to speak with our staff. More that 140 staff members staff and manage Hillsborough County's Conservation Parks and Nature Preserves, which are spread out throughout our county. This is an opportunity to meet and learn about the people who work hard to keep the County's conservation parks thriving and beautiful for all to enjoy. Our staff do everything from mowing and fence construction to prescribed fire, invasive species removal, ecological restoration, guided programs and more! May's staff spotlight is Francisco "Frank" Machuca. Frank previously worked in a cardboard box manufacturing company.  He was interested in pursuing a career as a Park Ranger so he began volunteering at the Upper Tampa Bay Trail. He was hired as a Park Ranger and joined the Hillsborough County ranks in February of 2018.  Frank's favorite part of the job is meeting a...