The Trailblazer

September 10th was forecast to be rainy, but these CATS weren't afraid of water. This workday at the  Alafia River Corridor North Nature Preserve  was attended by 20 determined volunteers. The pounce was divided into four groups, e ach led by a different Trail Boss, Daniel Allen, Bob McElroy, Dave Reed and Joe Guidry and Annita Nall shared the final group. T wo groups took to the red trail and two to the yellow trail.   Moises Tourgeman This workday was unusual because we were accompanied by Environmental Lands Management Coordinator Danielle Ivey and Environmental Specialist Travis Parker. Danielle and Travis transported the tools and two groups of yellow trail volunteers via truck and UTV.  The red teams headed out by foot and parted ways at the loop to care for half of the red trail. By splitting up, the team was able to complete work on both trails simultaneously which total almost eight miles in length. Alison Hughes & Jenn Grof f Our brand new Senior Outrea...

There are many reasons to love the Sunshine State, breezy beaches, warm sunny days, cool showers, oranges, palm trees and alligators. Florida not only has unique residents but also is home to many species that are endemic to Florida. This means they are only found here. Which is another reason to love this land. In the United States Florida, Texas and California are where t he highest numbers of endemic plant species are found. S upporting  roughly 700 species of freshwater and land vertebrates, Florida has  extraordinary diversity of animals. Several of these species are found nowhere else in the world.  Unfortunately, some of these species are threatened. Florida Bonnetted Bat myfwc.com The Florida Bonneted Bat Eumops floridanus is Florida's largest bat and considered the rarest in the world. It is federally endangered and was recognized as a distinct species in 2004.  These bats are insectivorous, although their diet is poorly understood, it includes beetles...

Even if you go hiking, riding, bird watching or kayaking in our conservation parks or nature preserves, you may not have had the opportunity to speak with our staff. When fully staffed,  Hillsborough County's Conservation & Environmental Lands Management Department has almost 200  staff members spread out throughout the county. Staff spotlight is an opportunity to meet and learn about the people who work hard to keep the County's conservation lands 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! Rodney is a military veteran of the United States Marine Corps with a total of 30 years of active service. He retired in October of 2013, took some time off, and began working for the County’s Procurement Services Department as a Senior Procurement Analyst in January of 2016. He joined the Conservation and Environmental Lands Management...