The Trailblazer

Longleaf pines planted at Triple Creek Nature Preserve, 2020. The towering longleaf pine ( Pinus palustris )   once covered most of the Southeastern United States, believed to comprise a total of 90 million acres of land. They were plentiful and helpful to early settlers of Florida and felt like a resource that could never end. Longleaf pines are found in several ecosystems in Florida, all typically in areas we call “ uplands ” because of their location further “up land” from the coasts and water. These ecosystems range from pine flatwoods just above the waterline, to high pine lands further from sea level with well-draining soil. All these ecosystems are fire-dependent, meaning the plants and animal species living there evolved with frequent wildfires that played a crucial role in their regeneration. Fire helps to clear out underbrush, recycle nutrients, and promote the growth of these fire-adapted species. Longleaf pine growing among palmetto - note smaller pines growing belo...

Many fascinating creatures thrive in fire-adapted ecosystems like those you can find in our Conservation Parks and Nature Preserves. These ecosystems, often characterized by longleaf pine-wiregrass or scrub habitats, are shaped by the natural occurrence of fires. The flora and fauna that live in these habitats have evolved unique adaptations to coexist with and even benefit from these fires. Without periodic fire, all of these species are negatively affected.  Tampa Butterfly Orchid  (Encyclia tampensis)  Photo by Malcolm Manners, 2011. (CC Attribution 2.0 Generic) When visiting our parks and preserves, don’t forget to look up once in a while or you’ll miss sights like the Tampa butterfly orchid ( Encyclia tampensis ) growing on a variety of trees in some of our hardwood forests. Orchids often depend on very specific light conditions for optimal growth and reproduction. The open canopy resulting from periodic fire allows for increased light pen etration, benefiting epi...

Whether 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 than 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 and nature preserves 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! Norman “Mike” Jones joined the CELM crew in June 2020 as the Environmental Lands Management Specialist/Wildland Fire Crew Leader. He and his team coordinate and implement land management activities as they relate to fuels management and prescribed fire. This includes maintaining and installing firebreaks, native tree planting, hazardous tree removal, and maintena...

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Tucked away through a winding neighborhood is a part of our department many of our biggest fans may not even know about. This property doesn’t have many trails – but they’re not for hiking anyway; it has a lake that the rangers say has some of the best fishing they’ve seen – but isn’t open to just anybody; and the animals most visitors are hoping to see aren’t birds, gopher tortoises, or alligators.  This place is so entirely different that most people don’t even realize it’s a part of Hillsborough’s Conservation and Environmental Lands Management department, and yet it’s one of the most awe-inspiring properties we have. Have you guessed it yet? Bakas Equestrian Center can be found hidden away off the Racetrack Road, at the second location in its nearly 40-year history. In 1987, Tampa attorney John Bakas learned from his neighbor how hard it was for the neighbor to get around a horse stable while in a wheelchair – and from there the Bakas Horses for Handicapped 501c3 program was f...

The imagery of ‘Christmas Trees’ in December is a staple in the United States. While the exact origins of the tradition are somewhat unclear, the modern concept of the ‘Christmas Tree’ was brought over from Germany and England in the early 18th century. Interestingly, in Florida, you don’t have to visit a local store for your tree; you can actually get a native Florida ‘Christmas’ tree from the Ocala National Forest by obtaining a seasonal tree permit! A native Florida "Christmas Tree." Before you venture out with your saw, we’ll have to lay out some context. It's important to understand that there isn't a single ‘Christmas Tree’ species. Various evergreen conifers, like fir, spruce, or pine, are popular choices due to their dense, low-growing branches. These trees are typically found in cooler, northern climates. However, Florida boasts a few noteworthy native conifers, and just one of them is the right tree to harvest. Red Cedar ( Juniperus virginiana ) The Red Ceda...