The Trailblazer

Heavy waves rushing through mangroves towards the shore. Coastal resilience and protection are essential parts of conservation. Protecting coastal ecosystems helps preserve habitats, strengthen shorelines, support biodiversity, improve water quality, and maintain carbon sinks. Mangrove swamps, salt marshes, and seagrass beds all play important roles in achieving these goals. These areas are known as “blue carbon ecosystems” because they store large amounts of carbon from the atmosphere, helping reduce heat and slow the rise of Earth’s temperature Shorebirds hang out on the shore at low tide. The plants, animals, and soil in these ecosystems trap sediment, which reduces the number of particles in the water and keeps it clearer. They also improve water quality by filtering and absorbing nutrients and pollutants from runoff that could otherwise harm offshore ecosystems. In Hillsborough County, the Conservation and Environmental Lands Management (CELM) team manages 12 coastal sites, prote...

If you’re reading this, you likely already know how lovely it is to visit one of Hillsborough County’s nature preserves or conservation parks to get away from the stress of daily life. Have you ever considered giving yourself a longer break from the grind? Our county is often associated with the vibrant energy and urban sprawl of Tampa, but just beyond the city’s reach lies a quieter, greener side that can feel worlds away. Camping at our conservation parks offers a refreshing blend of natural beauty, accessible peace, and year-round warmth that makes it especially appealing for both seasoned outdoor enthusiasts and first-time campers. A truck tows a camper and kayaks into a conservation park campground. Three of our conservation parks feature public campgrounds, and each park has its own draw for campers: the reservoir for freshwater fishing, a disc golf course, and rolling hiking trails at Edward Medard ; the beach, saltwater fishing, kayaking, and boating access to Tampa Bay at E...