The Trailblazer

  Welcome to our very first Junior Trailblazer feature! These shorter features will offer coloring pages, nature exploration, and more for our youngest conservationists.  Our first edition brings you a Bobcat coloring page.  It looks like this bobcat might be in one of our sites - what park or preserve might she call home?  Download, print, and color the page. When completed, scan and send a copy to CELMOutreach@HCFLogv.net to possibly be featured in a future Trailblazer! Creative Conservation These crafts and activities can be done at home with some adult supervision "Making Moth Sugar" Moths have antennae that look like little feathers. These antennae are like sensors or radio aerials, picking up far away signals. Doing so, they are able to scent attractive food from far away - including this "moth sugar." What you need: 3 tablespoons sugar water 1qt plastic jug paintbrush sponge What to do:  Fill the jug with water Mix sugar into the jug of water. Shake to bl...

Imagine basking in the sun on the beaches of Tampa Bay, canoeing along the meandering Alafia River, or taking a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of Lithia Springs. These moments epitomize the Floridian experience for millions of people. Hillsborough County's waterways are not only idyllic spots for recreation but also vital lifelines providing the water we depend on every day. However, these essential wetlands are under constant threat from urbanization, pollution, and climate change. E.G. Simmons Conservation Park Images of dried lakebeds out west often circulate on our news feeds, reminding us of the potential consequences of water mismanagement. Despite the appearance of water abundance in Florida, we are currently grappling with extreme drought conditions. As reported by the National Integrated Drought Information System , Hillsborough County is enduring its worst drought in over a century. This is why organizations like the Southwest Florida Water Management Distric...

As you stroll along the boardwalk at Lettuce LakeConservation Park , you may spot the seasonal blossoming of spotted water hemlock plants (Cicuta maculata) . These small, umbrella-like clusters of flowers sit atop tall, branching stems. While these plants are toxic and inedible for humans, imagine your surprise as you discover caterpillars, resembling emerald gemstones, feasting on the flowers. Photo by Dr. Don Hall, University of Florida These caterpillars, exhibiting a stunning combination of green, black, and yellow hues, are the larval stage of the Eastern Black Swallowtail butterflies (Papilio polyxenes) . They primarily feed on plants such as the spotted water hemlock, which serve as essential host plants for their survival and growth. Host plants are crucial for many butterfly species, providing both sustenance and a secure habitat for caterpillars to mature and eventually transform. Photo by Dr. Don Hall, University of Florida You might be surprised to find butterflies on a lak...

  On Earth Day this year we’re launching a new program— Nature Journaling ! Don’t worry, we promise you can be great even if you don’t consider yourself an artist or a writer. Before you grab your spot, learn more about ­­celebrating Earth Day in a new way. Nature Journaling has been used in classrooms, homeschools, summer camps, and by hikers and outdoorsmen alike as a tool for all ages to connect deeper with nature. It is a way to document your experiences outside and in turn gain insights into the natural world, become more creative, allow your curiosity to grow, and so much more. People who nature journal have reported that the time spent outside observing and experiencing what’s around them has brought them a deeper calm and improved   mental health. What do you need to start? A journal, of course , and writing tools are the basics. It’s a good practice to bring these with you whenever you go outside so if you feel prompted or notice something interesting you can journa...

Living in Florida, it’s hard not to notice gopher tortoises. They range nearly the entire state and hang out in all the neighborhoods, parks, and preserves that we do. They amble along foraging on grasses and low growing plants, seeming to not worry too much about trying to make it anywhere anytime fast. They’re protected, and as a threatened species messing with them can garner some hefty fines. But why? What makes them so special? Gopher Tortoises often bask in their burrow entrance. The gopher tortoise ( Gopherus polyphemus)  is a “Keystone Species,” or an animal that other animals, plants, and life around it needs to survive because of its impact on the environment. When a beaver dams a river, it provides more opportunities for food and habitat for other animals in the same ecosystem, and removing beavers from that ecosystem will have a severe negative impact on all species. Similarly, the gopher tortoise and the numerous large burrows they dig provide permanent homes, temp...

You did it! You've hiked eight trails (or more!) as a part of the 2022-2023 Hillsborough County Hiking Spree . You've basked in the glory of a goal accomplished and ask yourself... now what? Use this handy guide to wrap up your Spree and trade steps for swag. 1. Double check to make sure you're registered . We forgive you if you were so excited to hit the trails that you forgot. 2. Fill out the Online Hiking Completion Form . You'll need the confirmation email to collect your swag.  3. Step outside and collect your prize! Bring your confirmation to the front desk at these parks or recreation centers: • Bell Creek Nature Preserve • Carrollwood Village Park • Conservation Parks Admin Office • Edward Medard Conservation Park • Gardenville Recreation Center • Jackson Springs Community Center • Lettuce Lake Conservation Park • Lithia Springs Conservation Park • Miller Park & Life Center • Ruskin Recreation Center 4. Show off your new swag on social...

In honor of World Wildlife Day on March 3rd, let’s take a look at some of the wildlife that call Hillsborough County home. You won't have to search hard to find them; these spectacular creatures can be viewed throughout Hillsborough County at your nearest conservation park or nature preserve. In 1987, Hillsborough County leadership thought it prudent to conserve land, waterways, and wildlife, ensuring the preservation of these resources for future generations to enjoy. Because of the wisdom of our community leadership, wildlife thrives in our backyards. Here is a sampling of 10 mammals, reptiles, birds, and fish you may encounter in the untamed, undeveloped lands of our County Parks and Preserves. Black Crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Despite being named because they are most active at night, these birds can be seen in many of our conservation parks during the day. These short, stocky birds live in Florida year-round and primarily eat fish. They’re a communal bird a...