The Trailblazer

   An Eastern Bluebird in winter plumage, eating the bright red berries of a Weeping Holly tree. Image by Ken Thomas. When picturing the native greenery of Florida, you’re mind may gravitate towards the exotic marsh rattlesnake master, the omnipresent palmetto, or the increasingly elusive Tampa Verbina. Rarely, do we consider the modest "dwarf" Yaupon holly, which lines our neighborhood sidewalks. This humble shrub is not only native to Florida, but it's also a naturally caffeinated plant with a rich history tied to traditional tea preparation. Hedge of Yaupon Holly by Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Yaupon holly exhibits a wide diversity in its growth habits and leaf characteristics, with varieties ranging from small trees to dense shrubs. One particularly unique type is the weeping Yaupon holly (Pendula), a variety that grows into an umbrella-shaped spectacle, adorned with vibrant red berries. The historical significance of the Yaupon holly stretches back thousands of years...

   As you ascend the mound path, slender red dragonflies buzz around tall stalks of muhly grass; the shell path underfoot is peppered with bright red and yellow blossoms of Gaillardia and Dune sunflowers, and you tread carefully to avoid crushing them. Upon reaching the summit, you see cabbage palms, winding ponds, and mangroves stretching out into the distance. Only the Tampa skyline, punctuating the horizon, serves as a reminder that you haven't traveled back through time. However, you are, in fact, standing in the heart of what was once a barren mining operation and fallow agricultural land, painstakingly transformed over decades into the  Cockroach Bay Nature Preserve through a collaborative restoration project. Downtown Tampa is visible on the horizon.   Situated in the sleepy southern town of Ruskin, Hillsborough County, Cockroach Bay has borne witness to some of the most significant cultural conflicts in American history and serves a vital existential purpose...

Florida is known for its unique geological history, which has made it a prime location for discovering and studying fossils. A fossil is the preserved remains or the impression of animals and plants that lived a very long time ago.  Fossils are not exactly the remains of the animal or plant itself- they are rocks! Bones, shells, feathers, and leaves can all become fossils. As a peninsula state surrounded by water, Florida has mostly been underwater for millions of years, resulting in the preservation of various marine creatures that existed during different geologic epochs. The state’s most famous fossils include dugongs, dire wolves, mammoths, horses, and giant land tortoises that date back to the Pleistocene period, which ended about 10,000 years ago. Most fossils are formed when a plant or animal dies and is rapidly buried in mud and silt. The soft parts of the plants and animals break down leaving the hard bones or shells behind. Over time, small particles called sediment b...

  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...