The Trailblazer

Anyone who has spent enough time in Florida knows that our native ecosystems are unique. We casually talk about encounters with reptiles that walked among the dinosaurs, or flying insects that evoke feelings of vintage horror films. Florida is a treasure trove of the weird and wonderful, and one group of species helps lead the way. They yield sticky tentacles, grow hairs, and set traps. Sometimes resembling species from another planet, they seem to defy the rules of ours. I'm speaking, of course, of Florida's carnivorous plants. Florida is home to approximately 30 species of carnivorous plants, more than any other state in the U.S. The most notable feature of carnivorous plants is their diet, which consists of live prey. You may be asking yourself why a plant would evolve this way. Carnivorous plants are freshwater wetland species that thrive in wet, acidic soils which are low in nutrients. They can be found in habitats such as bogs, floodplain forests, and swamps. They make u...

The northeast corner of the county, where Hillsborough brushes past the Pasco line, Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve is a quietly impressive property that stands steady through a landscape that has changed less than most. At more than 2,000 acres, the preserve is not the largest property in the ELAPP system, in fact it is dwarfed by its 12,000+ acre neighbor Lower Green Swamp, but it holds a distinction of being one of the least disturbed preserves in our vast county. I was privileged enough to be given a tour of the property by Land Management Specialist Rebecca Winch, and Land Management Coordinator Stephen Raymond, during one of their many prescribed burns on the property. They explained to me the unique history of the site: “It is one of the least, if not the least, disturbed nature preserves in Hillsborough County... they didn't clear cut everything, grade it out, and then plant everything over with Bahia grass” explains Rebecca. “That means it still has a lot more plant b...

 If you have ever taken a hike at one of our incredible properties, you’ll know that there’s a shift in sound that only shows up once you’re far enough from pavement. It doesn’t happen immediately, but it slowly creeps in after the trailhead disappears behind you, after your backpack has started to dig a little into your shoulders, and you've started to work up a sweat on your hike. At first, it feels as though the world has gone quiet, there are no more sounds of cars whizzing by, no phone alerts or distant chatter. You might just let out a sigh of relief to finally be away from it all. Then, slowly, your ears begin to tune themselves to a different hustle and bustle. The sounds of life. If you’ve ever stood beneath an oak tree teeming with cicadas at dusk during the summer, you know just how deafening the natural world can be. And if you’ve come out to spend the night camping, when the sun begins to sink and the firelight replaces the day, the world shifts again. That’s the mom...

If you’ve ever strolled along Florida’s coastline, you’ve likely seen them—tall, golden grasses waving gently in the ocean breeze. These are sea oats ( Uniola paniculata ), a native plant that’s as beautiful as it is vital to our shoreline. More than just a scenic backdrop, sea oats play a critical role in protecting our beaches and coastal communities. Sea oats are key players in dune formation and stabilization. Their strong, fibrous roots anchor sand in place, helping build and maintain the dunes that act as natural barriers against wind, waves, and storm surge. These plants are uniquely adapted to thrive in salty, sandy, sun-drenched conditions where few others can survive. In doing so, they provide essential habitat for a variety of wildlife, from burrowing crabs to coastal birds. Because of their importance, sea oats are protected under Florida law. It is illegal to pick or damage them, even a single blade. Disturbing these plants can lead to erosion and dune loss, putting homes,...

The Channel Park Trailhead sign welcomes you to enjoy the Upper Tampa Bay Trail  Winding through the suburbs of northwest Hillsborough County, there's a perfect path to take a break from the buzz of car traffic and get your body moving. Shaded by oaks, palms, and pines; the Upper Tampa Bay Trail is a unique part of the Conservation and Environmental Lands Management department. While not a standard Conservation Park, this trail provides recreation opportunities for thousands of patrons a week, while also acting as a natural area buffer in suburban areas for native plants and wildlife.  Much of the Upper Tampa Bay Trail was originally a railroad route, created in the early 1900’s by W.P. Lutz for his Tampa and Gulf Coast Railway. This railroad company connected areas of Tampa with Tarpon Springs and St Petersburg. As time ticked on, the use of the railway in the Tampa area slowed to a halt. In the 1990’s, “rails to trails” programs throughout the country began to reclaim unuse...

The reality of living in Florida and loving the outdoors is that if you want to take advantage of the beauty of nature year-round, you’re going to have to be out in the heat. Summer days give us the most hours of fun, holiday weekends and school breaks afford some of us more time to explore with those we love, and summer brings the magic of nature in cicada song and lightning bug glow.  Summer hiking in the Sunshine State requires special preparation. The combination of high heat, intense humidity, and potential afternoon thunderstorms can make your outing challenging if you're not ready. With proper planning and preparation, you can beat the summer heat and have a safe day outside! Plan Your Outing Before you lace up your hiking boots, take a few minutes to plan your hike. Choose a trail that suits your fitness level and check the map beforehand. Look for trails that follow or loop near bodies of water, which often offer cooling breezes and occasional shade.  Bring a printed ...

Happy May! You've done it, you've completed the  9 th   annual Hiking Spree hikes! Have you collected your rewards yet? Don't delay, they'll be gone after May!  What do you do when you’ve completed the Hiking Spree? 1. Fill out the Hiking Spree Completion Form online . You’ll need the confirmation email you receive to pick up your rewards and we need this to know which trails are your favorite and make changes for next year. 2. Step outside and collect your prize!  We’ve introduced more in-person pickup sites to help you get your rewards as soon as possible. Bring your confirmation and collect your rewards at any of these locations: Bell Creek Nature Preserve 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 Westchase Recreation Center Please chec...