The Trailblazer

Florida Scrub: A Unique Side of Florida’s Nature When most people think of Florida’s natural areas, they picture wetlands, palm trees, or maybe a shady, mostly flat forest with lots of wildlife sounds. Florida scrub is a little different. It’s sunny, dry, and full of sand. At first glance, it can look pretty barren, but don’t let that fool you! Florida scrub is one of the rarest and most unique habitats in the world, and it's an epicenter for biodiversity. It's also right here in our own backyard in Tampa Bay! Although Scrub habitat is found in some other parts of the world, Florida scrub only exists in Florida. Many of the plants and animals that live here can’t be found anywhere else on Earth. That alone makes it something worth exploring. Once you know what to look for, scrub habitats tell an incredible story about survival, adaptation, and Florida’s geological past. What Is Florida Scrub? Historically, Scrublands are one of Florida's oldest plant communities, going back...

After the holiday season, when many of us have made precious memories sitting around the table with our loved ones, it becomes easier to recognize just how much food anchors our sense of community. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and so many other celebrations center around harvest and gratitude. Food is often what brings us together, allowing us to slow down and give thanks for what we have.   The connection we feel to our land after a plentiful meal is one that echoes in human history. For thousands of years humans have depended on the plants around them not only to eat but also to connect, by marking seasons, healing illnesses, building homes, and creating tools. The study of these relationships is called ethnobotany, which is the study of how humans interact with and relate to the botanical world. During this reflective time of year, ethnobotany offers a meaningful way to look at Florida’s landscape through a different lens. It allows us to explore how people have lived within thi...

  Winter months are some of the best times to get outdoors here in Florida, but also some of the most stressful. Between various holidays, travel, social events, work, family, and a myriad of other things - finding the time and inspiration to get outside can be difficult.  But time spent outside is so good for us as it is mentally and physically stimulating and can benefit our well-being. We put together a list of exciting activities you can try this winter to get outside.  We hope they give you some inspiration to try something new this season! Volunteer! Want to get involved this winter? We have so many opportunities to volunteer! Early December, the Tampa Bay Estuary Program is hosting the  Tampa Bay Debris Derby , an annual event where teams get as much trash and debris out of the Tampa Bay as possible - and win prizes doing so.  The main event and weigh in is at EG Simmons Conservation Park.  In January, we're hosting our annual " Spruce Up T...

You can't hit the trails and collect your rewards without being registered for the Hiking Spree! Let's get you started with this quick and easy guide.  To register for the Hiking Spree, you'll want to have a webtrac account already made, and all of your family members added into your household. To see how to do that, see our " Adding Family Members " guide (which also includes information on creating an account).  Once that's done, you'll go to the Hiking Spree event . A link to that page can also be found on the " Registration and Trails List " page.  Click on the grey box where is says "Hiking Spree." You'll see more event information drop down.  At the bottom of that information box, click the box under "Add To Cart. "  A pop up box will show up on the bottom of your screen.  Click "Add to cart." A screen will appear where you will click the box for every household member you want to register for the Hiking Sp...

Once you've created a webtrac account and added all your family members , you're set to start registering for events and programs! Our guided hikes, swims, paddles, classes, and other programs can be found here: CELM Ecotourism Events  At the activity or event you wish to join, and while you’re logged in, click “ Add Selection to List ” At the bottom of the page a bar will pop up, click “Add To Cart” You’ll select all household members you wish to buy tickets for, then “Continue.” It may ask you further questions, like if you want to subscribe to our newsletter. Make those selections, press “ Continue ” and it will take you to the Shopping Cart and you’ll be able to proceed with check out!

 In order to register multiple people in your family to the Hiking Spree, guided hikes, or other events at once, you'll need to add them to your family on WebTrac. Creating a New Account and Adding Family First, you'll need to create an account. If you already have an account, skip these first steps. You'll click " sign up " and begin creating your account.  Once you have added all of your own information, you'll see " Additional Family Members " is empty. Click the " Add New Family Member " button at the bottom. You'll enter the new family member information for the new member. Repeat this process for all members of your household.  Once all members are added, click "continue " and your household will be complete once you verify the registration. You'll be able to add event tickets for all household members now easily.  Adding Members to an Existing Account Already have an account? No problem! Log into WebTrac.  You'l...

  The cooler weather is approaching – are you ready to get back on the trail? The tenth annual Hillsborough County Hiking Spree features new trails, new prizes, and new opportunities to get out and explore all that Hillsborough County has to offer. What is the Hiking Spree? The Hiking Spree is a collaborative effort between Hillsborough County’s Conservation and Environmental Lands Management and Parks and Recreation departments. It is meant to highlight our unique outdoor spaces throughout the county. It is one of the largest and longest running events Hillsborough County does annually. This five-month event encourages people to discover new places to hike, learn more about conservation, and be active outside. The hikes chosen for the Hiking Spree are at Neighborhood Parks, Conservation Parks, Nature Preserves, and at other sites in Hillsborough.  The wide variety of sites to is curated to give everyone a chance to complete the Hiking Spree and have a great time, regardless o...