The Trailblazer

  " Water Birds Sunning Log Kabini Reservoir Karnataka Dec21 D72 21581 "  by Timothy A. Gonsalves.  If you’ve ever walked near a lake, marsh, canal, or coastal shoreline in Florida, chances are you’ve seen a dark waterbird perched with its wings stretched wide in the sun. You were probably looking at either an Anhinga   or a Cormorant, two native Florida birds that are highly skilled underwater hunters. Anhingas and Cormorants are often mistaken for one another, but they are different species with unique traits, behaviors, and appearances. Though both are native, most Anhingas are a year-round resident, whereas Cormorants are more of a seasonal-resident with some birds migrating south in the winter.  "Oriental darter (Anhinga melanogaster) 21-Mar-2007 6-10-09 AM" by Kaippally (Left) " Lady Anhinga " by  Andy Morffew  (Right) Meet the Anhinga The Anhinga (A nhinga anhinga) , also referred to as the “snakebird”, is a large water bird. They can grow to be...

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...

  As development continues to grow around natural areas, understanding the role of fire becomes increasingly important. Residents may occasionally see smoke near preserves or parks, but these signs often indicate proactive land management. To mimic natural fire cycles and prevent uncontrolled wildfires, land managers in Hillsborough County use prescribed fire as a carefully planned land management tool. Burns are conducted only under specific weather conditions and follow strict safety guidelines to protect nearby neighborhoods, roadways, and air quality. By continuing to use prescribed fire as a land management tool, we are protecting native ecosystems, supporting wildlife, and preserving the natural character of the Tampa Bay region. Fire and Ecosystems Many of the Earth's ecosystems are adapted to naturally occurring fire cycles. Some even largely depend on fire for survival! Key fire-dependent ecosystems found in and around Hillsborough County include: Pine Flatwoods - One of t...

Prescribed Fire Fest is BACK for 2026 and it's going to be the biggest year yet! Join us at Medard Park on February 21st from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. for this free event offering activities sure to please all ages. This year we've added even MORE kid's games, activities, and giveaways. Fire Fest will have something for everyone, from the curious Florida newcomer to the seasoned naturalist. Read about some of the things you can look forward to, and learn more by visiting the event page here . 1. What is Fire Behavior? Visit the NEW Prescribed Fire Education Base Camp to learn the factors that influence how fires burn, and how we plan for them. We expanded last year’s Prescribed Fire Education Station and created a full-blown Base Camp! Visitors of all ages can explore how weather, fuels, and topography influence prescribed fire planning and behavior. Interactive demonstrations will take place throughout the day. 2. Learn how a prescribed fire works from above at a Sandbox Demonstrat...

  Since 2016 this festival has been a can’t-miss event! The  Florida Birding & Nature Festival  aims to promote appreciation and conservation of Florida’s birds, its wildlife and their habitats through responsible nature-based tourism and public awareness. After the storms in 2024, the festival planners decided to move the festival to the spring, coinciding with the spring migration and the birds' return, This year the festival will be held from April 9th through the 12th   at the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission (FWC) Suncoast Youth Conservation Center at 6650 Dickman Rd, Apollo Beach, FL. Field trips and hikes will be held nearby at  Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, Cockroach Bay Nature Preserve, Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park, Blackwater CReek Nature Preserve, Lower Green Swamp Nature Preserve, Fred and Ida Shultz Nature Preserve  and many other wild locations throughout Hillsborough, Polk, Pinellas, Manatee, and Sarasota counties! The festi...

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...