The Trailblazer

  Hillsborough County’s Marine Safety Unit Based out of E.G. Simmons Conservation Park, Hillsborough County’s Marine Safety Unit (MSU) plays a vital role in keeping local waterways safe, accessible, and environmentally healthy. Last week, we had the opportunity to spend a day on the water with Marine Safety Coordinator Stephen Decatur and Marine Safety Specialists Alan Grinaldi and Blake Milner to learn more about the variety of work they do each  day.    Stephen Decatur, Alan Grinaldi, and Blake Milner As Stephen explains, “The Hillsborough County Marine Safety Unit (MSU) is responsible for maintenance, repair, and replacement of over 1,000 signs on the waterways of the county, derelict vessel management and removal, and assisting all law enforcement agencies (local, state, and federal).” While that may sound straightforward, no two days are ever the same.  “One day we might be making sure the waterway markers are up to compliance and the next we might be remov...

  The tenth year of the Hiking Spree drew to a close in March. While many of you may still be trying to remember to pick up your rewards, we’ve been reflecting on the past season – and the last ten – to see what we can do to make the next ten years even better. We think about the Hiking Spree a lot; in fact, there’s not a single month of the year where we are not actively planning or running the Hiking Spree. Planning for the Kickoff event is in full swing, our rewards are being designed and ordered, and the coveted trail list is being written and re-written throughout the summer. To celebrate the end of the tenth year and the beginning of a new Spree decade, we wanted to write about some of our favorite things about the Hiking Spree over the years, what we’ve learned, and where we want to go. Setting out on the Trail The origin of the Hillsborough County Hiking Spree borrowed the concept from the Summit Metropolitan Park District in Ohio, which has been hosting the hiking ev...

Whether you go hiking, riding, bird watching or kayaking in our conservation parks, you may not have had the opportunity to speak with our staff. More than 140 staff members staff and manage Hillsborough County's Conservation Parks and Nature Preserves, which are spread out throughout our county. This is an opportunity to meet and learn about the people who work hard to keep the County's conservation parks and nature preserves thriving and beautiful for all to enjoy. Our staff do everything from mowing and fence construction to prescribed fire, invasive species removal, ecological restoration, guided programs and more!

  " 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...