Good Morning Monday!
We are imaging walking through a field of yellow to start our week off on a sunny note. 🌼🌾🐝🦋
Thank you Cuplet Fern Chapter.

Saturday Saunter
Spring-to-Spring Trail

Volusia County's Spring-to-Spring Trail is an apt name for a trail which will link several of the state and county parks which feature natural springs. It is planned for more than 26 miles and should take approximately 3 hours to complete. The paved, path will be ideal for walkers, joggers, skaters, bicyclists as well as those with disabilities. Trailheads are Debary Hall Historic Site, Gemini Springs Park, Lake Monroe Park, Lake Beresford Park, Blue Spring State Park, and Grand Avenue in Glenwood. To date, 15 miles have been completed.

The Spring to Spring Trail is planned for the diversity of the land and wildlife. You will see open fields to jungle-like conditions and you may encounter bald eagles, rabbits, armadillos, alligators, otters, coyotes, and deer.

The most northern segment starts near the base of De Leon Springs State Park. De Leon Springs is known for its the lakes, creeks, and marshes. The trail travels south along Grand Avenue. To the west lies the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. Here freshwater marshes and swamps provide critical habitat for nesting, migrating, and wintering birds. This 6-mile segment ends at W. Minnesota Avenue. The next part of the trail is an 8.9-mile segment which begins on the southwestern outskirts of DeLand. The trail travels over 2 miles along Lake Beresford. The trail then travels along Blue Spring State Park through an environment which features hammock and magnolias trees. This park is a designated manatee refuge. You can learn more about this endangered animal through ranger programs as well as view them from an observation platform during the winter when manatees gather in the warm waters of the spring. The last part of the trail route is the most scenic. It traces the northwestern shoreline of Lake Monroe.

The Spring Trail is one segment of the much larger St. Johns River to Sea loop. Eventually, the trail will stretch all the way from DeLeon Springs to New Smyrna Beach and Titusville.
Download a map of the Spring-to-Spring Trail here: https://www.volusia.org/services/community-services/parks-recreation-and-culture/parks-and-trails/trails/spring-to-spring.stml
Photo:http://www.sportsvolusia.com

#ImagineOurFlorida #IOF #trail #hike #saturdaysaunter

--- Endangered Species Day ---

We live in a world full of animals, insects, plants, and birds, many of which are approaching the risk of extinction. Some are so close to extinction that they need help immediately. When a species is listed as endangered, it's numbers are especially low.

Endangered Species Day was created to remind us how fragile the existence of some species is. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), at least 40% of animal, insect, bird, and plant species across the world are at risk of extinction. That is 16,000 species. In the U.S. alone, nearly 700 species of animals and 900 species of plants are considered threatened or endangered.

The reasons for endangerment include environmental changes, overhunting, poaching, natural disasters, and the destruction of habitats by humans. Endangered means we still have a chance to save these animals and plants who play important roles in our ecosystems. Science has brought us the tools to bring these species back from the brink of extinction.

The Endangered Species Act has been a major conservation success. It is our nation’s most effective law for protecting wildlife in danger of extinction. Those who support wildlife conservation are the voice for the voiceless. Wherever you live, take time to learn about the endangered species in your area. Learn how you can make your community more environmentally friendly. Visit a nature area, plant a garden with native plants, or donate to IOF mission. Together, we can make a difference.

There is still hope for endangered species, but it all depends on us.
Let's all do our part because Extinct is Forever.

#ImagineOurFlorida #IOF #endangeredspecies #extinct

Thank you UF IFAS Volusia County Extension

--- 32,830 ---
That's how many people Imagine Our Florida has reached since Oct of 2016 at events, speaking engagements, teaching opportunities, beach cleanups and more. From Miami to Gainesville, from Merritt Island to St. Petersburg, IOF's dedicated and passionate volunteers did not let weather or distance stop them.

---- 32,830 + ????????? = Countless Reached----
That's how many we have reached TOGETHER. When you share our posts, encourage your friends to get outside, talk to your friends and families about our endangered species, advocate for clean water, or teach your neighbors how to coexist with black bears, you are teaching people to connect, respect, and coexist with Florida's wildlife and within our shared ecosystems.

Your contribution, no matter how big or small makes a difference. Thank you to ALL of you who are working with us to accomplish our mission.

Imagine how many more people we will reach as together we continue to
Educate and Empower people to Make a Difference.

#ImagineOurFlorida #IOF #MakeaDifference #Coexist