Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

Explore a marsh, swamp, Pine Flatwoods, Sand Scrub, Hammock, and Lake Maggiore all at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Located in St. Petersburg and part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, the Preserve is home to over 165 species of birds, over 50 species of butterflies, and over 60 species of amphibians and reptiles.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll or bike through the 3 miles of trails. Be sure to look for uniques species in the Sand Scrub. Cool off under the dense canopy in the hammock while admiring the abundance of wildflowers. Stop at Lake Maggiore to birdwatch.

The Birds of Prey program at Boyd Hill Preserve cares for non-releasable birds where they are ambassadors for their species and habitat. Visit the Environmental Center for information on programs, rental space, and nature camps.

Tram Tours are available and most trails are ADA accessible.

For more information, times, and admission, visit: http://stpeteparksrec.org/boydhillpreserve/

Photo Credit: Aymee Laurain and Marc Goldberg

 

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Giant Whip Scorpion

The Giant Whip Scorpion (Vinegaroon, Mastigoproctus giganteus) is the only whip scorpion with a tail found in the United States. Whip refers to its long thin tail. Vinegaroon is derived from the vinegar scent created by a spray of concentrated (85%) acetic acid that emanates from the base of the tail.

The Vinegaroon, an arachnid, can grow to 2 inches long. It does not have a stinger filled with venom like other scorpions. They have eight rather weak eyes. Nature has provided them with long, thin front legs to use as antennae to feel their food and a tail, which serves as a sensory organ. They make their homes underground in well-drained soil. You will see them most often when they come to the surface during the rainy season.

After a 12-hour mating ritual in autumn, the female will carry the eggs internally for several months before laying 30 to 40 eggs into an egg sac. She will remain in her burrow for 2 months while holding the egg sac off the ground. Once hatched, the white-colored babies and will ride on their mother’s back for about 30 days. After their first molt, the babies look like adults and will leave their mother. Before becoming adults, the new Vinegaroons will molt three more times at intervals of about one year. Life expectancy is 7-8 years.

Giant Whip Scorpions dine on Florida woods roaches, termites, and crickets. They catch their prey with their large pincers and kill them by crushing them with their teeth. Vinegaroons make tasty treats for raccoons, armadillos, skunks, feral hogs, and black bears.

If threatened, the Giant Whip Scorpion will either hide in its burrow or rear up and spread its legs. They may spray a vinegar scented acid, which will accurately hit their enemy up to a foot away. The spray packs a mighty sting to the predator’s nostrils and eyes. If handles, they pack a powerful pinch.

 

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Winged Sumac

Winged Sumac, Rhus copallinum, is a beautiful native shrub that is found in sandhills, Flatwoods, and dry prairies as well as disturbed areas. Winged Sumac gets its name from its leaves which appear to be pairs of wings lined up on the leaf stem.

The red-banded hairstreak uses the Winged Sumac as a host plant. Bees and butterflies are attracted to its yellowish-green flowers. Birds such as jays, warblers, crows, and more dine on the berries.

Winged Sumac can be used in home landscapes and is well suited for a background plant in large areas. It generally grows in clumps to about 15 feet but has been known to reach 30 feet.

In the fall, the leaves turn a brilliant red color. A December frost makes this native shrub stand out in your native garden and in Florida woodlands.

Photo credit – “Frosted Wings” by Andy Waldo

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Gemini Springs Park

Gemini Springs Park, located in Debary, is a 212-acre Volusia County Park that provides the outdoor enthusiast the opportunity to experience nature up close. Two springs within the park produce 6.5 million gallons of water each day and flow into the St. Johns River and Lake Monroe.
Saunter along the 3/4 mile Nature Trail or peddle along the 1-mile Bike Trail. The 26-mile Spring to Spring trailhead is located in the park.
Bring your horse and ride along the equestrian trail. Rent or bring your own canoe and launch it into the Debary Bayou.
Rent a pavilion for a get-together, enjoy your lunch at a picnic area, let the kids have fun at the playground, or simply sit quietly on a bench and observe the wildlife who live in the park.  Spend the night primitive camping in your tent. Restrooms and showers are nearby.
Leashed dogs are welcome. Be sure to make time for your dog to visit the leash-free, fenced 4.5-acre dog park.

https://www.volusia.org/…/ecologic…/gemini-springs-park.stml

 

 

Photo Credit: Melanie Lulue and Gabrielle Milch

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Dainty Sulphur

The Dainty Sulphur, Nathalis iole, with its wingspan of no more than 1 1/4 inch is the smallest Sulphur in the United States They love sunny and dry open areas such as agricultural fields, disturbed areas, and grasslands. You will often find them flitting about in the grass along the side of a road.

Females generally lay a single egg on the upper side of a host plant of Spanish needles or carpetweed. Caterpillars are green with a purple stripe along the back and a pale stripe along the side. They dine at nite on the leaves and flowers of the host plant. In about 23 days, the caterpillar will begin the cocoon stage and emerge 15 days later as a beautiful Dainty Sulpher Butterfly.

Look for Dainty Sulphurs flying just inches above the ground or resting on a flower soaking up the sun.

 

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