December 2022 – Imagine Our Florida, Inc

Brunner’s Mantis aka Northern Grass Mantis

The Brunner’s Mantis (Brunneria borealis) is also known as Brunner’s stick mantis or northern grass mantis. It is native to the southern United States. The female mantis lays her eggs in an egg case. Nymphs emerge looking much like an adult and go through several molts as they grow. The Brunner’s Mantis is a carnivore and captures its prey of insects and grasshoppers by ambush. Look for these 2.5 – 3.5 inch hard-to-see insects in tall grass.

Fun Fact: There are no males in this species. Females reproduce asexually through parthenogenesis.

Loxahatchee River Battlefield Park/Riverbend Park

Located in northern Palm Beach County and adjacent to the 665 acres of Riverbend Park, Loxahatchee River Battlefield Park is 61 acres of beautiful, natural, and historic Florida. Both parks are full of fantastic outdoor activities for everyone. The parks have a general appearance and upkeep similar to the level of national parks. This site includes not just one but two of the significant battles that occurred in 1838 during the Second Seminole War: Powell’s Battle – January 15, 1838 and Jesup’s Battle – January 24, 1838. Thanks to current preservation efforts, you also get to see Florida as the first settlers did.

With almost 10 miles of hiking/biking trails, 7 miles of equestrian trails, and 5 miles of canoeing/kayaking trails you could spend hours and see only half of Loxahatchee River Battlefield Park. With its location near I95 in Jupiter, one could easily stop for a quick stroll to stretch your legs on the first trail that is paved. If you have more time, it is even better to saunter further down along the Wild and Scenic Loxahatchee River, check out the old Cracker Farmstead, and picnic in the shade under one of the many Seminole chickees built throughout the park.

If you would like a cardiovascular experience, the large hard packed trails are also biker friendly and shared with hikers throughout the park. If you would rather take the water route, make sure to come with plenty of time to explore the wild Loxahatchee River. If you would like to bike or kayak and don’t have one, don’t worry, the park has you covered! Kayaks and bicycles are available to rent under the large chickee.

Watch for family-friendly special events year-round. A moonlight bicycle stroll through the park is offered monthly. They have the most outstanding guest speakers so make sure to check the park schedule for upcoming events. The park includes full bathroom facilities and a very friendly informative ranger station.

Riverbend Park is a Leave No Trace park, so what trash you bring in, you bring out! Overall, this has to be the best local/city park I have found in the state yet!

HOURS: Sunrise- Sunset

Amenities:

nature trail/area

The following amenities are located in adjacent Riverbend Park

– parking, canoe/kayak, fishing

– equestrian trails (nearly 7 miles) Equestrian Parking is available

– Picnic chickees with single tables and pavilions – available on a first-come, first-served basis

– Picnic pavilion available by reservation on Picnic Island

For more information, click the following links.

https://discover.pbcgov.org/parks/Locations/Riverbend.aspx

https://discover.pbcgov.org/…/Loxahatchee-River…

Author and Photo Credit: Bobby Putnam

Camphorweed

Camphorweed (Heterotheca subaxillaris) is a Florida native and can be found throughout Florida. It prefers dry, sandy soils. Look for camphorweed in scrubs, coastal dunes, and grasslands where it attracts bees and butterflies.

The annual or biennial shrub grows up to three feet tall and spreads 10-20 feet. Camphorweed blooms all summer and fall and in the right conditions may bloom year-round. It propagates by seeds found in the brown, fuzzy flowerhead. The plant has a pleasant camphor-like scent.

Wellington Rotary Peace Park

– Saturday Saunter –

Wellington Rotary Peace Park

The Wellington Rotary Peace Park was dedicated on September 21, 2007. This beautiful park, located in the village of Wellington in Palm Beach County, includes 14 acres of wetlands and grassy areas.

There is a nice boardwalk over the wetlands and an open-air gazebo that houses the Peace Pole and dedication marker. Plenty of pickerelweed grows amongst cypress trees and Florida swamp lilies.

Flags from the United Nations, the United States, Rotary International, the Wellington Rotary Peace Park, Florida, and the Village of Wellington are displayed in the grassy area surrounding the rotunda.

Located very conveniently next to the library and schools., Wellington Rotary Peace Park is a great, safe park that sits on the edge of full suburbia. The park provides a nice peaceful site to meditate in a natural setting while immersing yourself in Nature.

Author and Photo Credit: Bobby Putnam