Phipps Park Campground

Phipps Park Campground, located on a 55-acre conservation area on Okeechobee Waterway in Martin County, is the ideal spot for a natural getaway. The campgrounds feature a variety of amenities, are pet-friendly (with shot records), and are open year-round. Guests can bring their own gear or reserve a pre-set tent!
The campground has a boardwalk, a fishing pier, and a boat dock to enter the water. There are several pathways to explore the native ecosystem with plenty of chances to spot wild flora and fauna. Back at the campsite, bathroom, laundry facilities, firewood, and picnic tables are great for summer barbeques. RVs are also welcome with reservation.
Moreover, there are plenty of opportunities for adventure if the trails aren’t your speed. Checkers, Connect 4, and Jenga are also available in giant proportions for the kids. For the adults, there is croquet and cornhole, as well as wagons to transport snacks and games from place to place.
The Phipps Park Campground is an excellent location for a family getaway this summer; make sure to reserve a campsite before arrival!
Photo Credit: Andy Waldo
Author: Sarina Pennington
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Red-breasted Merganser

This unusual-looking duck is called the Red-breasted Merganser, and it only visits Florida during the winter. While this bird usually breeds in the northern coastal regions of Canada, this diving duck flies as far as our home state and Mexico across the Gulf.
In Florida, they make their home in brackish or saltwater sources such as estuaries, bays, lakes, and rivers.
The Red-breasted Merganser is easily identifiable from its fluffy crest, which both males and females have. Breeding males tend to have more color and brighter patterning with black and white plumage, brown-spotted breast, and bright white collar. Though the females are duller brown and gray, both sexes sport red eyes and beaks. Sexually immature males will appear more like females until they reach adulthood at about 2 years of age. The red beak is not just for looks; the bill is serrated and used to catch fish.
The Red-breasted Merganser dives from the surface to catch its prey. To support its energy usage, it must catch roughly 20 fish per day. This duck must dive over 250 times daily to catch enough fish to survive. The Red-breasted Merganser is not only a beautiful duck but a busy one.
Photo Credit: Lynn Marie
Author: Sarina Pennington, IOF Volunteer
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Oak Toad

Found among forests, flatwoods, and scrubs, the Oak Toad is an adorable sight to behold. This tiny fella usually makes its burrow in sandy soil and undercover like pieces of fallen trees or loose stones. This toad comes in a variety of earthy colors, such as brown, tan, and gray, though the underside of its feet is a bright orange. The Oak Toad features a darker dappled pattern across its back, and its skin is warty.
The lifecycle of the Oak Toad begins in shallow water sources such as swamps, wetlands, and cypress domes. From April to October, the toads call with high-pitched chirps to attract a mate. After copulating, the females lay their eggs in long strands among aquatic vegetation.
The tadpoles reach the toadlet stage within 4 to 6 weeks but will not reach sexual maturity for another year.
The Oak Toad feasts on various insects throughout its life, enjoying everything from ants to spiders. It should be noted that Oak Toads have parotoid glands, but unlike the CanemToad, Oak Toads are entirely harmless and not a risk to pets. In other words, the small but colorful Oak Toad is a welcome sight in the backyard!
Photo Credit Andy Waldo
Author, Sarina Pennington, IOF Volunteer
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Sea Ox-eye

The Sea Ox-eye is a daisy shrub commonly found in salt marshes and tidal flats.
The small yellow bloom tolerates a high amount of brackish water and salt spray, which is helpful considering that the daisy is only found naturally on the coast. This plant enjoys high pH soil and full sun if any readers are interested in planting native.
The Sea Ox-eye is a natural nectar source for several pollinators, including
gulf fritillaries, large orange sulfurs, and native bees. Their seeds provide food for
small animals and birds. Moreover, these plants form thick colonies, making them
excellent foundation plants for gardens and wildflower beds.
For those looking to find the Sea Ox-eye in the wild, its appearance is that of a
low shrub, only growing 2-4 ft tall and 2-3 ft wide. Small, yellow flowers sprout from
thin stems. The flower is a collection of larger petals surrounding a core of pointed disk florets. The leaves are spoon-shaped and form in clusters below the flowering body.
The Sea Ox-eye is a unique Florida flower worthy of a spot in any flower bed.
Photo Credit: Dan Kon
Author: Sarina Pennington
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