Rustweed

Rustweed – Polypremum procumbens, the sole species in the genus Polypremum from the family Tetrachondraceae. It can be a perennial or annual forb/herb with low-growing, sometimes multiple ascending stems. Small white blooms appear in summer and fall. Leaves are opposite, 1–2.5 cm long, narrow, and pointed. The foliage turns a beautiful brownish-red in autumn.
Their range includes the Eastern United States, except the New England region, extending south to Central America and the West Indies, with some occurrences in South America. In the southeastern USA, it thrives in coastal plain and piedmont regions, often in disturbed areas, and is rare in mountainous regions.
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span worm

If you examine the leaves of the snowbush (Breynia nivosa), you might spot a striking yellow caterpillar adorned with black stripes, feeding on its foliage. This caterpillar is the larval form of the white-topped black moth (Melanchroia chephise), a member of the Geometridae family, often referred to as “inchworms” or “spanworms” due to their characteristic looping movement.
The White-topped Black Moth (Melanchroia chephise) and Its Relationship with the Snowbush (Breynia nivosa)
Unlike most moths, which are primarily nocturnal, the white-topped black moth is an unusual daytime flyer. As adults, they have a wingspan of slightly over an inch, with velvety, dark navy-blue to black wings tipped in white on all four wings. The thorax is a vibrant orange, making them easily identifiable.
When laying eggs, this species is highly selective about its chosen host plants. The snowbush (Breynia nivosa) is the preferred plant for egg-laying, but the moth can also utilize other plants like the Otaheite gooseberry (Phyllanthus acidus), snow-on-the-mountain (Euphorbia marginata), and potentially the white sapote (Casimiroa edulis). Once the eggs hatch, the caterpillars emerge as voracious feeders, quickly consuming the leaves of the host plant.
While the caterpillars primarily feed on the leaves, if the leaf supply runs low, they may feed on the twigs and bark of the snowbush. Although this can cause significant defoliation, healthy snowbush plants are usually resilient and can recover from moderate caterpillar damage. However, in cases where the caterpillar population is high, and there are few natural predators, excessive feeding could lead to serious harm or even the death of the plant.
No intervention is necessary for those who appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of the moth and its caterpillar. However, if defoliation is a concern and the aesthetic of the snowbush is important, controlling the caterpillar population is essential. To manage infestations, regularly inspect the undersides of snowbush leaves for salmon-pink eggs, which can be manually removed and destroyed.
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White-topped Black Moth

The White-topped Black Moth (Melanchroia chephise) and Its Relationship with the Snowbush (Breynia nivosa)
If you examine the leaves of the snowbush (Breynia nivosa), you might spot a striking yellow caterpillar adorned with black stripes, feeding on its foliage. This caterpillar is the larval form of the white-topped black moth (Melanchroia chephise), a member of the Geometridae family, often referred to as “inchworms” or “spanworms” due to their characteristic looping movement.
Unlike most moths, which are primarily nocturnal, the white-topped black moth is an unusual daytime flyer. As adults, they have a wingspan of slightly over an inch, with velvety, dark navy-blue to black wings tipped in white on all four wings. The thorax is a vibrant orange, making them easily identifiable.
When laying eggs, this species is highly selective about its chosen host plants. The snowbush (Breynia nivosa) is the preferred plant for egg-laying, but the moth can also utilize other plants like the Otaheite gooseberry (Phyllanthus acidus), snow-on-the-mountain (Euphorbia marginata), and potentially the white sapote (Casimiroa edulis). Once the eggs hatch, the caterpillars emerge as voracious feeders, quickly consuming the leaves of the host plant.
While the caterpillars primarily feed on the leaves, if the leaf supply runs low, they may feed on the twigs and bark of the snowbush. Although this can cause significant defoliation, healthy snowbush plants are usually resilient and can recover from moderate caterpillar damage. However, in cases where the caterpillar population is high, and there are few natural predators, excessive feeding could lead to serious harm or even the death of the plant.
No intervention is necessary for those who appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of the moth and its caterpillar. However, if defoliation is a concern and the aesthetic of the snowbush is important, controlling the caterpillar population is essential. To manage infestations, regularly inspect the undersides of snowbush leaves for salmon-pink eggs, which can be manually removed and destroyed.
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Lake Proctor Wilderness Area

Lake Proctor Wilderness Area, located in Seminole County, is a 465-acre swath of land that supports multiple native ecosystems, such as flatwoods, oak hammocks, sandhills, and freshwater lakes. This site is taking massive steps to regrow native plants to recharge the local aquifer, otherwise known as the Geneva Bubble.
While there are no boat docks or camping areas, this park supports four dog-friendly trails. The main loop, color-coded red, is roughly 2.6 miles and features several branches off the main path, which lead to beautiful vistas. The blue trail leads to the edge of Lake Proctor, where several waterbirds can be spotted. It’s worth noting that the trails are open to those on horseback. Look for many native animals along the path.
This park is not ADA-accessible. Lake Proctor Wilderness Area is an excellent spot for wildlife and, for you, a short hike and birdwatching!
Photo Credit: Dan Kon
Author: Sarina Pennington
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St. Lucie South Campground

The St. Lucie South Campground is a beautiful place to marvel at Florida’s natural beauty. Located on the Okeechobee Waterway, the campground features several ways to explore the local flora and fauna. Take a boat or a canoe, or simply hike through the tropical paradise that surrounds this stunning campsite.
The campsite allows boat docking, mooring, and water hookups for RVs if the usual tent is not to your taste. There are bathrooms, showers, grills, lights, and electrical outlets for those with tent setups. Beyond the basics, there is also a Visitor’s Center and Day Use Area with a playground for the little ones. The whole campsite is also wheelchair accessible.
Overall, St. Lucie South Campsite is an excellent location for both those just starting to get out camping and seasoned trail veterans. If the canal could be more interesting, Hutchison Island is nearby for those looking for a quick beach day trip. There is something to do for everyone in the family!
Author: Sarina Pennington
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Cross-Leaved Milkwort

Cross-leaved milkwort (Polygala cruciata) is a unique and fascinating plant native to Florida’s wetlands, prairies, and moist pinelands. This perennial herb is easily recognizable by its cross-shaped leaf arrangement and vibrant purple-to-pink flowers, which bloom from spring through fall. The plant typically grows to about 1 to 2 feet tall and prefers sunny, moist environments.
Cross-leaved milkwort plays a significant role in the local ecosystem by providing nectar for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. It is also a part of the diverse flora that helps maintain the health and stability of wetland habitats.
Conservation of these habitats is crucial, as they are threatened by development and changes in land use. Protecting areas where cross-leaved milkwort thrives ensures the survival of this and many other native species.
Photo Credit: Lynn Marie
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Anna Maria Bayfront Park

Anna Maria Bayfront Park, located on the northern tip of Anna Maria Island in Florida, offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. This park is known for its diverse ecosystems, including sandy beaches, mangroves, and seagrass beds, which support a variety of wildlife. Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding in the park’s calm, clear waters.
Birdwatching is also popular, with species like herons, egrets, pelicans, and ospreys frequently spotted. The park’s conservation efforts include habitat restoration, educational programs, and sustainable practices to preserve its natural beauty. Anna Maria Bayfront Park is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, families, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape.
Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore the coastal environment, or learn about local wildlife, this park offers something for everyone. Visit Anna Maria Bayfront Park to experience the unique charm and ecological richness of Florida’s Gulf Coast.
For more information: https://tinyurl.com/2ycxlfy6
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Mottled Duck

The Mottled Duck (Anas fulvigula) is a distinctive species of waterfowl native to the southeastern United States, with a significant population in Florida. Known for its unique plumage and habitat preferences, the Mottled Duck plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem and offers valuable insights into wetland conservation.
The Mottled Duck is a medium-sized dabbling duck similar in appearance to the Mallard but with some notable differences. Both males and females have a mottled brown appearance, which provides excellent camouflage in their wetland habitats. Males have a yellowish bill, while females have an orange to brownish bill with dark splotches. Mottled Ducks typically range from 19 to 22 inches long with a wingspan of approximately 33 to 36 inches.
In Florida, Mottled Ducks are commonly found in freshwater and brackish wetlands, including marshes, swamps, and coastal estuaries. They are non-migratory, meaning they reside in these habitats year-round. Their range extends from the Florida peninsula westward to eastern Texas, but the highest population density is in Florida.
Mottled Ducks have a varied diet consisting of aquatic plants such as seeds, stems, and roots of various aquatic vegetation, invertebrates including insects, snails, and small crustaceans, and grains including foraging on waste grain from rice and other crops.
Breeding season for Mottled Ducks in Florida typically begins in early spring. Nests are usually built on the ground in dense vegetation near water. Females construct nests using grasses, reeds, and down feathers. Females lay an average of 8 to 12 eggs per clutch. Incubation lasts about 24 to 28 days, primarily undertaken by the female. After hatching, ducklings are precocial, meaning they are relatively mature and mobile. They follow the mother to water shortly after birth and begin foraging on their own within days.
The Mottled Duck is currently listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Still, ongoing conservation efforts are being made to monitor and protect its populations. Threats to its habitat include wetland drainage, pollution, and hybridization with feral Mallards, which can dilute the species’ genetic integrity.
Mottled Ducks contribute to the health of wetland ecosystems through seed dispersal, pest control of invertebrates and insects, and as prey for various predators, thus playing a crucial role in the food web.
Photo Credit: David Gale
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