fishing

Tiger Bay State Forest

Tiger Bay State Forest is a protected forest in Volusia County, near Daytona Beach and DeLand, and is easily accessible from Interstate 95. The forest offers several recreational activities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, and fishing in some of the area’s streams and lakes. Tiger Bay State Forest was severely impacted by the 1998 Summer Wildfire Firestorm. Approximately 15,000 acres of forest were burned during these catastrophic wildfires. Restoration included extensive salvage timber removal, and reforestation efforts have been completed.

The forest is named after the nearby Tiger Bay Creek, its primary geographical characteristic, which runs through the area. Tiger Bay is a crucial source of groundwater replenishment for the local region. The hydric swamp forest is punctuated by clusters of pine-covered islands, which make up 40% of the forest area. Additionally, the forest encompasses Indian Lake and Scoggin Lake, as well as several smaller bodies of water, including Coon Pond, a naturally occurring pond, and Rattlesnake Pond, Woody Pond, and Ranch Pond, which are man-made and open to the public for fishing. Additionally, three other unnamed man-made ponds are situated within the forest. The forest covers over 27,000 acres of land and is managed by the Florida Forest Service.

Tiger Bay Forest has many native animals such as white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, alligators, and black bears. It also supports a variety of bird species, including bald eagles, red-shouldered hawks, and woodpeckers. The forest is also an essential habitat for the endangered Florida sandhill crane and gopher tortoise, which are both protected species in the state of Florida. Tiger Bay State Forest is also home to several plant communities, including longleaf pine forests, cypress swamps, and wetlands.

Visitors to Tiger Bay State Forest can engage in a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, picnicking, boating, fishing, hunting, nature study, and photography. However, it should be noted that horseback riding and bicycling are only permitted on forest roads, permanent firelines, and specifically designated trails. Tiger Bay State Forest boasts one hiking trail, the Buncombe Trail, part of the Florida Forest Service’s Trailwalker Hiking Program. Additionally, the forest features one equestrian trail, Rima Ridge Trail, which is part of the Florida Forest Service’s Trailtrotter Program. For those who prefer a leisurely stroll, the forest also offers the Pershing Highway Trail, which covers just over a mile of scenic brick road built in 1917. For visitors who wish to spend the night in the forest, there are semi-primitive campgrounds available, including the Tram Road Equestrian Campground located on the Rima Ridge Tract. This campground includes small corrals for horses and a non-potable water supply.

Overall, Tiger Bay State Forest is an important ecological area that provides critical habitat for various native animals and plant species. Its diverse habitats make it an ideal location for outdoor recreation and a great place to explore Florida’s natural beauty.

For more information click here: https://www.fdacs.gov/…/State…/Tiger-Bay-State-Forest

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Author: Renada Hill – Student Valencia State College

Lithia Springs Conservation Park

Lithia Springs Conservation Park, situated 20 minutes to the east of Tampa, Florida, is a 160-acre leisure destination renowned for its natural spring water. With over half of its expanse bordered by the Alafia River, this unassuming park is particularly favored by residents. The Lithia Spring Major supplies a considerable amount of fresh mineral water, averaging about 35 million gallons per day, with a consistent temperature of 72℉ throughout the year. The park features a pleasant swimming area that accommodates up to 400 visitors per day, allowing them to enjoy the water during two four-hour swim sessions, provided the weather conditions are favorable. Other popular activities in Lithia Springs include kayaking, canoeing, hiking, walking trails, fishing, and bird watching. Boat rentals are not offered on-site, but many people rent from Alafia River Canoe Rentals Inc, just three miles away from the springs.

Lithia Springs Park was initially acquired by Gardinier, Inc., a mining enterprise that later transformed into Mosaic Phosphate, Inc. Subsequently, in 1957, the company leased the park to Hillsborough County for use as a recreational facility, and over time, the 160-acre location gradually gained popularity as a camping destination. So, if you’re into camping the park offers 45 camping spots that can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. Each site comes with a 30-amp service, with a select few providing 50-amp service. While the size of the sites differs, they typically measure between 40-80 feet long. Amenities offered include proximity to the water, picnic tables, playgrounds, grills, fire pits, restrooms, and showers. There are no reservations for these sites; everything is done on a first-come, first-serve basis.

After setting up camp, hikers can explore the woodsy trails and their diverse plant communities, river cypress swamps, and hardwood hammocks. The Fish Hawk Nature Preserve Trail which is comprised of a mix of grassy, sandy, and wooded portions, spans approximately 3.0 miles and is not paved.

And while you can bring your dog to the park on a leash, there’s no doggy peddling by our four-legged fur friends allowed in the spring.

For more information click here: https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/…/lithia-springs-park

Author and Photo Credit: Renada Hill Valencia State College

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, located in Key West, is a 54-acre state park and has been around since before the Civil War. After 21 years of construction slowed by yellow fever, hurricanes, and shortages of manpower and materials, Fort Zachary Taylor was completed in 1866. The fort played a significant part in the Civil War and the Spanish-American war. To learn more, take a guided tour through the fort or visit during the living history week that includes historical reenactments.

Swim or snorkel at the beautiful beach. There are picnic tables and grills under the trees for your beachside meal. Saunter along the nature trails and discover unique plant life and wildlife. Explore the shaded trails on your bike.

A coral reef surrounded by seagrass beds is waiting to be explored. The reef includes the knobby brain, tube, and starlet coral. Be sure to bring your snorkel. There are equipment rentals in case you forget. There’s a small cafe if you get hungry from all the exploring.

Park amenities include biking, geocaching, picnicking, swimming, birding, hiking, scuba, tours, fishing, paddling, and snorkeling.

Check out the live webcam and enjoy a moment of serenity as you watch the waves flow across the beach. Webcam: http://www.fortzacharytaylor.com/beach.html

For more information: https://www.fortzacharytaylor.com

Photo credit: Aymee Laurain, Dan Kon

Trimble Park

Trimble Park —

Nestled between Lake Beauclair and Lake Carlton on the Harris Chain of Lakes lies an outdoor paradise. Trimble Park, operated by Orange County, is located near Mt. Dora in Tangerine.

Saunter along the 1.2-mile loop trail surrounded by ancient oaks. The trail runs along the perimeter of the 71-acre park. Wind through forests of pine, oak, and cypress trees. Walk on a boardwalk through the wetlands. Pause near the lakes to enjoy the view and the wildlife who make their homes there. There are plenty of benches to rest on for your wildlife viewing pleasure. Much of the trail is shaded. Bring your lunch and enjoy it at one of the many picnic tables, some of which are under a shaded structure.

Camping sites are available for your tent or RV. Launch your boat, canoe, or kayak from the boat dock. There are playgrounds for your kids. Your dogs on a 6-ft leash are welcome too!

For more information: http://orangecountyfl.net/CultureParks/Parks.aspx…
Park map and more: https://www.ocfl.net/…/Camping%20at%20Orange%20County%20Par…

Cedar Key

If you are looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of life, look no further than Cedar Key. A place where the locals greet you with friendly smiles, where shorebirds frolic in the waters, ospreys soar overhead, and a multitude of habitats are waiting to be explored. Your trip begins on Highway 24 in Levy County, where you drive from the mainland on low bridges, over picturesque channels, and salt marshes onto Cedar Key.

A pencil factory was once located on Cedar Key, where the cedar trees supplied the wood for the pencils. The first Florida coast-to-coast railroad ended at Cedar Key before it was rerouted to Tampa. Shell mounds give us a look into the lives of the indigenous people who called Cedar Key home long ago. Today, about 800 permanent residents welcome visitors to their unique island.

Cedar Key is a Nature Lover’s paradise, where visitors can stroll along nature trails, birdwatch, and paddle in the Gulf. The federally protected sanctuaries lure both shorebirds and migratory birds. Go on a coastal guided tour. Kayaks, paddleboards, and motorboats are available for rent to explore the Gulf of Mexico. Campgrounds provide space for your RV or tent.

Saunter along the Cedar Key Railroad Trestle Nature Trail, a 1,700 ft path of old Fernandina Cedar Key rail line. Let the cedars and pines shade you as the songbirds serenade you with sweet melodies. Watch for a beautiful variety of wildflowers with butterflies flitting about. At Cemetary Point Park, there is an easy walk along a 1299 foot boardwalk through mangroves. Cedar Key Museum State Park Nature Trail is a short stroll where you will see gray squirrels playing, woodpeckers in search of food, mocking birds tweeting, and green tree frogs resting.

The swamps, marshes, and wetlands are home to American avocets, ibises, roseate spoonbills, herons, egrets, pelicans, and more. Dolphins play in the Gulf. Thousand of birds visit during the fall and winter migration including, rare white pelicans. With its laid-back Old Florida vibe, Cedar Key is a perfect addition to your list of places to visit.

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Canaveral National Seashore

Playalinda Beach at Canaveral National Seashore

Imagine spending a day at the seashore, a day free of condos, hotels, and tourists. A day where you can be one with nature in a place where you feel the power of the ocean, hear the pounding of the waves and share all of that glory with only your friends and the wildlife who make their home there.

There is a little-known gem in Florida known as Playalinda Beach. It is a part of Canaveral National Seashore. Take a trip to Titusville, go east on Garden Street, and continue driving east until you reach the beach. The ocean is not visible from your car. As you drive parallel to the ocean, you will see sand dunes on your right. There are 13 parking areas, each with its own boardwalk. Any of the boardwalks will lead you over the sand dunes where the ocean in all of its magnificence will appear before your eyes.

There you will meet some of the 310 species of birds found at Canaveral National Seashore, including migratory birds, who will enjoy the beach with you. If you are lucky, you may meet a loggerhead, green or leatherback sea turtle who makes her nest in the sand or hatchlings as they make their way to the ocean. Enjoy your day swimming, surfing, sunbathing, fishing, and bird watching.

Stop along the way to or from the beach and explore by car or on foot, some of Canaveral National Seashore ecosystems. These include a barrier island, offshore waters, lagoon, coastal hammock, and pine flatwoods. Outdoor experiences include canoeing, kayaking, boating, hiking, camping, and historical trails.

There is an abundance of wildlife and wildflowers at Cape Canaveral National Seashore. Keep your eyes open for bobcats, raccoons, and more. Look for beautiful flowers and the pollinators among them. We hope you encounter some of the threatened species who make their homes there. You may see Florida scrub-jays, Southern bald eagles, wood storks, peregrine falcons, eastern indigo snakes, and manatees.

Take a day, or two, or three, and immerse yourself in the beauty of natural Florida, the way nature intended it to be.