tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61137671169612534882024-02-19T02:13:32.414-05:00Space Coast EcoEco opportunities in Florida's Brevard County presented in a "field trip" format - how to get there, what to expect, and what to do.Florida Beach Basicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11757309712564048053noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113767116961253488.post-90031869066688083352009-09-13T21:26:00.014-04:002009-09-15T06:47:46.865-04:00Barrier Island Center Field Trip<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cOy1sOn4qfhFialesDdIYX6mRs9NHlZIocFZYhJZUSqycwo5nzG6joPsBpAfVNsTlIOlxgcGaE43UYgRsmfV7-0gjlWHjjNrPlK5kqm8I8VkNBQSFSavc7wM2rVRNMWY-h2svO_H49pT/s1600-h/BIC+Logo+480+x+480.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381129352197457314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 117px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 112px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cOy1sOn4qfhFialesDdIYX6mRs9NHlZIocFZYhJZUSqycwo5nzG6joPsBpAfVNsTlIOlxgcGaE43UYgRsmfV7-0gjlWHjjNrPlK5kqm8I8VkNBQSFSavc7wM2rVRNMWY-h2svO_H49pT/s200/BIC+Logo+480+x+480.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Barrier Island Sanctuary Management and Education Center (Barrier Island Center) is an educational center located in the heart of the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, a major nesting site for sea turtles.<br /><br />How this Center came to be a reality is a story of cooperation between agencies and organizations - the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands Program (EEL), the Caribbean Conservation Corporation (CCC), and the Richard K. Mellon Foundation. The Mellon Foundation donated the 34-acre parcel to Brevard County, the EEL Program developed and now manages the Center, and the Caribbean Conservation Corporation has partnered with the EEL Program to conduct the educational programs offered at the Center.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2m4u1YCTryDw8VqCyBI0Pk6UMl4LnnLoO4eD2Lf4AD1_PUGVR63TKBuWDcgnTYuE-IzDewYGcprzlYae66PJBKO-dfYZk1yNlk7R2MSRQ-7mEShDHWLgfQpxDskLVVH8c42F4o5O7jTQ/s1600-h/Dawn+351+x+336-wm.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381124553931960114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 199px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2m4u1YCTryDw8VqCyBI0Pk6UMl4LnnLoO4eD2Lf4AD1_PUGVR63TKBuWDcgnTYuE-IzDewYGcprzlYae66PJBKO-dfYZk1yNlk7R2MSRQ-7mEShDHWLgfQpxDskLVVH8c42F4o5O7jTQ/s200/Dawn+351+x+336-wm.jpg" border="0" /></a>The Center opened May 10, 2008. It offers visitors a variety of sea turtle related exhibits and educational activities, including guided hikes throughout the year and turtle walks in June and July. The artwork for the exhibits in the Center was created by Melbourne Beach graphic design artist and scientific illustrator Dawn Witherington and is simply stunning in its beauty and detail. (Blair and Dawn's book, <em>Florida's Living Beaches</em>, is a must-have for any Florida beachcomber.) <strong>There's a slide show in the right-hand column</strong> that will give you an idea of just how interesting and unusual this place is.<br /><br />The Center is chock full of talented staff. EEL South Beach Region Program Manager Ray Mojica is a computer whiz, and it shows in the wonderful interactive displays that entertain as well as instruct. Leslie Sprague from the CCC and her volunteers have created a gift shop that is a treat in itself (keep it in mind for Christmas gifts - it features the work of many local artists). The Center offers programs and classes ranging from how to construct a rain barrel to making oyster mats to helping put a roof on the Coconut Point Sanctuary Trail kiosk. Donna Lee Crawford is the Sanctuary Steward, and amongst many other things, she arranges for the Center's special events each month and send out a flyer on them (she also creates the most elegant plant arrangements out of natural materials). Nichole writes an excellent quarterly newsletter. Be sure to sign up to receive the monthly flyer and the newsletter (see <strong>Reference Links</strong> below or call Donna Lee at 321-723-3556). Grace runs the children's activity center, and the recent summer camp is already legendary! So much good stuff in one tidy building!<br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjqDeRiGUBo6a4O2Mva80h5Dy3sr0EC5y4hw6g0kqkrlnF6MQTl_GgmfbbPlEA_Je4GWMnDAbNgnwvn9ruvEIvgleWVHs8VO0K836QN66jwqedC8khOOEqzCMUMJXjrM3SV4O5G2hjoZnr/s1600-h/longboardwalk+sw.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381124131605351858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjqDeRiGUBo6a4O2Mva80h5Dy3sr0EC5y4hw6g0kqkrlnF6MQTl_GgmfbbPlEA_Je4GWMnDAbNgnwvn9ruvEIvgleWVHs8VO0K836QN66jwqedC8khOOEqzCMUMJXjrM3SV4O5G2hjoZnr/s200/longboardwalk+sw.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:100%;">Outside, on the south side of the Center, a beautiful boardwalk down to the beach goes through lush native vegetation. On the north side of the Center, a hiking trail begins at the Center and continues across A1A. </span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:100%;">This is a wonderful educational resource - if you have children, grandchildren, or visitors, be sure to take them to the Barrier Island Center.<br /></span></div></div><div><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span></strong></p><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span></strong></p><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Barrier Island Center<br />Just The Facts</span></strong> </p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>"BIG PICTURE" LOCATION:</strong> South Brevard, Barrier Island</span> </p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>WHEN TO GO:</strong> The Center is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.</span></p><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQigkc_WzTjV0kFbFo1X2mWs0tIMtE5VwUgas1hqx0DCJp_nx2l_XsQmOMsEiLOCtKm9ppXWiXntfCGdeBGS-uBrGf6a-nETOh3K88sQPv-Ps1UVakS99ad7A2-MlaADUz2VRvVEIBiUAE/s1600-h/Center+front+cropped+640+x+395.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381123625086593922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 124px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQigkc_WzTjV0kFbFo1X2mWs0tIMtE5VwUgas1hqx0DCJp_nx2l_XsQmOMsEiLOCtKm9ppXWiXntfCGdeBGS-uBrGf6a-nETOh3K88sQPv-Ps1UVakS99ad7A2-MlaADUz2VRvVEIBiUAE/s200/Center+front+cropped+640+x+395.jpg" border="0" /></a>HOW TO GET THERE:</strong> The Center is located on Hwy A1A, 14 miles south of the Melbourne Causeway (also known as 192), and 3 miles north of Sebastian Inlet State Park. There's not much down that direction, so keep a sharp eye out for this building on the east side of the road. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>BRING MONEY? </strong>The Center is free, but I'm sure you'll want to purchase something in the gift shop!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>WHERE TO PARK: </strong>There's a nice parking lot, but a word of warning. The gate to the parking lot is locked at 5:00, and if you leave your car in there while you're at the beach or riding around with somebody else, your car will be locked in. I know this to be true. :)</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_x-vwUJIUHc7YhKjXqdvmSdWO3GjsYVojh1qCmkxgf8FlXA6YDzhFMZhm_ngDWnwY1mx_m0dhmEOtRFcZuUIPMRDFdALkEJhMgF5osczAcuY7ZpzghaNHHvOI9DXev7j0QtZR5Ah6Om_o/s1600-h/trail+group+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381121759652901842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_x-vwUJIUHc7YhKjXqdvmSdWO3GjsYVojh1qCmkxgf8FlXA6YDzhFMZhm_ngDWnwY1mx_m0dhmEOtRFcZuUIPMRDFdALkEJhMgF5osczAcuY7ZpzghaNHHvOI9DXev7j0QtZR5Ah6Om_o/s200/trail+group+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a>WHAT TO DO:</strong> There are numerous exhibits, a beautiful little theater with sea-turtle related shows running constantly, a deck overlooking the ocean, a boardwalk leading down to the beach, and a hiking trail. This photo shows a group hiking Barrier Island Ecosystem Center Trail on the west side of A1A. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">For more information, or to sign up for turtle walks in June or July, call 321-723-3556.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>WHAT TO WEAR:</strong> The Center is air conditioned and pleasant, but if you're going to walk down to the beach or hike through the trail, you'll want the usual water, hat, and bug repellant.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS: </strong>The Center, the outside deck, and the boardwalk to the beach are fully handicapped accessible. The hiking trail is not. Check out the restrooms in the Center - even the tiles on the wall follow the ocean theme!</span><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnNi-z31F6zqYFILLwsf_Rg8d5Pqng6I7xIoE9EJ2dKBjbFgwqk5JNtkZ8v6Nv3NrHh047gPEXKH8qXRNeO1fb-Fu_uxYCDdmoWsDH_Ui2fiW_ldcGFb8JzslO_Cvs-bZH9FmtGRfY5-M/s1600-h/Longpoint+sign+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381120537356723122" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnNi-z31F6zqYFILLwsf_Rg8d5Pqng6I7xIoE9EJ2dKBjbFgwqk5JNtkZ8v6Nv3NrHh047gPEXKH8qXRNeO1fb-Fu_uxYCDdmoWsDH_Ui2fiW_ldcGFb8JzslO_Cvs-bZH9FmtGRfY5-M/s200/Longpoint+sign+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a>WHERE TO EAT AFTERWARDS:</strong> About 1 1/2 miles to the south of the Center is Longpoint Cafe. The food is excellent - it's cooked from scratch, so it takes a while. I like their chicken fingers, but the Cuban sandwich is excellent and comes with an unusual dipping sauce. The staff is genuinely friendly. I think it is only open for breakfast and lunch, so if you plan to eat dinner, you'll want to head north 8.5 miles instead, and stop at the Surfin' Turtle in the Publix shopping center or Rosati's Pizza, 3 miles past the blinking light at Floridana Beach. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>HOW TO HELP: </strong>If you are local, volunteer to work in the Center or on beach cleanup days. Support the EEL Program. </span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>REFERENCE LINKS:</strong><br /></span><a href="http://www.fws.gov/archiecarr" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:arial;">Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.eelbrevard.com/index.php" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:arial;">Brevard County Environmentall Endangered Lands Program (EEL)</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.cccturtle.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:arial;">Caribbean Conservation Corporation (CCC)</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><a href="http://foundationcenter.org/grantmaker/rkmellon/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:arial;">Richard K. Mellon Foundation</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;">Barrier Island Center newsletter and monthly events flyer - email Donna Lee at <a href="mailto:donnaleecrawford@me.com" target="_blank">donnaleecrawford@me.com</a> </span><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=florida%27s+living+beaches&x=14&y=16" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:arial;">Florida's Living Beaches</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">, by Blair and Dawn Witherington </span></div></div></div>Florida Beach Basicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11757309712564048053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113767116961253488.post-10767574266229023342009-07-11T19:15:00.042-04:002009-07-15T18:13:41.608-04:00Port Canaveral Field Trip, Part Two<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0eDrYKhzX3StPiCq_s7LjJcptpnhHmBytbhKcnzdrquh7CqGLuOfhDQkYuGFB2oYFgk3xq52yxzOmy-wruLza_EUMpBpgLWj9XQRzDEgUiwW2le7aL0qpwi7bLf3Cly92NK65uwZFHWUC/s1600-h/overall+aerial+of+Port+Canaveral+looking+east+640+x+427.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358467446934604866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0eDrYKhzX3StPiCq_s7LjJcptpnhHmBytbhKcnzdrquh7CqGLuOfhDQkYuGFB2oYFgk3xq52yxzOmy-wruLza_EUMpBpgLWj9XQRzDEgUiwW2le7aL0qpwi7bLf3Cly92NK65uwZFHWUC/s400/overall+aerial+of+Port+Canaveral+looking+east+640+x+427.jpg" border="0" /></a>Since I moved here in the 60's, Port Canaveral has grown from a couple of oil storage tanks to a bustling hub of commercial and industrial activity. I didn't keep up with its growth, so my previous post about Canaveral Lock and Avocet Lagoon was a little light on things to do and places to eat. Friends Kirby and Bev Collins live in Cape Canaveral and produce a very successful destination web site, <em>Places Around Florida</em> (see <strong>Reference Links</strong> below). They readily agreed to play "tour guides" on another field trip to Port Canaveral, so one hot day a couple of weeks ago, off we went. (This overall aerial view of Port Canaveral looking east is used with permission of the Canaveral Port Authority.)<br /><br />A little background. Port Canaveral is the major deepwater point of entry for Central Florida. It was originally constructed in the early 1950's for military and commercial purposes. (The photo below, again from the Canaveral Port Authority, shows the Port in 1953. )<br /><div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358466835462111698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 317px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CcQtW1AP-diuGixHKtb_KzH17RX6Wwl43UZZTuM9aVOEHs3TqP2J1jWKFQG_iS_yag64SsphKdgpugO7l8dyMgZS04D5oAlJk_4T7IiJ9Wh2HdlytWzdSahl3VY28vFhGRzoo1fNfoEs/s400/Port+Canaveral+in+1953+606+x+480.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div>By the 1960's, cargo tonnage moving through the Port had reached one million tons a year, and the Port became an important player in the space program. In the 1980's, the Port opened its first cruise terminal , and today it is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHuFuIVvSO2DgnNboXE4STAYEmn1V-t6uqxlvX90ejofnUvnhHdBtkkJv52QnxErmIFjuxYIUvW26szu9ZKffNl5BxReNq-vWn3wg9iOZwvTmryyWFvegcdE2xul3dcvMJFjvM5DnGN-t6/s1600-h/industrial+area+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357747116710857874" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHuFuIVvSO2DgnNboXE4STAYEmn1V-t6uqxlvX90ejofnUvnhHdBtkkJv52QnxErmIFjuxYIUvW26szu9ZKffNl5BxReNq-vWn3wg9iOZwvTmryyWFvegcdE2xul3dcvMJFjvM5DnGN-t6/s200/industrial+area+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a>Port Canaveral is an interesting mix of <em>military</em> (a submarine wharf and a Trident turning basin), <em>industrial</em> (cargo terminals and storage, fuel storage tanks), <em>commercial</em> (The Cove with its restaurants and retail shops, a commercial park, marinas), and <em>recreation</em> (parks, campgrounds, cruise ships), as well as the <em>infrastructure</em> needed to support all of this (Canaveral Port Authority offices, fire station, Customs and Border Patrol). I look at that sentence and think it should be shortened, but then again, it describes the Port - busy busy busy, with lots of parenthetical stuff going on! (Click on photos to enlarge.)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGYJgaURmiVOTXpTKK_YHE36ZSbK2Rknxd84oLhaecgBvCdYqzsIzT7NIOKOrKnPstzAoUJr5ZroND0fShFlpPs8jOJSbKXfbgXdF_po3nwWeZLzgK_jCxXbzWAYu6FhDtVoaoygNr4e-/s1600-h/fishing+pier+with+people.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357747626070179586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGYJgaURmiVOTXpTKK_YHE36ZSbK2Rknxd84oLhaecgBvCdYqzsIzT7NIOKOrKnPstzAoUJr5ZroND0fShFlpPs8jOJSbKXfbgXdF_po3nwWeZLzgK_jCxXbzWAYu6FhDtVoaoygNr4e-/s200/fishing+pier+with+people.JPG" border="0" /></a>Our first stop was Jetty Park. You'll pay $7 a car to get in, or you can purchase a yearly pass. There is a 1,200 foot fishing pier, a beach, and campgrounds, with camping fees ranging from $25 to $47 per night. There's a very nice Visitor Center by the beach/fishing pier, and my understanding is that the hamburgers at the snack bar are excellent! The fishing pier is a masterpiece, set amongst huge rocks and jutting out into the ocean. The beach is visible from the pier, and there are lifeguards 365 days a year. As you're walking along the pier, you're likely to see juvenile green sea turtles swimming in the water below, and it's a great place to see shore birds and manatees.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZ9Z9rWsRRgsF2IeQ1yIksqHqtG7qP3-p72TEDeDAMTNPPAu6twp5e-W4v3LpCdAvmbxYxTziJTWrm4UpQ8TxDCfH85yqQAsXExUwSEJLto3X8wDj3ryuuN5-vaZeR_2QQu74ZXBLK6Jj/s1600-h/visitor+center+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357748563765592562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZ9Z9rWsRRgsF2IeQ1yIksqHqtG7qP3-p72TEDeDAMTNPPAu6twp5e-W4v3LpCdAvmbxYxTziJTWrm4UpQ8TxDCfH85yqQAsXExUwSEJLto3X8wDj3ryuuN5-vaZeR_2QQu74ZXBLK6Jj/s200/visitor+center+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a>The Visitor's Center includes a lovely shaded deck, a rooftop deck, a bait and tackle shop, and the aforementioned snack bar with friendly, informative employees that are rightfully proud of their Center. We did a drive-by of the campground - a good layout, with trees and lush landscaping.<br /><br />If you plan to visit Jetty Park, <strong>be sure</strong> to visit the <em>Jetty Park</em> link shown below in <strong>Reference Links</strong> - it's an "unofficial" site for the Park, written by somebody that knows and loves it. It's an excellent source of information.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LYrSWw5A2oS_ldShhJ39a8UNN0ZBZQPmwgLWj59gTGcrPn6R6zJOm6NeJo4hW-FVZyUOv4Dut4AW1_R-WEVMR0gzNv3aFMeR-A4YN47osr84oip9eutHBxm4hPrn0Azgsp8dunjZEuRb/s1600-h/lock+opening+kirby.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357749261500778322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LYrSWw5A2oS_ldShhJ39a8UNN0ZBZQPmwgLWj59gTGcrPn6R6zJOm6NeJo4hW-FVZyUOv4Dut4AW1_R-WEVMR0gzNv3aFMeR-A4YN47osr84oip9eutHBxm4hPrn0Azgsp8dunjZEuRb/s200/lock+opening+kirby.JPG" border="0" /></a>Kirby and Bev had not been to Canaveral Lock, so we ventured there before heading for lunch. As luck would have it, the Lock opened to let a pleasure craft through soon after we arrived, so we got to see it in action. We talked with James, the Lock operator (I'm guessing at his title, but he makes the thing work!) and Tim from the Army Corps of Engineers and learned more about Lock activity and operations. Kirby wanted to talk mostly about the big fish swimming around the Lock mechanism - fishing is not allowed, except by the birds, but Kirby got several good photos so he can dream! (Photo by Kirby Collins)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ym7DN-hY-7CifOkHsUyau6_UYNuCADks2DPybHf9uuu91HJcUYvcKpgSEGZCPhfDnQI8L1nyysVzYfHK8d_BhQAhkbrUX-CpfqnEpWboR570k4sK9ZDh1xeNl4wC7-Ccjr6phncI8asq/s1600-h/grills+2+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357749795607585538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ym7DN-hY-7CifOkHsUyau6_UYNuCADks2DPybHf9uuu91HJcUYvcKpgSEGZCPhfDnQI8L1nyysVzYfHK8d_BhQAhkbrUX-CpfqnEpWboR570k4sK9ZDh1xeNl4wC7-Ccjr6phncI8asq/s200/grills+2+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a>Most of the Port's restaurants are located in an area referred to as The Cove. Kirby and Bev suggested <em>Grills Seafood Deck and Tiki Bar</em> for lunch. A brief rain had cooled things off a little, so we sat outside and were promptly served by a charming young man named Chad. Kirby and Bev eat at Grills often, so they knew what they wanted to order. Chad urged me to try the fresh tuna sandwich, medium rare. Understand that I don't do sushi, and my idea of fish is pan-fried South Dakota rainbow trout in July. However, in the true field trip spirit of adventure, I had the medium rare tuna, and it was quite tasty, so Chad was off the hook for his "old dog/new tricks" comment. Good company, good food, good service, sitting on a deck overlooking boats and birds and water - what else could one ask for!<br /><br />Kirby was kind enough to share his photos, so I have combined them with mine for a <strong>slideshow</strong> in the right-hand column of this blog. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Port Canaveral - there is much to do and see, and you can be as busy or as relaxed as you choose. Good fun. </div><div></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Just the Facts</span></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Port Canaveral</span></strong><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>"BIG PICTURE" LOCATION: </strong>Beachside, Central Brevard, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach<br /><br /><strong>WHEN TO GO:</strong> There's something going on at the Port all the time, so when you go will depend on what you want to do there.<br /><br /><strong>HOW TO GET THERE:</strong> The Port Canaveral web site provides a variety of directions. We took A1A north through Cape Canaveral and turned onto North Atlantic Avenue at the big curve. Follow North Atlantic Avenue to the Port. At George King Boulevard, turn right to get to Jetty Park.<br /><br /><strong>WHERE TO PARK: </strong>There is a big parking lot by the Visitor Center. If you're going to one of the restaurants, there are a variety of parking lots available and well-marked.<br /><br /><strong>WHAT TO WEAR:</strong> Again, that depends on what you're going to be doing, but don't forget sunscreen, a hat if you're going to be on the pier long, and water. And a reader noted that I should have included insect repellent in this list - he is absolutely right. If there's a good breeze and you're right on the beach, you won't see many mosquitoes, but this is Florida - bring some along! And now that I think about it, we have never even mentioned the "no-seeum's" - a topic for another day.<br /><br /><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNl293l1tE_KHdMhGbIes0DHoR0bCjXHIoeANTS92X0z0Tpb3Sc-obLwL1Ss-dl_XlO2KIx9Hj8JwJ_y7V5NDtkVBOpVjROM1g9wxCNZGsugwpkfZmNINGOpvsEz2AblmbizrOA2Y2VCU/s1600-h/restrooms.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357750129766769778" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNl293l1tE_KHdMhGbIes0DHoR0bCjXHIoeANTS92X0z0Tpb3Sc-obLwL1Ss-dl_XlO2KIx9Hj8JwJ_y7V5NDtkVBOpVjROM1g9wxCNZGsugwpkfZmNINGOpvsEz2AblmbizrOA2Y2VCU/s200/restrooms.JPG" border="0" /></a>PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS:</strong> The beach and pier are handicap-accessible, as is the Visitor Center. There are bathrooms at the Visitor Center (outside on the back deck).<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>HOW LONG TO STAY:</strong> Stay as long as you're having fun - there's lots to do.<br /><br /><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLynxazSHsl9mRgsCO5u7scGJ4l0j6lh8VpQn-sxXdSjkfor26IUcobraZjdoknOPYw2KZ6SJ3zBjN41x5r6DaJE4TI4rOSpwcPH4yHyHP_6IfODPJHYYzVpFF0Qk6vI67x_fDyT-sWrW/s1600-h/beach+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357750361117193586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLynxazSHsl9mRgsCO5u7scGJ4l0j6lh8VpQn-sxXdSjkfor26IUcobraZjdoknOPYw2KZ6SJ3zBjN41x5r6DaJE4TI4rOSpwcPH4yHyHP_6IfODPJHYYzVpFF0Qk6vI67x_fDyT-sWrW/s200/beach+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a></strong> <strong>WHAT TO DO:</strong> All sorts of beach activities, fish, go boating, camp, visit the shops and restaurants, watch the cruise ships, picnic, go out on a fishing boat or a gambling boat, look for manatees and dolphins, visit the Lock - I know I've forgotten something!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7AEaxqHtpbbmejEMsNx44k6qbF7puL6lanijf9Dm94AUPPUB3mgaUZ8TrSsmIhyl-9iz24JAKN_ZarMMIzG7XxXrKTuouz0WYQEsAsUmsENf3jd05UH5yZERmYXkBeBAJg_tdxz8hlyM/s1600-h/snack+bar+sign.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357750740197226866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7AEaxqHtpbbmejEMsNx44k6qbF7puL6lanijf9Dm94AUPPUB3mgaUZ8TrSsmIhyl-9iz24JAKN_ZarMMIzG7XxXrKTuouz0WYQEsAsUmsENf3jd05UH5yZERmYXkBeBAJg_tdxz8hlyM/s200/snack+bar+sign.JPG" border="0" /></a>BRING MONEY?</strong> Yes - it will cost $7 per car to get into Jetty Park. As you can see from this photo of the menu board, the prices at the Visitor Center Snack Bar are very reasonable, and it seemed to me that the prices at Grills were certainly in line for that type of restaurant.<br /><br /><br /><strong>WHERE TO EAT:</strong> Visitor Center Snack Bar, or one of the many restaurants in The Cove. There's also a little deli on the way to the Lock.<strong> </strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qCzH-eypYTEUsHPTEsbj6cRoOIADBl269GLcAN9Us70QR3uNIdwe6B712qjanid9Jvsd3RpeEH0d1CVg3XF4-TxG5H2XtGui3E4_rNlna35ldHeu3B9imt3zRGV0qphlR5eP6g6ryf1A/s1600-h/grills+bird+sign.JPG" target="_blank"><strong></strong></a><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWRlE62NdBF8WP8fosH1jTgUt9xtTBQmnQNwd6819t45XwFuxrEYWxfQixJjL_Mx0Sy-OHaeHmGnuJSCLb5vOQeK2f1ole2mqYq-uBpucABiw4KHQ3sR2LUrzLTugw1CpzPgSWFEYBSwS/s1600-h/jetty+sign+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357751976035346914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWRlE62NdBF8WP8fosH1jTgUt9xtTBQmnQNwd6819t45XwFuxrEYWxfQixJjL_Mx0Sy-OHaeHmGnuJSCLb5vOQeK2f1ole2mqYq-uBpucABiw4KHQ3sR2LUrzLTugw1CpzPgSWFEYBSwS/s200/jetty+sign+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a>HOW TO HELP:</strong> Follow the rules.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>REFERENCE LINKS:</strong><br /><a href="http://www.spacecoasteco.com/2009/05/canaveral-lock-avocet-lagoon-and-rodney.html" target="_blank">My previous post about Canaveral Lock and Avocet Lagoon</a> </div><div><a href="http://kirbycollins.com/" target="_blank">Kirby Collins</a><br /><a href="http://www.placesaroundflorida.com/" target="_blank">Places Around Florida</a><br /><a href="http://www.portcanaveral.com/general/authority.php" target="_blank">Port Canaveral</a> (official site with an enormous amount of information - lots of maps)<br /><a href="http://www.jettypark.org/" target="_blank">Jetty Park</a> (an unofficial site with great information about recreation)</div></div>Florida Beach Basicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11757309712564048053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113767116961253488.post-58146835576244701032009-06-29T13:10:00.048-04:002011-09-04T16:37:52.115-04:00Canaveral National Seashore and Playalinda Beach Field Trip<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMDX4qV5mYTU7vE9o6SuT6i3CKTFSQ1cQfweQ9L6gA1Q82bijJiHFlz9zneLU-2WxWU_OgPP4lDU3K1u2VUER0Yrk986uDHveTAOcLL7zyy7i4YZiF8XIOVH4UJyRT0XDd2p5o1BodK9s/s1600-h/emptybeach.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352836596199417042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMDX4qV5mYTU7vE9o6SuT6i3CKTFSQ1cQfweQ9L6gA1Q82bijJiHFlz9zneLU-2WxWU_OgPP4lDU3K1u2VUER0Yrk986uDHveTAOcLL7zyy7i4YZiF8XIOVH4UJyRT0XDd2p5o1BodK9s/s400/emptybeach.JPG" border="0" /></a> When you want to go to the beach in Brevard County, it's easy - if you are on Highway A1A, you're there. Look for a beachside park (we have lots of very nice, well-maintained ones) and pull into the parking lot. (Click on photos to enlarge.)
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<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx26wvhda6fP1wWMrCvIiVqEhH8eyTVtb4hw2e3j9dPTZmMFDZEC3fhPCdCom6OcfjyZaIGcfvjT6hP-QeHsjDzkR1KumA9oJb2V1B_HYrKdh1lQsD8zRfJlsd4pwmtL73Y8FrPwI7ByWs/s1600-h/CNS+entrance+sign.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352836132487948466" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx26wvhda6fP1wWMrCvIiVqEhH8eyTVtb4hw2e3j9dPTZmMFDZEC3fhPCdCom6OcfjyZaIGcfvjT6hP-QeHsjDzkR1KumA9oJb2V1B_HYrKdh1lQsD8zRfJlsd4pwmtL73Y8FrPwI7ByWs/s200/CNS+entrance+sign.JPG" border="0" /></a>However, north of Cape Canaveral, and not accessible from A1A, is <strong>Playalinda</strong>, a beautiful beach that is a little harder to get to, but well worth the effort. Playalinda is located at the southern tip of the Canaveral National Seashore, a national park near the Kennedy Space Center. The <strong>Just the Facts</strong> section below gives detailed directions on how to get there. </div>
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<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3gZNtVwSwQ80QmlAXq88WJNZuSn-w38Rcp8rucc-hxgYD1NHrS_-QD3WiFp1n94sAg_qNNvrFzCNc4wCR2Hz810HxW4z5lY4oT63PzvBtCDGwjSc4IqsMmV2j_ZsQ9ueglduA9eb0jKeb/s1600-h/shuttle.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352835974724946994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3gZNtVwSwQ80QmlAXq88WJNZuSn-w38Rcp8rucc-hxgYD1NHrS_-QD3WiFp1n94sAg_qNNvrFzCNc4wCR2Hz810HxW4z5lY4oT63PzvBtCDGwjSc4IqsMmV2j_ZsQ9ueglduA9eb0jKeb/s200/shuttle.JPG" border="0" /></a>Playalinda means "pretty beach" in Spanish. (We don't use the Spanish pronunciation of ply- . We call it play- with a long a.) As you're driving there, be prepared for stunning landscape and sparkling water, with the space shuttle launch pad as a backdrop. Drive slowly, and keep your eye out for the birds and critters that call this area home. There are plenty of “photo op” pullovers along the way. Canaveral National Seashore is an important nesting area for sea turtles and home to 13 federally-listed threatened and endangered animal species.
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<br /><div>The road at Playalinda runs for four miles along the beach, and there are thirteen parking lots. Each lot has restroom facilities.
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<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbECVTPnq4ZvHPGBjKOgqlClZCWD9RUqBnXoZxWpaD_fstDpHJLt2s0fGinp_ecsVErfnHwIGEu7hL4MTjH82SQWYOHWzqvOzmbgZvDe81lWPNMnbcpz4dp6zOpZBXNqKiF3dpAUrMJi9V/s1600-h/crossover+long.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352835764824325042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbECVTPnq4ZvHPGBjKOgqlClZCWD9RUqBnXoZxWpaD_fstDpHJLt2s0fGinp_ecsVErfnHwIGEu7hL4MTjH82SQWYOHWzqvOzmbgZvDe81lWPNMnbcpz4dp6zOpZBXNqKiF3dpAUrMJi9V/s200/crossover+long.JPG" border="0" /></a>As you can tell by the length of this dune crossover, these are some big dunes. As you walk up the crossover, take a moment to admire the lush vegetation. About 2 miles in on the 4 mile beach road, between Parking Lots 7 and 8, you’ll see a sign for Eddy Creek (pronounced E-dee for some reason). There’s a parking area, fishing pier, and boat launch on one side of the road, and the covered Eddy Creek pavilion on the other side. The Pavilion's dune crossover and deck are wheelchair accessible. </div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5i-KbaXg2l45HAyowazmn6CQW1fqCoc5mYMF0J8F1HIglv0G9eudKC_jEH9fe0W3zgFbYq_hHtFwbPho-60zMrfMnaiO9PdCt0rArs12YKWMQYmwpypp8ncwz3jzhfpBPPGQfhYXlyH9U/s1600-h/nudity+prohibited+sign.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352835501269581282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5i-KbaXg2l45HAyowazmn6CQW1fqCoc5mYMF0J8F1HIglv0G9eudKC_jEH9fe0W3zgFbYq_hHtFwbPho-60zMrfMnaiO9PdCt0rArs12YKWMQYmwpypp8ncwz3jzhfpBPPGQfhYXlyH9U/s200/nudity+prohibited+sign.JPG" border="0" /></a>Be warned that the beach area at the far end of the four-mile road has evolved through the years into a nude beach, in spite of local laws prohibiting nudity. But rest assured, there is plenty of room at Playalinda, so the nude beach thing is not a big problem. </div>
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<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_WG3dm5JcDHaRHuUdG9p0phWgJ4Cbnjo_mniMVQdTuewVFo9FZxCevl41fyoYV74lG3hD2_mXzLZPrImLwPv9fVvlGatfvyDlhXO8oLUW0ceP14fZ34jxlZGsEA24_Gq6YyP8E-qwq2n/s1600-h/scrub+ridge+trail+sign.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352844307753169810" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_WG3dm5JcDHaRHuUdG9p0phWgJ4Cbnjo_mniMVQdTuewVFo9FZxCevl41fyoYV74lG3hD2_mXzLZPrImLwPv9fVvlGatfvyDlhXO8oLUW0ceP14fZ34jxlZGsEA24_Gq6YyP8E-qwq2n/s200/scrub+ridge+trail+sign.JPG" border="0" /></a>You'll travel through Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge on your way to and fron Playalinda. After you leave Playalinda Beach, you’ll see signs for many other Florida things to see on your way back to US#1, including this sign to Scrub Ridge Trail. Friends Wayne and Julie hiked this trail the other day, and Wayne has provided his usual excellent "trip report" and photos that will be the topic of our next post. </div>
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<br /><div>I love this beach - when Margie and I last went there, it was nearly deserted (my idea of a perfect beach), but now that it is summer, I hear the parking lots are getting full. So you may have to share your stretch of sand with somebody, but that's part of the fun, too.</div>
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<br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Playalinda Beach</span></strong>
<br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Just the Facts</span></strong></div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong>
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<br /><strong>"BIG PICTURE" LOCATION</strong>: North Brevard, Barrier Island, Titusville
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<br /><div><strong>WHEN TO GO</strong>: March 11 - October 28, 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., October 29-March 10, 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., 365 days a year, <strong>EXCEPT:</strong> Because Playalinda Beach is so close to Kennedy Space Center, it is closed for three days prior to shuttle launches and on the day of a shuttle landing. If it's close to a launch or landing, call 321-867-0677 to verify the beach is open before you go.
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<br /><div align="left"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51R3_8tBxv2EJcenhE_k3EKxRsiJtkHs_-wp3YqNvisVd6iTElB3w1w1FEXjXcUjN0qZ_MNmjS1MQEns2tU1J3YFnLgk1M-jQJAWbjBvW9wuId6RsYoUlI8RKaU9IOSlSvIQGzowfpXlr/s1600-h/playalinda+480+x+529.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352834166689195842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 182px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51R3_8tBxv2EJcenhE_k3EKxRsiJtkHs_-wp3YqNvisVd6iTElB3w1w1FEXjXcUjN0qZ_MNmjS1MQEns2tU1J3YFnLgk1M-jQJAWbjBvW9wuId6RsYoUlI8RKaU9IOSlSvIQGzowfpXlr/s200/playalinda+480+x+529.JPG" border="0" /></a>HOW TO GET THERE</strong>: For starters, you need to be at US #1 and County Road 402 (Garden Street) in the north end of Titusville. Don’t look at a map and think you can take a shortcut through the Kennedy Space Center, because that road is not open to the public. Take a right and head east. After about 7 miles, you’ll come to a stoplight that is kind of in the middle of nowhere. Keep going straight across the railroad tracks and drive about 4 more miles until you reach Canaveral National Seashore. Watch out for the critters crossing the road. (Map courtesy of Space Coast Office of Tourism) </div>
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<br /><div align="left"><strong>This is important. There are no stores and no gas stations after you leave Titusville.</strong> Be sure your car is gassed up and bring plenty of drinking water. You might want to bring a lunch to enjoy eating at the Eddy Creek pavilion.
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<br /><div><strong>BRING MONEY?</strong> Yes, there is a $3 per person charge (children under the age of 16 are admitted free) to get into Canaveral National Seashore (unless you have a National Parks pass). You can also purchase an annual pass to Canaveral National Seashore for $35. <strong>The National Park Service is offering free admission to park-goers the weekends of July 18-19 and August 15-16. </strong></div>
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<br /><div><strong>WHERE TO PARK</strong>: There are 13 parking lots along the four-mile road.
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<br /><div><strong>WHAT TO WEAR</strong>: Remember that the sun bouncing off the water will burn you to a crisp, so protect yourself with sunscreen, beach umbrellas, hats, and common sense. Drink lots of water. And as a reader noted in his comment - bring insect repellent!
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<br /><div align="left"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7S2upF65_NeA_ki_qnvD3Cq8JWdV590q54s6vR7PR4XMszI2qlofX305I5MqywlZH99rGI0z6WAsY5jmjV924IZSvn1XF0iEh6lcKF5wH1UDHFgEbCDVycHMKNnwC-DAQ_HnQJMIFOe1V/s1600-h/bathroom.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352832790046634018" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7S2upF65_NeA_ki_qnvD3Cq8JWdV590q54s6vR7PR4XMszI2qlofX305I5MqywlZH99rGI0z6WAsY5jmjV924IZSvn1XF0iEh6lcKF5wH1UDHFgEbCDVycHMKNnwC-DAQ_HnQJMIFOe1V/s200/bathroom.JPG" border="0" /></a>PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS</strong>: There are bathrooms at each parking lot (no running water, though). The boardwalk at Eddie Creek Pavilion is wheelchair accessible. </div>
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<br /><strong>HOW LONG TO STAY</strong>: As long as you're having fun (within the constraints of the Park hours)! </div>
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<br /><div><strong>WHAT TO DO</strong>: Fish, surf, swim in the ocean, relax. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day from 10:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. You can launch a boat at Eddy Creek. If you fish from your boat, you need to have a fishing license. If you are fishing from the shore or a dock, you do not need a salt water fishing license.</div>
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<br /><div align="left"><strong>WHERE TO EAT AFTERWARDS</strong>: I'm always torn between <em>Dixie Crossroads</em> and <em>El Leoncito</em>. <em>Dixie Crossroads</em> is an iconic restaurant co-owned by long-time Brevard environmentalist guru Laurilee Thompson (we quote her in the <em>I Think</em> box) with terrific seafood, corn fritters that melt in your mouth, and exterior wall murals by our favorite mural artist, Frank Rao. When you get back to US#1 and State Road 402 (Garden Street), keep going west on Garden Street for about a mile. <em>Dixie Crossroads</em> is on the left-hand (south) side of Garden Street. </div>
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<br /><div align="left"><em>El Leoncito</em> is in the southern end of Titusville on US#1 near Highway 50 and features excellent Cuban and Mexican food (I'm partial to their Cuban sandwich and black beans). You won't go wrong at either place.
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<br /><div align="left"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGz8Z0hSAKWi39KaphS8onRl5Ss3qpyTXxPt46NuuozqfNbv6Y2WPjQQ3nYj4SKkYcgMjSsZ3z0LMpiXcQhF4H96K6lU4C2rgt5z5i4VMBaqvB_Q7XS7uc046B-sQ_QRQq6kt9fn2NMyp1/s1600-h/pickinguptrash.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352832312439893858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGz8Z0hSAKWi39KaphS8onRl5Ss3qpyTXxPt46NuuozqfNbv6Y2WPjQQ3nYj4SKkYcgMjSsZ3z0LMpiXcQhF4H96K6lU4C2rgt5z5i4VMBaqvB_Q7XS7uc046B-sQ_QRQq6kt9fn2NMyp1/s200/pickinguptrash.JPG" border="0" /></a>HOW TO HELP</strong>: Follow Margie's example and pick up a bag of trash on your way back to the parking lot. There are recycle and trash bins near the restrooms. Pets are not allowed on the beach, and must be on a leash elsewhere. Don't feed the wildlife. And of course, don't litter.</div>
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<br /><div><strong>REFERENCE LINKS</strong>:</div>
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<br /><div align="left"><a href="http://www.nbbd.com/godo/cns/brochures/GenInfo/index.html" target="_blank">Playalinda Beach</a></div>
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<br /><div align="left"><a href="http://www.nps.gov/cana" target="_blank">Canaveral National Seashore</a></div>
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<br /><div align="left"><a href="http://www.dixiecrossroads.com/" target="_blank">Dixie Crossroads</a></div>
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<br /><div align="left"><a href="http://elleoncitorestaurant.com/" target="_blank">El Leoncito</a></div>
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<br /><div align="left"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.archaicadventures.com" target="_blank">Archaic Adventures</a></div>
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<br />Florida Beach Basicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11757309712564048053noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113767116961253488.post-88379563958884456832009-06-15T09:43:00.038-04:002009-06-15T15:57:02.588-04:00Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area (ORCA) Field Trip<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNbEwhfqjvdSiHgNP6EUuPPcf06l2DnHvAcSr6KZu6Jyy7HYBQiLtGyNLCWgHxznFp61OUVFuKOLWA0TE-ahw6dRtpe23D4HVlvPYYAj5HSRTuLLqJIyYIgUXuwGqiTqo83t4SMZhp_XEY/s1600-h/04+map+of+waynes+path.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347635092409952706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNbEwhfqjvdSiHgNP6EUuPPcf06l2DnHvAcSr6KZu6Jyy7HYBQiLtGyNLCWgHxznFp61OUVFuKOLWA0TE-ahw6dRtpe23D4HVlvPYYAj5HSRTuLLqJIyYIgUXuwGqiTqo83t4SMZhp_XEY/s400/04+map+of+waynes+path.jpg" border="0" /></a> On May 1, friend Wayne ventured out of Brevard County to visit the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area (ORCA), a 365-acre preserve along the Indian River Lagoon in Indian River County, on the south side of Vero Beach, a short distance east of US #1. OSLO is owned by the St. Johns Water Management District and Indian River County and managed by the County. Indian River County is the next county south of Brevard. (Click on photos to enlarge.)<br /><br /><div>Wayne filed the following trip report and provided his excellent photos for a slideshow (see right-hand column).<br /></div><div><em>This was my first visit. I got a late start, so it quickly got too hot for me to do all the trails (note this was May 1). The trail map at the entrance kiosk showed a destination called "Awesome Tree, the largest Slash Pine in the world." That was something I wanted to see, so I headed there first. The trail goes through a very jungley hammock. It's almost all at ground level, but with several short elevated boardwalks. The trails being at ground level makes it easy to observe and photograph wildflowers and other plants. However, that also means the trails are wet and muddy in some places during rainy times. </em><br /></div><div><em></em></div><div><em>The dense woods looked like a good place for birding, but I did not see or hear any birds. I think it was too late in the day and too hot.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAOK1U6N26zhWrbYDnxB8J_RSJdNzefsYWD-yEsP67d4xTmM5mavOaSjFo8YZrfcvyqMadRw03micXIB7m3aQRM3RjNg9L9fCOtb7PU0_noVVZ55dppCyPzUj51zvSSkbGW1Zo8-Z4y_Y/s1600-h/09+lancewood.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347634799797596450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAOK1U6N26zhWrbYDnxB8J_RSJdNzefsYWD-yEsP67d4xTmM5mavOaSjFo8YZrfcvyqMadRw03micXIB7m3aQRM3RjNg9L9fCOtb7PU0_noVVZ55dppCyPzUj51zvSSkbGW1Zo8-Z4y_Y/s200/09+lancewood.jpg" border="0" /></a>Near the trailhead were several patches of brilliant red salvia. I found a small tree there (shown in the photo) that I did not recognize. It had droopy branches and leaves and panicles of white flowers. The flowers were unusual because they had six petals. Usually six petals means the plant is a member of the lily or orchid family. Later, using a plant species list for ORCA, I identified the tree as Lancewood, a small tree found along the coast in south Florida, the Keys, and the Caribbean.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBaumBdRkNSymMdu97-RgW6Yls7mzz10mf-wClDUQ4kG07pmdJpyXLAIaeDSx_njyfWaiAhdCw_x5hMJq7NMzlBr0EQEMBdz8Rm4JPLrPJMVgPwJQjNQc2UF40Kh_sXnb3_1xRZ6cliRb8/s1600-h/21+signage.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347640664403231138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBaumBdRkNSymMdu97-RgW6Yls7mzz10mf-wClDUQ4kG07pmdJpyXLAIaeDSx_njyfWaiAhdCw_x5hMJq7NMzlBr0EQEMBdz8Rm4JPLrPJMVgPwJQjNQc2UF40Kh_sXnb3_1xRZ6cliRb8/s200/21+signage.jpg" border="0" /></a>I first headed to the Awesome Tree. At several junctions along the trail, there were signs pointing the way to the Awesome Tree, as well as to other locations. The anticipation built with each sign. I finally arrived at a small clearing with a sign indicating that this was the site of the Awesome Tree. I had expected a huge, standing, living tree, the one pictured on the left. Instead, what I found was a huge, lying down and very dead tree! Apparently the big tree was knocked down by a hurricane several years ago. In researching it later, I found a book, "Birding Florida," written by Brian Rapoza and published in 2007, that claims the big tree was felled by a recent hurricane. From the state of decay, it looked like the tree had been dead for at least 10 years.</em> (The "then" photo below is from the Indian River County web site listed below in <strong>Reference</strong> <strong>Links</strong>.) </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzz4wM0gTivVjyBlds9VGzN0fwAyDGt-gkRZ6CYwgCTC0rvIdeckQ0rTkpHiYyArs0DQmF_vGgvvDab5Jo7SBEy4aF4gSJO1Nj6ro9sswShqLKRL2VfQ6jZ1PvFbppNtHDxUZ0FfPbB4h4/s1600-h/Image5.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347632696912181362" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzz4wM0gTivVjyBlds9VGzN0fwAyDGt-gkRZ6CYwgCTC0rvIdeckQ0rTkpHiYyArs0DQmF_vGgvvDab5Jo7SBEy4aF4gSJO1Nj6ro9sswShqLKRL2VfQ6jZ1PvFbppNtHDxUZ0FfPbB4h4/s200/Image5.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxozjPLifetQmtiWChytixjJXApzqBmagOaQiDOS_AXDemvqjpqhdCOey0ffyIU7RPIOnRWg6WVTrZfkAa2OJocvO9Le2_GfkdTjuzMrvgK7O1Yhyphenhyphenyr1RnDIcdZMx9xP7EorKKe2emjU2/s1600-h/44+pine+closeup+2.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347633121006939698" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxozjPLifetQmtiWChytixjJXApzqBmagOaQiDOS_AXDemvqjpqhdCOey0ffyIU7RPIOnRWg6WVTrZfkAa2OJocvO9Le2_GfkdTjuzMrvgK7O1Yhyphenhyphenyr1RnDIcdZMx9xP7EorKKe2emjU2/s200/44+pine+closeup+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>Awesome pine then and now</strong></div><div><em></em></div><div><em>From there, I doubled back and took the trail to the Coastal Wetlands, passing through the lower end of the Pine Flatwoods. This trail near its end went through all three types of mangroves - white, black, and red - ending at an observation platform overlooking a nearly dry pond adjacent to the Indian River Lagoon. </em></div><br /><div><em></div></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347635649746202322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0VLy-lYuB0Nl_JDIH9rImWlC_ku1p4kF2mOdGxPzVkU5mtT9kK1P82Vq_BxUtL4HN_gDSUaEJriQ4NGicdOpI_vCaWkFCEmYClhJnqbVjzNLtNlflbMbtNeM18uBMzFyU60o0gByuv4x/s400/66+observation+deck.jpg" border="0" /><em>For those interested in a good hike through varied habitats, I recommend you visit ORCA, where you can see a coastal hammock, pine flatwoods, and coastal wetlands all in one trip. I like the closed-in jungly feeling of the trails. It appears to be a good woods for birds, early in the morning and is probably good for migrating warblers in spring and late autumn.</em> (Editor's Note: Wayne is a tireless researcher with an interest in plants - he has provided some excellent sources of information in the <strong>Reference</strong> <strong>Links </strong>section below for those who want to do more research. There are several web sites devoted to ORCA.)<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347633640176037170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi669rn_QSbbc_t8-y7rTI0NOsMga1JR175N53jtKc2WJeiwnFJtC3X33rNMomGfIE_dzSuY0dmsdM8074LZ2l-9-f9xVHzIziKvxgDMvQdZT4U3WAvO-CGW3LnmNYMwxQ1-nIiWsBTEIT1/s400/16+trail.jpg" border="0" />Wayne adds that the Florida Medical Entomology Lab (FMEL) is further east on Oslo Rd. Their web site has lots of interesting information of mosquitoes, including a small video of a mosquito hatching and a game called SWAT. (See <strong>Reference</strong> <strong>Links</strong> below. )<br /><br />As always, we are indebted to Wayne for sharing his prodigious knowledge, his adventures, and his photos with us. Be sure to watch the <strong>slide show</strong> - it's a great education on vegetation.<br /><br /><div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area (ORCA)</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Just the Facts</span></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>"BIG PICTURE" LOCATION:</strong> Indian River County, Mainland, south (Indian River County adjoins the southern border of Brevard County)<br /><br /><strong>WHEN TO GO:</strong> Public access facilities and trails are open sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year<br /><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXdlRfleDM35R3OF2XnEPAXPZ6PZuBPLV1vNq0MzuenqKWBioU9SFkipTT0JRlk38DR9dEXftwvSMjIC34xqnH4obCrBErrrDDbPJbboC4TzWAktmLfhhwIEtHzana95H11MoKQBIWchl/s1600-h/Area+Map.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347631380091947746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 138px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXdlRfleDM35R3OF2XnEPAXPZ6PZuBPLV1vNq0MzuenqKWBioU9SFkipTT0JRlk38DR9dEXftwvSMjIC34xqnH4obCrBErrrDDbPJbboC4TzWAktmLfhhwIEtHzana95H11MoKQBIWchl/s200/Area+Map.jpg" border="0" /></a>HOW TO GET THERE:</strong> ORCA is located on the north side of Oslo Road (9th Street SE), east of US #1, on the south side of Vero Beach. The entrance is located immediately behind the South Vero Plaza, which is immediately south of the Vista Royale Golf and Country Club. (Click on map to enlarge.)<br /><br /><strong>WHERE TO PARK:</strong> Signs will direct you to a small parking lot.<br /><br /><strong>WHAT TO WEAR:</strong> This is Florida - bring water! Wear a hat and sturdy walking shoes, bring mosquito repellant, and protect against mosquitoes by wearing a long-sleeved shirt and long pants. (I suspect they've located the mosquito research facility there for a reason - plenty of research opportunities!)<br /><br /><strong>PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS:</strong> There are no restrooms, and it is not wheelchair accessible.<br /><br /><strong>HOW LONG TO STAY:</strong> Wayne spent about an hour on his walk - he says he rushed a little because it was hot and he was ready for lunch.<br /><br /><strong>WHAT TO DO:</strong> Facililties include boardwalks, an observation tower, a canoe launch, educational information, and hiking trails, so you can fish, hike, canoe, look for wildlife, and study the numerous types of vegetation in the varied habitats. Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trails. A boat luanch is located at the end of Oslo Road. Weekly nature walks are provided free by volunteer naturalists. Call 772-778-7200 for more information.<br /><br /><strong>WHERE TO EAT AFTERWARDS:</strong> Wayne recommends TooJays, a New York-style deli. The first TooJay's was near Palm Beach, and now they have 27 locations. It was started by two fellows named Jay - I'm not sure why it was named TooJay's instead of TwoJay's. In any event, head north on US#1 to 20th Street, then turn east. TooJay's is on the south side of 21st street in the Treasure Coast Plaza. Vero roads are a little confusing, so keep a sharp eye out! <a href="http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?country=US&countryid=US&addtohistory=&searchtab=address&searchtype=address&address=555+21st+Street&city=Vero+Beach&state=FL&zipcode=&search=++Search++" target="_blank">map</a><br /></div><strong></strong><br /><div><strong>HOW TO HELP:</strong> If you live nearby, volunteer (see the ORCA web site for information on volunteer classes). Be respectful of wildlife and nature, and don't litter.<br /><br /><strong>REFERENCE LINKS:</strong><br /><a href="http://www.ourorca.org/" target="_blank">ORCA web site</a><br /><a href="http://sjr.state.fl.us/recreationguide/osloriverfront/" target="_blank">ORCA Recreation Guide</a><br /><a href="http://www.irccdd.com/Code_Enforcement_Division/Environmental_Planning_Section/ELP/Oslo_Riverfront_Conservation_Area.htm" target="_blank">Indian River County ORCA web site</a><br /><a href="http://fmel.ifas.ufl.edu/" target="_blank">Florida Medical Entomology Lab </a>(This is the mosquito web site with the SWAT game)<br /><a href="http://fmel.ifas.ufl.edu/orca/" target="_blank">FMEL's ORCA web site</a> (This site includes plants, snakes, and birds species lists, and Wayne notes that the plant species list is very comprehensive.)<br /><a href="http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/4h/Lancewood/lancewoo.htm" target="_blank">Lancewood Tree</a> </div><div><a href="http://www.toojays.com/index.html" target="_blank">TooJay's Deli</a> </div></div>Florida Beach Basicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11757309712564048053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113767116961253488.post-38721700855721462552009-06-06T20:41:00.024-04:002009-06-07T21:13:27.257-04:00A Geocaching Field TripMy experience with GPS dates back to a work-related stay in Miami 10 years ago. I rented a car with built-in navigation. It was like driving with your mother-in-law in the passenger seat saying TURN HERE! TURN HERE! After a first short trip, I turned the thing off and never turned it back on.<br /><br />So when I decided that a geocache field trip would be fun and educational, the "educational" part was high on my list. Tom Choma agreed to meet me at Wickham Park, make me smarter, and walk me through a search for a cache. He provided me with some preliminary information and directions to our meeting place in latitude and longitude (!) - thank goodness for <em>Google Earth</em>!<br /><br />First, some definitions and history. <a href="http://www.geocaching.com/" target="_blank">http://www.geocaching.com/</a> is the central geocaching web site, and it states: <em>Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online.</em> The first geocache was recorded in 2000, and according to geocaching.com, as of today, there are 818,326 active geocaches around the world - that's some growth rate! It is, by the way, referred to as a sport.<br /><br />Before I met up with Tom, I went to the library to pick up a couple of books. I got a "dummies" book, but the one that was the greatest help was a Boy's Life book for Boy Scouts - <em>Let's Go Geocaching</em>. What a great book, and you can buy it for only $3.99! It provided me with good basic information so that I didn't have to waste Tom's time on that.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQBnyGxXr2POPr2_C2XaWPAq3VND-ik6JNC8sxVfJh5irvUB4viwZjDrkQSboFhHKkMq-CSGnZ32JLSexZsDXBaAhqT2hKeDOyvQw4nuC94AcolIe1DSHUZgoIBK85SAsOiLCbYjF0_QXS/s1600-h/kits+and+duck+tape+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344409260710727730" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQBnyGxXr2POPr2_C2XaWPAq3VND-ik6JNC8sxVfJh5irvUB4viwZjDrkQSboFhHKkMq-CSGnZ32JLSexZsDXBaAhqT2hKeDOyvQw4nuC94AcolIe1DSHUZgoIBK85SAsOiLCbYjF0_QXS/s200/kits+and+duck+tape+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a>Tom is an avid outdoorsman and geocacher and blogs about both (see the Links section). His first cache was in 2002, so he was one of the pioneers. He brought along the first cache he hid (the big one) and a more recent one, a waterproof, camouflaged box kind of like Tupperware. Notice the name of the camouflage tape - Duck Tape. :) Tom carries a long stick wrapped with tape at the end for poking in holes before he puts his hand in, and his geocaching equipment kit also includes an extendable mirror. (Click on photo to enlarge)<br /><br />I learned that geocaching is not a casual sport - for starters, you need good computer skills and a hand-held GPS (and no, the one in your car won't work for geocaching). There are places where you must get a permit hide a cache (e.g., St. Johns Water Management District land, EELs property), and you cannot hide caches in national parks. As with most activities involving more than one person, there are rules, politics, and disagreements about how things should be. I get the sense that if you like it, it can be addictive.<br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344409026729012898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 379px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ywMvWCMyF18Ck-ya-pzsxBy0nagKTwA_o1F9RAdzssWZgTG3G_QOSGSqngz9QGi88ts8J8oMhitcv7qTEH8lV8L6uh0sXys4c7pHDxEhpavRJCMvM9bmZ8Kzi9qEL88r2OTR6kdbNa8C/s400/gps+480+x+507.JPG" border="0" />So here's the drill, as I understand it. Someone hides a cache. At a minimum, it includes a log book and a pen. The cacher then creates an entry on the geocaching.com site and submits it for review. A local volunteer organization reviews the entry in terms of permitting, etc., and then approves it for publication. If you want to search for a cache, you go onto the geocaching.com web site and find one that appeals to you. There are clues, GPS coordinates, etc. - follow the link below to see more. When you find the cache, you sign the log book and trade items (leave something of equal or greater value) if the cache supports trades. When you get home, you record your find on the geocaching.com site. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344409648022077458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgMFbQ69s8Cf4OXteyK-d5OEEaqaEcViuBbKn-DmPNchCZ8EKKdIPSCt0f-RA2HVkYvbSN72PbHDI9i-zi9ua2MlYa0SdMwgaPpa7RjQZXMNTqm_bp_BzeOkfIZwUO5XT8hjk8nHAeXf3/s400/kit+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" />After Tom and I talked for a while about the sport in general, we went through the process of hiding a cache and then finding it. So far so good. I learned that GPS accuracy can be off by as much as 12 feet, so it's not like shooting fish in a barrel. Then we went in search of a nearby cache that Tom figured I might have a chance of finding. He had already downloaded the appropriate coordinates, so with his GPS in my hands, and with my eyes firmly glued to its red arrow, off we went. I got close and eventually "found" it, but when I noted that "even a blind pig finds an acorn in the forest every once in a while", his rejoinder was "only if there's a smart pig helping." You can see in the photo how small this thing was - a little GI Joe ammo box in a film canister, hanging in a tree. Good grief! We of course replaced the cache carefully and surreptitiously so that nobody would "muggle" it (a Harry Potter term used to describe non-cachers who stumble across a cache and take or destroy it).<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344415116472139458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xYcZujKJZqVd53DaTz-1v0pdJljkSP8fV8ZsDAqmCkGEjZjLna7lRVUBCEf6dpZm7cmO4YWZv5WO3zRiKT2ZkZgCuMJ7iB9HMWE3CwgrwYC4bSXLAwfTxbvV3GnEi3DT39XGA-JmjNg4/s400/cache+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /> </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344408187695647010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisM2Th5Ri6FWF2USKStmEXgyQViw89fasPxwAfAsW_1tMEA9cubhrhpdbA8V51wGTKC74OmOdcUs4cf0EDFfBH6xaPbmJxrBs0JBm5patsMGjIuEinf4etFeX1ueN3p5PF-J3aCqxZp2lr/s400/ammo+box+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344408753311646610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0uv78soB6cN5BsqaJ7QYNN8qzGSUX3Xcv9L7an1jucKvw7iD9F-Nh789Iqym2JyWZMoOvkvwRKFSArWlaqcT3XF_b6Q_HHmqz2p-6p-3-8qO71BUN3VZBQjgsloqus_yeQTJNewc2uP_y/s400/cache+log+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /> When I started this whole adventure, I had hopes that geocaching was a "gentleman's sport" that would get folks out-of-doors and enjoying nature. The Boy Scout book encouraged that belief, with its emphasis on respect for nature, no littering, and cache in/trash out approach. Indeed, geocaching.com states: <em>Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment.</em> I have to tell you that as I was walking across Wickham Park watching that red arrow swing back and forth, I could have stepped on an ivory billed woodpecker and never noticed it. And there are some that are less than environmentally conscious in their search, digging and ripping. On the other hand, it would seem to be a good family sport that would involve a lot of learning opportunities for kids and adults alike.<br /><br />I can't begin to completely describe everything about geocaching in this post. I have suggested to the Library that it would be a good summer program - if that comes about, I'll let you know. If you're lucky, you'll have a friend that will show you the ropes before you invest in equipment. If you become a geocacher, please be one that includes a little nature appreciation in with the sport and adheres to the cache in/trash out philosophy.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IwmcxMCURlesdFwDYlWG0cIUFyrpx0FgT0AF6wL-_egI17zQWMlGA8lKD9RE2PNDLWVfJzHi43rV54Hi8ybEOOFJWfTNaCV8oNw-6LUvwgJW8m1yMp3AFyqTjTH1r7zHJcjUZnlxiFWW/s1600-h/keychain.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344411047917395538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 162px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IwmcxMCURlesdFwDYlWG0cIUFyrpx0FgT0AF6wL-_egI17zQWMlGA8lKD9RE2PNDLWVfJzHi43rV54Hi8ybEOOFJWfTNaCV8oNw-6LUvwgJW8m1yMp3AFyqTjTH1r7zHJcjUZnlxiFWW/s200/keychain.jpg" border="0" /></a>I'm not a big GPS user, but the GeoCarta blog I follow spoke today of a GPS application that I think is pretty cool - a GPS key ring. When you get out of your car in a big parking lot, you mark the spot on the key ring unit. Then when you are done shopping, <em>voila</em> - it will get you back to your car! There's a link below. Pretty clever little device. (Tom wanted me to stress that this is not a GPS unit that you could use in geocaching - its application is limited strictly to getting you back to a location.)<br /><br />My thanks to Tom for patiently answering my incessant questions and for sharing his skills. </p><p><strong>P.S. </strong>Wayne and Julie's daughter is a Scout leader and has implemented geocaching as part of her troop leadership. She sent a link to the story that got her interested in the sport, and I've added that to the Links below. Her family also geocaches, and they incorporate it into their vacations.<br /><br /><strong>Links</strong>:<br /><a href="http://www.geocaching.com/" target="_blank">Geocaching</a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Let%27s+go+geocaching&x=17&y=14" target="_blank">Let's Go Geocaching</a><br /><a href="http://tomchoma.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tom's Blog </a><br /><a href="http://geocartablog.com/" target="_blank">GeoCarta</a><br /><a href="http://www.idcgps.com/products.php" target="_blank">GPS Keyring</a><br /><a href="http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0805/a-tracking.html" target="_blank">Tracking Trinkets and Treasures</a></p>Florida Beach Basicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11757309712564048053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113767116961253488.post-80709727832019839152009-05-31T20:40:00.021-04:002009-06-29T13:46:07.072-04:00Palm Bay and Malabar Bike Ride Field Trip<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTKcq4JiSjYE6-JwVejjTz5fnPrugCMyJlAdWKm2RiQ5Zqg8za1zHma8qHvb-8LrL9JmLWlWHnXblLm8v4T4dO2vV6eh8gM2kqRTZnumo4gzloEqnvCPsBBJsaLZD-40gYw3PTEz2lnHO/s1600-h/the+group+wm+640+x+436.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342165831789143410" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 136px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTKcq4JiSjYE6-JwVejjTz5fnPrugCMyJlAdWKm2RiQ5Zqg8za1zHma8qHvb-8LrL9JmLWlWHnXblLm8v4T4dO2vV6eh8gM2kqRTZnumo4gzloEqnvCPsBBJsaLZD-40gYw3PTEz2lnHO/s200/the+group+wm+640+x+436.jpg" border="0" /></a> In the previous post about the Malabar Scrub Sanctuary field trip, I mentioned there was a network of bike trails connecting the Sanctuary and Malabar Road with Turkey Creek Sanctuary on Port Malabar Boulevard. Friend Wayne got busy, researched the route, learned of more Palm Bay bike trails, took a "recon" trip over the route, and then led his biking group on a 10-1/2 Parks bike ride. AND he wrote up a report AND provided photos, for which I am everlastingly grateful, particularly since I don't ride a bicycle. (I'm also grateful to the bikers for letting Wayne take their picture at every park - good sports, all! Take a look at how trim and fit these guys are. They bicycle three times a week, about 20 miles round trip. As you'll see from the photos in the slideshow, they are indeed a testament to the benefits of bicycle riding.)<br /><br />The Friends of Turkey Creek organization has done a wonderful job on a lot of things - signage, web site, maps - if you live in the area, give some thought to volunteering with them.<br /><br />Meanwhile, I met with Barbara Meyer, Brevard County Bicycle Pedestrian & Trails Coordinator for the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization (TPO), who provided me with a wealth of information about Brevard's current and planned bike trails. There will be more on that later, but first, here's Wayne's report:<br /><br /><em>On Thursday, May 28, I led seven members of our beachside cycling group on a tour of 10-1/2 parks in the Malabar/Palm Bay area. The Turkey Creek 7-Park Trail mapped out by the Friends of Turkey Creek formed the core of our bike ride. I added three more parks: Malabar Community Park, Malabar Scrub Sanctuary, and the Cameron Wilderness Preserve. The final stop on our tour was the Mountain Bike Trail area off Briar Creek Blvd, on the east side of Turkey Creek. I assumed that this area was part of the Turkey Creek Sanctuary, which had already been counted, so I counted this stop as only "half a park." The parks in sequence were:</em> (Editor's note - be sure to view the slideshow in the right-hand column - click on it to bring up full screen size. Wayne annotated the photos by Park, in order. Gotta love an orderly mind!)<br /><em></em><br /><em>1. Malabar Community Park</em><br /><em>2. Malabar Scrub Sanctuary</em><br /><em>3. Cameron Wilderness Preserve</em><br /><em>4. Turkey Creek Sanctuary</em><br /><em>5. Knecht Park</em><br /><em>6. Winding Lake Park</em><br /><em>7. Ais Trail Park</em><br /><em>8. Pollak Park</em><br /><em>9. Stearns Point Park</em><br /><em>10. Castaways Point Park</em><br /><em>10.5. Mountain Bike Trail area east of Turkey Creek (on return ride)</em><br /><br /><em>We began at 7:30 a.m. in the Malabar Community Park parking lot, adjacent to the entrance to the Malabar Scrub Sanctuary. We took the concrete road through Malabar Scrub to the north end, which terminates on the Boundary Canal Trail. Going west on the Canal Trail, we passed by Cameron Wilderness Preserve, which we did not enter because the trail was too sandy for our hybrid bikes. From there we rode west on Port Malabar Blvd to Turkey Creek Sanctuary, where we paused for a group photo by the sanctuary sign. From there on, we followed the Turkey Creek 7-Park Trail route, including a brief pause at the historic St. Joseph Catholic Church, and ending at Castaways Point Park. </em><br /><em></em><br /><em>After Castaways Point Park, we headed a short distance north along US 1 and crossed over to Orange Blossom Trail and Hessy Ave, which brought us back to Lichty St and then through Winding Lake Park to Glenham Dr. From there we rode north to the partially under- construction bike path on the south side of Palm Bay Rd to ChekMarc's restaurant, where we had a hearty breakfast. </em><br /><em></em><br /><em>After breakfast, we took Clearmont St south to a bike path that ends on Port Malabar Blvd. On the way back to the Boundary Canal Trail, we investigated the mountain bike trails on the west side of Briar Creek Blvd. The Friends of Turkey Creek recently installed a picnic pavilion there on a small bluff overlooking Turkey Creek. Finally, we rode the Boundary Canal Trail back to Malabar Scrub and our cars.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>The bikers all enjoyed the tour. They even patiently posed for group photos at each park. Most of them did not know of the existence of these parks, so it was an educational experience for them, which was my intent.</em><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Just the Facts</span></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">10-1/2 Parks Trail Bike Ride</span></strong><br /></div><strong>"Big Picture" Location</strong>:<em> </em>South Brevard, Mainland, Palm Bay, Malabar<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Distance</strong><em>: 15.5 miles roundtrip; 9 miles from start to Castaways Point Park</em><br /><br /><strong></strong><strong>Time</strong><em>: About 3 hours including breakfast; 1-1/2 hours to Castaways Point Park (we stopped a lot).</em><br /><br /><strong>Level of Difficulty</strong><em>: Easy</em><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Equipment</strong><em>: Road or hybrid bikes are suitable since almost the entire trail is paved (with a couple of short stretches of gravel)</em><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Other trail users</strong><em>: We met 3 bikers and two roller bladers, both on the Boundary Canal Trail; otherwise, we had the trail to ourselves.</em><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Links</strong>:<br /><a href="http://www.foturkeycreek.org/" target="_blank">Friends of Turkey Creek</a><br /><a href="http://www.foturkeycreek.org/trailfiles/trailmaps.pdf" target="_blank">Malabar and Palm Bay Area Trail Properties</a>Florida Beach Basicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11757309712564048053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113767116961253488.post-87919705628618764352009-05-23T15:47:00.053-04:002009-05-27T15:42:04.654-04:00Malabar Scrub Sanctuary Field Trip<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339202010665728866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhWpsNd7KCdh-YfBnjm5Nn5wM2nyh_lcEMMrjcvDdT-OHXef0eHnlUsw7Qb3wq3gs94lpymdx9TZjodr3uQfMARB9CUCuWC4bT1nEURh2hTHMSSitKW9fRX5rVAOYPLJHEgbEdKMYqTsF/s400/MSS+entrance+sign+600+x+600.JPG" border="0" />In 1990, Brevard County citizens approved a referendum for funding the Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program, charged with acquiring environmentally sensitive land and making it available to the public through passive recreation and environmental education. One of the early properties acquired was the Malabar Scrub, and that's where I went for today's field trip.<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339230630523862706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1airUedl5aTsZs6e7MeYdC8cloaIe0bDW6T5NRIj4mJqdg4gK6quazSbtEfdJ4bUo-MyXfXzL_wT05gArg0Q3__tn3B6kBBzSB8jiR5axSqR2-VjjOA_fDLGJ9ojGpbdhVMY6T_KxKUNM/s400/MSS+Brad+at+trailhead+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" />My very able and knowledgeable guide was Brad Manley, the Public Use Coordinator for the EEL Program, shown here at the trailhead. It was a grey, rainy day, but just perfect for this hike - cool, and no mosquitoes, and the rain stopped as we started our walk.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339201381991783554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMTS7EUHHsYlNCrnBC0cTdyPrJcQIPUrgpl4SsBJUQFeFrQ6m9_PsOr_lBlFVqwzs9wn1PnJSiFp2LirYoFm59-YLf8lK07_VAhnZcv221PpeAvoZmsbTUmyZth2Ze3Z1ZKGMO6N52vOx/s400/MSS+vegetation.JPG" border="0" />This 395-acre Sanctuary houses a series of trails through diverse habitats - xeric (dry) hammock, scrub, scrubby flatwoods, pine flatwoods, sand pine scrub, ponds, sloughs, and depression marshes. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339200920698427986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6rLlg6J68r7QPBE9H7KF9L7F4MZaC4HlorFlvkqYEswAEktI6XjdLmd9vstZRQMqsuVPFVp2oXGJLnl6wMm2IBm87NQ18ZYzKh4ypstJQABJDxt06wkxbL6e-lu_kqlgCgnp2X17AKwZ/s400/MSS+signage+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" />There's excellent signage as you walk along, the result of an Eagle Scout project. A boardwalk in a marshy area bore the "autograph" of the Ameri-Corp group that built it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEkMFDsnSzKU-lSGRWnQpu986Dx6IoH4GcwyUiNRyLMwYurdiuHG25iAYu1HzUp6KOnkShqAzAM6zqw4LxcQWWdiXd3bG5iUXstz4srYDVRbJjnFluEhixOlfNimKpd2gXHAD_I8nMJtV/s1600-h/deer+moss+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339199565827113154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEkMFDsnSzKU-lSGRWnQpu986Dx6IoH4GcwyUiNRyLMwYurdiuHG25iAYu1HzUp6KOnkShqAzAM6zqw4LxcQWWdiXd3bG5iUXstz4srYDVRbJjnFluEhixOlfNimKpd2gXHAD_I8nMJtV/s200/deer+moss+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a>I took photos of some of the various plants and trees - wild blueberries, tar flower (sticky), gopher apple - but my favorite was the deer moss shown here. Brad shared a little botanist humor about it - <em>deer moss is algae and fungus that have taken a lichen to each other</em>. As Brad said, it's not hysterically funny, but you'll always remember what deer moss is! (Click on smaller pictures to enlarge.)</p><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL1U9-reDiRq-NQp8AYNQpqhbP9lAEJ__PIuFETjltM0lhaMzCpSSYsg7hhH85Va4_m3rJJlQEjVgUyEkrNgCsJliMskEjf9q_EGnxJEC_QBLCDkPXoL_GLGFXP59acXTURAeU5adieyVQ/s1600-h/sand+pine+480+x+640.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339199156313183490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL1U9-reDiRq-NQp8AYNQpqhbP9lAEJ__PIuFETjltM0lhaMzCpSSYsg7hhH85Va4_m3rJJlQEjVgUyEkrNgCsJliMskEjf9q_EGnxJEC_QBLCDkPXoL_GLGFXP59acXTURAeU5adieyVQ/s200/sand+pine+480+x+640.JPG" border="0" /></a>Prescribed burns play a large part in maintaining the scrub habitat favored by scrub jays - if the trees grow too tall or too dense, the jays will go elsewhere. Brad pointed out the sand pine - a small, shrubby, fast-growing tree whose seeds are contained in pine cones that are typically closed, but in a fire, the cones open and drop the seeds to the burnt ground, thus ensuring regrowth. Gotta love Mother Nature's plans.</div><div>The Malabar Scrub Sanctuary is a shining example of the EEL Program goals we mentioned at the beginning of this post - to preserve environmentally sensitive land and yet make it available to the public for education and recreation. What a jewel!</div><div><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Malabar Scrub Sanctuary</span></strong><br /></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Just the Facts</span></strong></div></div><div><div></div><div><strong>"BIG PICTURE" LOCATION</strong>: South Brevard, Mainland, Malabar (south of Palm Bay)<br /></div><div><strong>WHEN TO GO</strong>: 365 days a year. October through April, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. May through September, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.<br /></div><div><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifstawAarY3-8Dgq-NT__9FEgk2cYLWyxH5dznHwWSQajZPKj0H_6YEwoL432VcFI0X3NHV6ZoFvxFkxAjzIudZdmOPl3lE8foLz78_K14CnAn6MOQdVA2SOrSdylbw0LvHDEI-UwdvCit/s1600-h/Malabar+Park+entrance+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339198450350513298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifstawAarY3-8Dgq-NT__9FEgk2cYLWyxH5dznHwWSQajZPKj0H_6YEwoL432VcFI0X3NHV6ZoFvxFkxAjzIudZdmOPl3lE8foLz78_K14CnAn6MOQdVA2SOrSdylbw0LvHDEI-UwdvCit/s200/Malabar+Park+entrance+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a>HOW TO GET THERE</strong>: The Sanctuary entrance is at the intersection of Malabar Road and Malabar Woods Boulevard. From Babcock and Malabar Road, head east 2.2 miles. Or, from US #1 and Malabar Road, head west 1 mile. Or, from I-95 take Exit-173 Malabar Rd SR-514 and go east on Malabar Road about 3.1 miles. Look for the Fire Department and the Malabar Community Park sign. (<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/mm?ie=UTF8&hl=en&ll=28.024409,-80.58403&spn=0.067584,0.109863&z=13&msa=0&msid=113048917408422060749.00046a9a4e47c3706e689" target="_blank">Google map</a>)</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieu4Fhuxf1QEux1zWXIQ668QPEqi9pFO0fBw-FemQvE19jRQ5urXm5cLI2xO88akbZEhIMgtgkEaFPw2aHpVCS3YyRcpZ9F4GMjNHzPPlYf_icDGF8YY-K7QEEx6wk6wteDCsy2Di8HQiy/s1600-h/Malabar+Community+Park+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339198954404564994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieu4Fhuxf1QEux1zWXIQ668QPEqi9pFO0fBw-FemQvE19jRQ5urXm5cLI2xO88akbZEhIMgtgkEaFPw2aHpVCS3YyRcpZ9F4GMjNHzPPlYf_icDGF8YY-K7QEEx6wk6wteDCsy2Di8HQiy/s200/Malabar+Community+Park+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a>When you enter the road leading to the Sanctuary trailhead, you'll park next to the Malabar Community Park, owned by the Town of Malabar. It's a dandy park, with pavilions, a playground, tennis courts, restrooms, and plenty of parking.<br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong>WHERE TO PARK</strong>: There's plenty of available parking in a common lot shared by the Malabar Community Park and the Sanctuary.<br /></div><div><strong>WHAT TO WEAR</strong>: This depends on the season, but take precautions in the summer against mosquitoes, wear sunscreen and a hat, and bring water. Sturdy shoes are a must.<br /></div><div><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjceZDscj_MbzXsqsJQ8wGdkwd-Hvp0LqzdHq8PcD5FxMpmknuhydFvglQgmPdo3x7U3-zIeAAUE4VfQnJ3VUY6c5f-NgS-7BuW5u-RaIHug3ojoHRkdQOFbOhiUflm1P3zpqvtpwmxhNd2/s1600-h/Malabar+Park+restrooms+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuR9X__tdu6EIABOfZ50NqNBiZMMAaDbN2sMJXPsdOjXm-qu8uKqf7NGc8Ds7efeuEl3C3U6uSZ79YGNOpJeymeKG-ztCYILQBoJ4bn30mKaR4wu68tYq2LgmB1ZEXijmUJzircXM8c2Bt/s1600-h/MSS+paved+path+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339197699565662210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuR9X__tdu6EIABOfZ50NqNBiZMMAaDbN2sMJXPsdOjXm-qu8uKqf7NGc8Ds7efeuEl3C3U6uSZ79YGNOpJeymeKG-ztCYILQBoJ4bn30mKaR4wu68tYq2LgmB1ZEXijmUJzircXM8c2Bt/s200/MSS+paved+path+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a>PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS</strong>: There are restrooms at the Malabar Community Park, near the parking lot and trailhead. The trails are sugary sand, but since this is a planned development that never happened, there is pavement that runs through it - you can't drive on it, but it provides a stable walking environment, and it would certainly accommodate a wheelchair.</div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>HOW LONG TO STAY</strong>: Stay as long as you want, remembering that currently there is no place to sit other than fallen trees. Brad and I strolled and talked for about an hour, but we did not walk all the trails. Remember also, the Malabar Community Park has picnic tables and pavilions, so you could always have a little picnic afterwards.<br /></div><div><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrl70zeW3pJTA8d5F8c2okFiMRrenmzyHsT9N4HadawWOHA8sMEMDDJhQml1E7o2nImTnRLckph9kEHzoaCodDTiEUUrLR0a0c8EQbp0_f4DVOEEiN9b79LOAhTaFVDosECkWTLViNee5/s1600-h/MSS+trail+marker+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"></a><a target="_blank: href="><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339197118033656930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 112px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xfQjNy64pdC3n5lNEzIqmsyqeCya5vAkRPH1XNYYHX7hloRVhwHKbL4Ekx302pTOdYTVSk9BB0IpvTYuxAMFf94xNCGw4mg_5xkV1ZM13Mrj1aAygO6jU4JivLmNCGP5dWkO3vgO9MHX/s200/trail+marker+358+x+640.JPG" border="0" /></a>WHAT TO DO</strong>: You can bicycle, hike, or ride your horse. If you like to take photos of plants, this is a great place to do that. The numerous diverse habitats offer some really beautiful vegetation. There are critters that live there, and you might see a rabbit, scrub jay, woodpecker, gopher tortoise, or sandhill crane. We saw bobcat droppings (referred to as <em>scat</em>), but I would think the chances of your seeing a bobcat are slim to none! The Malabar Scrub Sanctuary is listed in the State of Florida Great Birding Trail, but if your primary interest is taking bird photographs, you'd be better off going to Viera Wetlands or Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.</div><div><br /></div><div><strong>BRING MONEY</strong>? No, this is free.<br /></div><div><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivclMAiHHA-88qnOtyRPyV7_fcA8A9wtFuFIJAqlVeMj5DkiPytOrTLzpwZvHUOLRz1lOhtb6TIi-R15Yr1LeLmRv-y1qN_EXnIUra1F0Q7TTGgCxUlQbMTwkk4RdLrusupruhXOVE_Cvw/s1600-h/Loreens+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339196300934538914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivclMAiHHA-88qnOtyRPyV7_fcA8A9wtFuFIJAqlVeMj5DkiPytOrTLzpwZvHUOLRz1lOhtb6TIi-R15Yr1LeLmRv-y1qN_EXnIUra1F0Q7TTGgCxUlQbMTwkk4RdLrusupruhXOVE_Cvw/s200/Loreens+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a>WHERE TO EAT AFTERWARDS</strong>: Head west on Malabar Road. On the southwest corner of Malabar Road and Babcock is the Shady Oaks Shopping Center. The easiest way to get into this old center is to turn south on Babcock and take the second entrance. On the side of the center facing Babcock is <em>Loreen's Country Cafe</em>. Loreen has three such establishments, and I've eaten at one of them for many years. Great value for the dollar, wonderful waitresses that call you honey and give you a hard time if you don't clean your plate, and good old-fasioned food (I'm partial to the chili). Loreen's decor is "God Bless America" - lots of red, white, and blue and patriotic items. There's usually a collection jar at the register for some worthy cause. I love this place. (It won't matter if you're hot and sweaty after your hike - it's not fancy.)<br /></div><div><strong>HOW TO HELP</strong>: If you're a Brevard County voter, support the EEL Program funding. Become a volunteer. And of course, when you're in the Sanctuary, don't litter and don't annoy the critters.<br /></div><div><strong>REFERENCE LINKS</strong>:</div><div><a href="http://www.eelbrevard.com/" target="_blank">Environmentally Endangered Lands Program</a><br /><a href="http://www.eelbrevard.com/ep_recreation.php?pnl=1_9" target="_blank">Malabar Scrub Sanctuary</a></div><div><a href="http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/4h/Sand_pine/sandpine.htm" target="_blank">Sand Pine</a></div><div><a href="http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/4h/Ecosystems/ecosystems.html" target="_blank">Forest Ecosystems</a></div><div><a href="http://www.wildflorida.com/wildlife/plants/Deer_Moss.php" target="_blank">Deer Moss</a><br /></div><div><strong>A LITTLE EXTRA:</strong> The Boundary Canal Trail extends from Port Malabar Boulvard (not to be confused with Malabar Road) near Turkey Creek and ends at the north end of the Malabar Scrub Sanctuary. I'll be doing more posts on the Trail, Cameron Preserve that adjoins the Malabar Scrub Sanctuary, and Turkey Creek. Just think - you could bike or walk for a long time without ever having to brave the Babcock Street traffic.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Florida Beach Basicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11757309712564048053noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113767116961253488.post-67352804343215202902009-05-14T16:42:00.039-04:002009-05-26T19:39:25.652-04:00Ballard Park Field Trip<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidiQoQXaeBYcBrtsVv902cBkewnOd3fyeQw0b2MhcC99cWj59U3UhrrOnE7-Fd_DV429mxGfd3dSb2VMVDQLGrmQTZp3HOq98UP3Ll4a_SWkNsie5w1d-oVT_Ru6pr4nBdx2RbWbcYGJol/s1600-h/BP+entrance+sign+640+x+480.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335851371625176658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidiQoQXaeBYcBrtsVv902cBkewnOd3fyeQw0b2MhcC99cWj59U3UhrrOnE7-Fd_DV429mxGfd3dSb2VMVDQLGrmQTZp3HOq98UP3Ll4a_SWkNsie5w1d-oVT_Ru6pr4nBdx2RbWbcYGJol/s200/BP+entrance+sign+640+x+480.jpg" border="0" /></a> Perhaps you're a visitor that wants to get in a little exercise while you're here, or the kids just need to get somewhere where they can run around and make noise. Or maybe you're a local, like myself, that wants to meet some friends for lunch but you don't want to sit inside. Ballard Park is the perfect spot.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335851795834051970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZTBZ53Ka23pTx822XsbwUGjKYt9hW21r1N8Mk8hmd9-E5SCk3ueWLuE5hyphenhyphengrD9ZF8j7vgPqi5mE1B9N0EtgTIQ2WQWmY69JyOUtz96lpWQnUOzbVEhGDZF19C93wqwcLw7NQkZCuKld1/s400/BP+view+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /> The 10-acre Ballard Park is one of the City of Melbourne's Community Parks. It is located off US #1, between the Melbourne and Eau Gallie Causeways - we'll tell you how to get there in the <strong>Just the Facts</strong> section at the end of this post. It's right on the Indian River Lagoon and the Eau Gallie River, and that means it gets great breezes - I've been there on some pretty hot days, but those breezes keep it just about perfect.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335852231887789378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqI7XrxrR1ggWokb_pQGkzPluL2thpKKauYhIiw7kqcT1skioKWpaelep4HX7DIdNUC_WceNRwLkxmQ2Kc0L4agvOBvZsvCHFwbDMjezaDk4P7Zu4mydjLvR3YwopV-JIcoMDTPZv3knw/s400/BP+pavilions+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" />Ballard Park has a little bit of everything - little pavilions, big pavilions, a fenced children's playground, basketball, racquetball, and lighted tennis courts, a boat ramp, shaded benches for ruminating, really clean bathrooms, and best of all - plenty of room for everybody! Dogs are allowed, but they must be on leashes (and pick up after them, of course). The slideshow in the right-hand column will give you an idea of the amenities. <div></div><div>What I like about Ballard Park is that there are folks coming and going, but it doesn't seem busy or crowded. This is a great place to unwind, read a book, talk with a friend, have a picnic.<br /></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Just the Facts</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Ballard Park</span></strong></div><div align="left"><strong>"BIG PICTURE" LOCATION</strong>: Central Brevard, Mainland, Melbourne</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></div></span></strong><div><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga4lnD_0OP-YPyxSBP-haktySlHGnpBOnFEIfZSCsrKubOVnOxyKgAkQsWQtlHNJhVkC91eiDiK4I0y4x3LfZ2o83gYKw2rxpRAUdlqV8FUuLPPH4CpW3xZQwXaj8unJQblHR-M6iyynUz/s1600-h/BP+rules640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"></a></strong></div><div><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga4lnD_0OP-YPyxSBP-haktySlHGnpBOnFEIfZSCsrKubOVnOxyKgAkQsWQtlHNJhVkC91eiDiK4I0y4x3LfZ2o83gYKw2rxpRAUdlqV8FUuLPPH4CpW3xZQwXaj8unJQblHR-M6iyynUz/s1600-h/BP+rules640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335849984310938610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga4lnD_0OP-YPyxSBP-haktySlHGnpBOnFEIfZSCsrKubOVnOxyKgAkQsWQtlHNJhVkC91eiDiK4I0y4x3LfZ2o83gYKw2rxpRAUdlqV8FUuLPPH4CpW3xZQwXaj8unJQblHR-M6iyynUz/s200/BP+rules640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a></strong></div><div><strong>WHEN TO GO</strong>: Seven days a week, 7 a.m. until 9 p.m.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>HOW TO GET THERE</strong>: From US #l, turn <strong>east </strong>on Thomas Barbour <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDMCZ91PYL_mQSU7-X7uSZ9UTRU5rUXuC3CKira0P9X_tF2ZMKlrK52YjaEDHeRN5xjTat_rJR4BdybVmoqOy-puHCqpu7tsBmQ3idq2sxdyw-53F3TSVe7w7jHeeas-BI48K3HXsWGHF/s1600-h/BP+Nance+Cacciatore+sign+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335845081651321794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDMCZ91PYL_mQSU7-X7uSZ9UTRU5rUXuC3CKira0P9X_tF2ZMKlrK52YjaEDHeRN5xjTat_rJR4BdybVmoqOy-puHCqpu7tsBmQ3idq2sxdyw-53F3TSVe7w7jHeeas-BI48K3HXsWGHF/s200/BP+Nance+Cacciatore+sign+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a>Drive. Follow Thomas Barbour Drive for 0.3 mile to the Park entrance. (Thomas Barbour Drive is about 3 miles north of Hwy 192.) Luckily, there is a very handy sign at the intersection of US #l and Thomas Barbour Drive - you'll not only know the time and temperature, you'll easily see where to turn! </div><div></div><div>If you need to head south when you leave the Park, don't try to cut across US #l. Instead, turn left on Coral Drive (the street right before US #l) and follow it to Ballard Drive, where there's a stoplight. (<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&ll=28.1271,-80.627632&spn=0.058133,0.10849&z=13&msid=113048917408422060749.000469e9fb013edaf3174" target="_blank">Google map</a>)</div><div></div><div><strong>WHERE TO PARK</strong>: There is plenty of parking available.</div><div></div><div><strong>WHAT TO WEAR</strong>: This is Florida - wear sunscreen and a hat unless you're going to be under a pavilion the entire time. Otherwise, wear whatever suits your planned activity.<br /></div><div><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhVCMVmVIYBCqihChnrQUV0Xl4WEcsHeICKZEbRscRCjJLDkS6PEythYDWHsonltSOo9MNTz-rVbQrV534-F60ItZDHS3QRncyB4IA5LoIPfa8GGObtDhETBmp2re63W3fcAK9kWME_zJ/s1600-h/BP+latrine+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335846081734620306" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhVCMVmVIYBCqihChnrQUV0Xl4WEcsHeICKZEbRscRCjJLDkS6PEythYDWHsonltSOo9MNTz-rVbQrV534-F60ItZDHS3QRncyB4IA5LoIPfa8GGObtDhETBmp2re63W3fcAK9kWME_zJ/s200/BP+latrine+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a>PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS</strong>: There are no constraints to enjoying some aspect of the Park that I can think of. The bathrooms are very nice!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><strong>HOW LONG TO STAY</strong>: Stay as long as you wish (as long as you leave by 9 P.M). </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-inEi07rVNc4qC3OP3D6Yl2dbMUeiudDQqwo5Ipg9pp2sCgtNP-M-30uF26anVhyphenhyphen8kpNWKklYaRtHT8NKtC8CiiyHZDuNo6yF8sXW_HL9R10y8gVbFrSzBzfGRfIDmpLRudrVbJM-qycT/s1600-h/BP+basketball+and+playground+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335850605770700834" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-inEi07rVNc4qC3OP3D6Yl2dbMUeiudDQqwo5Ipg9pp2sCgtNP-M-30uF26anVhyphenhyphen8kpNWKklYaRtHT8NKtC8CiiyHZDuNo6yF8sXW_HL9R10y8gVbFrSzBzfGRfIDmpLRudrVbJM-qycT/s200/BP+basketball+and+playground+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgD0EAvUfpY8g2uGeVxNybCVFJuSdPRl78yvej1tG-s9CZr_ClurmrwOdxTRG3QJiJq6Kzkol8ZVR4knmgu27DR6I8WQeYuVVAP45v4MqCHQV3SboY2DpicX3XRoPbIF5Kk8oPzk3J-Dr/s1600-h/BP+benches+2+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335850998803428178" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgD0EAvUfpY8g2uGeVxNybCVFJuSdPRl78yvej1tG-s9CZr_ClurmrwOdxTRG3QJiJq6Kzkol8ZVR4knmgu27DR6I8WQeYuVVAP45v4MqCHQV3SboY2DpicX3XRoPbIF5Kk8oPzk3J-Dr/s200/BP+benches+2+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div><strong>WHAT TO DO</strong>: Bike, boat, play racquetball or basketball, play tennis, let the kids play on the playground while you sit at a nice covered pavilion, have a picnic, read a book, watch the boats in the river, walk the dog, or do nothing at all! <div></div><div><strong>BRING MONEY</strong>? No money needed</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3OdRFs4dW0_r2jPQPL27uhznSyodwZpN8hLzFSzYxBXt-l1YuxvjNSg6hXytb_JZW6OLn-O2HzTgq9FApt7Td9M1In6WIAWYN_ucz0AvnLR8ZITGUEimZpb4nhf3LtweK5TesNMGXEMh/s1600-h/BP+Nature" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335848647488033826" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3OdRFs4dW0_r2jPQPL27uhznSyodwZpN8hLzFSzYxBXt-l1YuxvjNSg6hXytb_JZW6OLn-O2HzTgq9FApt7Td9M1In6WIAWYN_ucz0AvnLR8ZITGUEimZpb4nhf3LtweK5TesNMGXEMh/s200/BP+Nature%27s+Market+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAHScv2IKlYoE61qr8Sj4yFMJ6FKDFlZLIoHvlPqMZfvcAGxeIF3uOB3UC7VsHGUBvesrsEpitDePk1uYZ0GJejYGIZmNPMbwp-3dkKzFGnLRs8Pyr6d2dFheoqASfDwONwN15OLY-TIl/s1600-h/BP+Del" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335849251754695170" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAHScv2IKlYoE61qr8Sj4yFMJ6FKDFlZLIoHvlPqMZfvcAGxeIF3uOB3UC7VsHGUBvesrsEpitDePk1uYZ0GJejYGIZmNPMbwp-3dkKzFGnLRs8Pyr6d2dFheoqASfDwONwN15OLY-TIl/s200/BP+Del%27s+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><strong></strong><div><div><strong>WHERE TO EAT AFTERWARDS</strong>: At the stoplight at US #l and Ballard Drive (to the south of Thomas Barbour), you'll find Nature's Market, a health food store with takeout food. For the other end of the spectrum, try Del's Tasty Freeze, to the south of the stoplight on the west side of the street.<br /><br /><strong>HOW TO HELP</strong>: As always, don't litter, and don't speed through the neighborhood or the park. <div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>REFERENCE LINKS</strong>:</div><div><a href="http://www.melbourneflorida.org/leisure/parks-comm.htm" target="_blank">City of Melbourne Community Parks</a></div><div><a href="http://www.melbourneflorida.org/" target="_blank">Melbourne, Florida</a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Florida Beach Basicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11757309712564048053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113767116961253488.post-18417832055722179812009-05-12T19:45:00.000-04:002009-05-12T19:44:39.264-04:00Fanned out fish nests<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_d3dKWnaAzB326cro_wSHZZggchNJWbCZprxVoCHY_PU-rniztq8GMlBzjmagiPltxBdDwVJw5Unn27xqenG9HnLpnlk5sHfkD73ovpSjYGFNfS0g-tW-152S5Q2QTNriwvSp0RYSfyy/s1600-h/fanned+out+fish+bed+1+640+x+422.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334726860870344402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 264px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_d3dKWnaAzB326cro_wSHZZggchNJWbCZprxVoCHY_PU-rniztq8GMlBzjmagiPltxBdDwVJw5Unn27xqenG9HnLpnlk5sHfkD73ovpSjYGFNfS0g-tW-152S5Q2QTNriwvSp0RYSfyy/s400/fanned+out+fish+bed+1+640+x+422.jpg" border="0" /></a> During my field trip to Viera Wetlands (March 31 post), Charlie Corbeil pointed out "fish nests" in the water near the banks of the ponds. These were circular indentations in the sand, about a foot in diameter, and if you were patient, a fish would swim in and hover over the nest/bed. I tried several times to take a decent photo of a fish and a nest, but between my old camera and the reflective water (not to mention my amateur photography skills), I did not succeed.<br /><div><div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334726716223338594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wyzwxBMrOXd-Q-hv_za9kHR3flP33U6_8aHgPMF80uJWpKFsHPGmwoPeIo0cM0uZgkV2hNm-LecGrtUkzOXd8-ZcHsy5DX_qKY2vuPJPunvr9kTI7Y73AOBCWO7TOAiZqJVG2DpGPnqS/s400/fanned+out+fish+bed+2+640+x+429.jpg" border="0" /> Friend Wayne was at the Wetlands and Click Ponds the other day and sent some great photos of fanned out fish nests that have been revealed by the low water levels (no rain in 26 days, darn it, but a good photo op). I did some research, and here's what I learned. It seems that the nests are "fanned out" by male fish. The female fish then spawns (lays her eggs in the nest). The male returns, fertilizes the eggs, drives away the female, and protects the nest until the eggs hatch and the fry are about an inch long. Apparently, this is common with such fish as bass and bream. I didn't find much scholarly information on this one - most of the data centered around fishing hints and the psychology of catching pregnant fish (one fellow compared a spawning bass to his sister-in-law). Wayne noted that when he was a boy in North Florida, <em>Usually we could smell the beds when fish were laying eggs--they had a strong, fishy smell. Sometimes we would fish the beds, but usually the fish at the center of each bed would either ignore the bait or try to chase it away. </em><br /><em><br /></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334726572351212642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndNvESw7R1mOTNOX3X_tBjvATE2l8jwrkhvJ7f2i8AMWmk-Q_JVhZDmh77puaGNXbCk97uopmlyQPCwM0T7xyomHGKiS7n4gb6uVhJWbL-Yb_Qfg6klaDY4507qf8PLFBgzg7gCRYuGnZ/s400/fanned+out+fish+bed+3+640+x+429.jpg" border="0" /> Wayne also sent along an interesting blog link (see <strong>Links</strong> below) with a good post about a pond with fish beds. The author was more successful than I in getting a couple of photos with fish swimming over the nest. (If any of you have a good picture of a fish over his nest, I'd be delighted if you'd share it with us.)<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334726249476414818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxifKcALNiJBstmiq-jXSdNd0xQ5mb_jm34zY02X2wNHYkrUAf7SPnwZ1-scxpW8cU6Y-9zP7ahQY72_pFjWHo_1fA1GLu6_Lv2KnuZR10_2gwDCYaCTIi2RcywUfhDWvrAxECzN1oP8r/s400/fanned+out+fish+bed+4+640+x+429.jpg" border="0" />I'm worried about what will happen to the eggs in those nests now above water - perhaps the water reclamation folks will put enough water in to cover them again. (Will that help? Fishermen - I can use some help here.) Meanwhile, many thanks to Wayne for his photos and data.<br /><br /><strong>Links</strong>:<br /><a href="http://fishandfrog-turtleandblog.blogspot.com/2008/06/fish-beds-are-not-for-sleeping-in.html" target="_blank">Fish and Frog - Turtle and Blog</a></div></div>Florida Beach Basicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11757309712564048053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113767116961253488.post-22857572140389536712009-05-08T16:00:00.009-04:002010-12-12T14:57:07.269-05:00Canaveral Lock, Avocet Lagoon, and Rodney S. Ketcham Park Field Trip<strong>Note: The Canaveral Locks at Port Canaveral will be closed for maintenance from December 27, 2010 to February 24, 2011 and again from March 15 to April 22, 2011 for installation of a new manatee protection system.</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAHqvendL4Bwpfoy3uyOdsVZVT8RDeiBA5OnuFPGzQylsciK02cTaM2Zzrnc1frMUhgUsiV4N-qD5qhNER9Yjni1FFnVomGoZTaHobnIB9pRi_2t2Bde7rf-wyGfQZS5FDPLvkpghzBju/s1600-h/view+west+inside+lock+wm+640+x+428.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333530549566464082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAHqvendL4Bwpfoy3uyOdsVZVT8RDeiBA5OnuFPGzQylsciK02cTaM2Zzrnc1frMUhgUsiV4N-qD5qhNER9Yjni1FFnVomGoZTaHobnIB9pRi_2t2Bde7rf-wyGfQZS5FDPLvkpghzBju/s200/view+west+inside+lock+wm+640+x+428.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Canaveral Lock is a little tough to find, but it's well worth the effort. The Lock is located at Port Canaveral, between the Port's West Turning Basin and the Banana River. It is used by pleasure craft to get between the ocean and the river, but it is also used after every shuttle launch in the transport of the shuttle booster rockets that fall into the ocean after liftoff and must be returned to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for rework and reuse. The Lock was dedicated in 1965 and is maintained by the US. Army Corps of Engineers. (This photo by Wayne Matchett. Click on photos to enlarge.)<br /><br />For visitors to the Space Coast, understand there is a City of Cape Canaveral and then there is Port Canaveral. Port Canaveral is the second busiest cruise port in the world. To get to the Lock, if you come up A1A from the south, you'll travel through the city first, then through Port Canaveral, an adventure in itself! Port Canaveral is a growing, bustling, busy area, so be watchful - everybody seems to know where they are going and they are ALL in a hurry. We'll give you the details of how to get there in the <strong>Just the Facts</strong> section at the end of this post.<br /><br />As you might expect, given the location, the Lock is a magnet for fish and birds. But it's also a nice place to just sit and watch the world go by at a safe distance, so to speak. The day I was there marked the arrival of the world's largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s <em>Freedom of the Seas</em>, on its maiden voyage, and there were various events all day to celebrate its arrival. Personally, I enjoyed viewing it from the peace and quiet of the Lock! You'll see the ship in the background of some of the photos, and there are more from friend Wayne in the slideshow.<br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333527984797597922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAr1eqbql3Hm4lolOBYasUaPuCerleZvQCTIPdxdZLgNCgONRGi87BF_O8zUHjfH3MoK4n2ys0ytC2R_acT3FwrugP0l3KaC278UTJ2k2kxb6L6gGGaOQVbrvLRbjEUjAwsUWJSnQuGpZ/s320/RKP+sign+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></strong>As you're driving to the Lock, you'll pass <em>Rodney S. Ketcham Park</em>, located at the boat launch area. Rodney S. Ketcham was a much-beloved Southern gentleman, long-time Brevard County community leader, and Port Authority Board Commissioner from 1996 until his death in 2008. The park is a constant reminder of his contributions to the County and to the gracious growth of the Port.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0lWywdRthv4HMJ3uyghi3fU5BkLDujtOrN2LkVSK0o6zl2MCZn_wkOxbx1TeWDwFDy-gtbgpqqDlgdIZIODb9H5_agdhVulyKD18Vfgsu1s0kGI4dJtsx1HrQ4qn5lhyphenhyphen9mNtVMUDO5OL/s1600-h/lock+entrance+gate+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333538699470257730" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0lWywdRthv4HMJ3uyghi3fU5BkLDujtOrN2LkVSK0o6zl2MCZn_wkOxbx1TeWDwFDy-gtbgpqqDlgdIZIODb9H5_agdhVulyKD18Vfgsu1s0kGI4dJtsx1HrQ4qn5lhyphenhyphen9mNtVMUDO5OL/s200/lock+entrance+gate+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a>Once you get to the Lock, you'll find Visitor Parking, then it's just a short walk to the fenced entrance. You can sit at the observation area overlooking the mechanics of the Lock (and be observed by the Pelicans sitting opposite, observing YOU), or wander down to the picnic table pavilions.</div><div></div><div><br /></div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55EJdVbgNIwAdrre_-SSZ4sOf6KhKy-kmdFE3Lr9v9aL5FF5-MvEJaDcFsKX1_AznZKexz8G_wYfsB-uhGAZGJe54V5OyIL1XeiqKdMox98s1z_LmD2IDBTx7nGP7Y-QmxSbVnoIYmBCX/s1600-h/lagoon+trash+can+indicator+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333526550879175954" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55EJdVbgNIwAdrre_-SSZ4sOf6KhKy-kmdFE3Lr9v9aL5FF5-MvEJaDcFsKX1_AznZKexz8G_wYfsB-uhGAZGJe54V5OyIL1XeiqKdMox98s1z_LmD2IDBTx7nGP7Y-QmxSbVnoIYmBCX/s200/lagoon+trash+can+indicator+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQWh5AAcqLB8yFIrp5KF0gVk8MSV5mUNWihahdTNae9kpbI6h__SHovKBwIgyTD_Ys4ycbs1Stq0HcIt6rWLb-5XNZ-dVG605ijghyphenhyphenKlbeUaxrQhSFeSNgMFNnIjtZqBpZAWJur8dl57G/s1600-h/lagoon+path+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333526753772217874" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQWh5AAcqLB8yFIrp5KF0gVk8MSV5mUNWihahdTNae9kpbI6h__SHovKBwIgyTD_Ys4ycbs1Stq0HcIt6rWLb-5XNZ-dVG605ijghyphenhyphenKlbeUaxrQhSFeSNgMFNnIjtZqBpZAWJur8dl57G/s200/lagoon+path+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>Trash can indicator and the path to Avocet Lagoon</strong><br /></div><div>But if you don't mind getting your feet a little muddy, here are directions to <em>Avocet Lagoon</em>, a true hidden treasure. (My thanks to Harvey, who drove in at the same time I did. Harvey is a photographer and frequent Lock visitor, and he provided me with the directions to Avocet.) Across the entrance road from the wooden garbage container closest to the gate, you'll find a path through the shrubs. Take this path,<br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333543771671341922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vdGFqUx14G2hVBMc7tKrkC4rNcicB4jz9qEKGIjyOdh1pgZZjCrI-iD_dg0BdqQvql4Tw2BSvoltNQOEQKxtq_terLTfftMMjzdoJIKMZJ4sp84Zdq_Fj_SCZhMTwl9OFOuqT3oR19Qa/s320/avocet+lagoon.JPG" border="0" />and suddenly you're at Avocet Lagoon! The day I was there, it was full of all sorts of birds - my photos are not excellent, but you'll get the general idea. Harvey told me that Jim Meyers of the Space Coast Audubon Society (SCAS) has worked for several years to get an observation tower constructed that will overlook Avocet Lagoon, and it appears the tower may actually be built soon. Heads up - you are likely to get your shoes muddy at the Lagoon, and they'll smell bad, but it's worth it!<br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Just the Facts</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Rodney S. Ketcham Park, Canaveral Lock, and Avocet Lagoon</span></strong><br /></div></div><div><strong>"BIG PICTURE" LOCATION</strong>: Central Brevard, Beachside, Port Canaveral<br /></div><div><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEWpvv8QCA4WLQPwl2kKXkkPHBMCdYg9QKNpMcVzKL3dpiQO_UEadJa0Q3l640x1aEn3WH8_MxqALILS36Lu_PcJmdg3XmBFllmkfNlYCshZpd8u8AvF_1CWbIfhednU7Fa18_eSD3Ff8/s1600-h/lock+entrance+sign.JPG" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hfA_aMpDrTOG1wjnXfDjQ-EI0sAVEBYferaZUeWxnBS4wp01DdWofpmdINF6qKw6ti3FdwfQJRwxKfi4AoL-Me9ZlR1VnSHfP_Uk3pbrm0weEeesE46poE60l13n6xPwwbUybLxziobA/s1600-h/lock+entrance+sign+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333540462404273394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hfA_aMpDrTOG1wjnXfDjQ-EI0sAVEBYferaZUeWxnBS4wp01DdWofpmdINF6qKw6ti3FdwfQJRwxKfi4AoL-Me9ZlR1VnSHfP_Uk3pbrm0weEeesE46poE60l13n6xPwwbUybLxziobA/s200/lock+entrance+sign+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a>WHEN TO GO</strong>: Canaveral Lock and Avocet Lagoon are accessible 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., seven days a week. Rodney Ketcham Park is accessible 24/7.</div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZW-FrWcrMykIL3t6DfnKpJEFJJEoFs2e2d190CFgyS4qcU0YLIYTv8m9nHgDs6WiDb9vSfgbpreCWIeBFnZVipuWH8vKA7yCKCGqBneLrx4UKL_EX3hr1okdQdFh5nf8oEE0Qe_2evHm/s1600-h/direction+sign+640+x+455.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333525957299664866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 142px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZW-FrWcrMykIL3t6DfnKpJEFJJEoFs2e2d190CFgyS4qcU0YLIYTv8m9nHgDs6WiDb9vSfgbpreCWIeBFnZVipuWH8vKA7yCKCGqBneLrx4UKL_EX3hr1okdQdFh5nf8oEE0Qe_2evHm/s200/direction+sign+640+x+455.JPG" border="0" /></a>HOW TO GET THERE</strong>:<em> </em>I took A1A north through Cape Canaveral and turned onto North Atlantic Avenue at the big curve. Follow North Atlantic Avenue to the Port. At George King Boulevard, turn left and follow it to Dave Nisbet Drive. Look for this sign right before the intersection of Dave Nisbet Drive and Mullet Road. Turn onto Mullet road and follow it faithfully. You'll go past <em>Rodney S. Ketcham Park</em> and a yacht club. You'll go under a bridge and loop around, and eventually you'll wind up at the parking lot for the Lock. It's only a couple of miles from the Dave Nisbet and Mullet Road intersection. (The interactive map in <em>Reference Links</em> below gives directions from I-95.) <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=port+canaveral+lock&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=28.472892,55.546875&ie=UTF8&ll=28.403632,-80.626688&spn=0.014496,0.027122&z=15" target="_blank">Google Map</a> (Google marker shows beginning of Lock - keep going!)</div><div></div><div><strong>WHERE TO PARK</strong>: Plenty of visitor parking at Canaveral Lock and Rodney Ketcham Park<br /></div><div><strong>WHAT TO WEAR</strong>: Wear something cool, and wear a hat and sunscreen if you plan to stay long (the water amplifies the sun's effects). Wear comfortable shoes that you don't mind getting muddy if you go to Avocet Lagoon. </div><div></div><div><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5RyyimHobSVj83Sm-22GWbtVGTNQA_TKcBvSjFqQOonALtCbefajkOF3D7-vE83eea2khM_0fy-6c_F4Vn-tk_dh4L1v82ZcOeZiNgNzq1zBOufVgMK72JjfqGcT5cZZXAr7AZxtTKIt/s1600-h/latrines+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333525557550519458" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 155px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 117px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5RyyimHobSVj83Sm-22GWbtVGTNQA_TKcBvSjFqQOonALtCbefajkOF3D7-vE83eea2khM_0fy-6c_F4Vn-tk_dh4L1v82ZcOeZiNgNzq1zBOufVgMK72JjfqGcT5cZZXAr7AZxtTKIt/s200/latrines+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a>PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS:</strong> At the Lock, the road from Visitor Parking to the Observation Area is paved. The path to Avocet Lagoon is short, but downhill and rough. There are portolets at the Lock (referred to as Latrines, reflecting the Army Corps of Engineers terminology). I'd say Rodney Ketcham Park is fully accessible, but I didn't see any portolets.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyntdYPZxRtuNI3aLgEN-h30BZ9ECMhgUpPh7jCE7bEs5dAGQyNliBAFxPtmvIavovTSvd99U9pBjq2JNVs3rBpD0HxhpjIBd-h9fFvPcJwNKhcJm3Ev1JKrkpfUAMWl1cAmsvyHARMh46/s1600-h/lock+paviliion+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333531505181257698" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyntdYPZxRtuNI3aLgEN-h30BZ9ECMhgUpPh7jCE7bEs5dAGQyNliBAFxPtmvIavovTSvd99U9pBjq2JNVs3rBpD0HxhpjIBd-h9fFvPcJwNKhcJm3Ev1JKrkpfUAMWl1cAmsvyHARMh46/s200/lock+paviliion+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBQhBnp2J_p2SZDc_CVdHz_ekMM10Y6_mwTVR0NXyUJ8K45ugcU2p8w7aB9RQdCynAAPA-2Wlixt2aUESktMwUhc2q2KDrU2AhFVjugNI72pf0UMEbs6vVA67seSwh_zQiPYEqTcgsfvw/s1600-h/pavilion+at+RKP+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333531827979362210" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBQhBnp2J_p2SZDc_CVdHz_ekMM10Y6_mwTVR0NXyUJ8K45ugcU2p8w7aB9RQdCynAAPA-2Wlixt2aUESktMwUhc2q2KDrU2AhFVjugNI72pf0UMEbs6vVA67seSwh_zQiPYEqTcgsfvw/s200/pavilion+at+RKP+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>Canaveral Lock Pavilion and Ketcham Park Pavilion</strong></div><div><strong></strong><br /><strong>HOW LONG TO STAY</strong>: Stay as long as the spirit moves you! There are covered picnic tables and trash cans at both the Lock and Rodney Ketcham Park, so either would be good spots for a picnic.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfsZxaJB-6dO-U_j5AdYW1UBJH8p4TbsLA_-b0ivQvOYVbW2tUUIRDVxwziAukTsDs3upEFjmTknbOjPwM316ZVtVf_PAnJCs_6Xrb6LhQ45DkP0dMY7DaLKRJS2Bybl0SVLEUU7bRM4I/s1600-h/lock+rules+sign+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333524559007675474" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 148px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 108px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfsZxaJB-6dO-U_j5AdYW1UBJH8p4TbsLA_-b0ivQvOYVbW2tUUIRDVxwziAukTsDs3upEFjmTknbOjPwM316ZVtVf_PAnJCs_6Xrb6LhQ45DkP0dMY7DaLKRJS2Bybl0SVLEUU7bRM4I/s200/lock+rules+sign+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a>WHAT TO DO</strong>: Wander around, take photos, or just relax. Pets on a leash are allowed (pick up after them, please). Fishing is not allowed at the Lock, but you can fish near Rodney Ketcham Park.</div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>BRING MONEY</strong>? No - this is all free</div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>WHERE TO EAT AFTERWARDS</strong>: The answer to this question will require yet another field trip to Port Canaveral proper - there are several eating spots, but I have not eaten at any of them yet. If you follow the direction arrow to The Cove, I believe you'll find a collection of places to dine. Follow the link to <em>Places Around Florida - Port Canaveral</em> for some good information. If you have a recommendation, please feel free to leave it in a comment. <div><strong></strong></div><strong>HOW TO HELP</strong>: As always, don't litter and don't annoy the critters. A reader left a pertinent comment on the <em>Viera Wetlands</em> post - don't let children run around yelling - it scares the birds and bothers other visitors.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>REFERENCE LINKS</strong>:<br /><a href="http://www.portcanaveral.org/" target="_blank">Port Canaveral web site</a><br /><a href="http://www.portcanaveral.org/portmap/canaverallockindex.html" target="_blank">Port Canaveral Interactive Map</a> (busy, but helpful)<br /><a href="http://www.cfbw.com/pcanavlock.shtml" target="_blank">Central Florida Bird Watchers</a><br /><a href="http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/nasafact/pdf/SRBships06.pdf" target="_blank">NASA Fact Sheet </a>(8.6MB and a long download, but very interesting)<br /><a href="http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/ships/class/ship/home.do?br=R&shipClassCode=FR&shipCode=FR" target="_blank">Freedom of the Seas</a><br /><a href="http://www.portcanaveral.org/general/magazines/janfeb08.pdf" target="_blank">Rodney Ketcham Tribute</a> (page 3 of magazine)<br /><a href="http://www.placesaroundflorida.com/Cape_Canaveral_Florida/Port_Canaveral.cfm" target="_blank">Places Around Florida, Port Canaveral</a></div><div><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avocet" target="_blank">Avocet</a> (the bird)</div><div><br /></div><div><strong>A LITTLE BIT EXTRA</strong>: Friend Wayne visited Canaveral Lock and Avocet Lagoon and got lots of good photos, so they're included in a slideshow (right-hand column of this blog). He took some lovely bird photos, and a cute three-series of a pelican catching a fish, eating the fish, and burping after eating the fish. He and his wife, Julie, viewed the departure of <em>Freedom of the Seas</em> from a location near Jetty park, and Wayne shared photos of that also<em>.</em> One photo in particular is spectactular! </div></div></div></div></div>Florida Beach Basicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11757309712564048053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113767116961253488.post-9731713158067035402009-04-25T19:09:00.032-04:002011-07-02T10:14:38.895-04:00River Lakes Conservation Area, Moccasin Island Tract Field Trip<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitaEpXBI6Xcf0ziqzq2Pa8gIEt9uDa9WKr8X3dpilmylUsNTXgm3hAl2I_HmVXQFGGLSuXDAT_qRrrqnJzwYl_DvGI6ZdAj6C5FSGUx9_wKOvLoBHe9Nk_IP9calhaSFbOfXXGxueKPSbr/s1600-h/tract+sign.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328790409147288786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitaEpXBI6Xcf0ziqzq2Pa8gIEt9uDa9WKr8X3dpilmylUsNTXgm3hAl2I_HmVXQFGGLSuXDAT_qRrrqnJzwYl_DvGI6ZdAj6C5FSGUx9_wKOvLoBHe9Nk_IP9calhaSFbOfXXGxueKPSbr/s400/tract+sign.jpg" border="0" /></a> If you’ve followed our previous posts, you’ve driven through the <em>Viera Wetlands</em> and perhaps strolled around <em>Click Ponds</em> - fun, convenient, and nearly instant gratification. The third leg of this adventure will make you work a little harder. <strong><em>Moccasin Island Tract</em></strong> is about 4 miles past <em>Viera Wetlands</em> and <em>Click Ponds</em>. You’ll drive west along a washboard road to reach a parking area, and from there, you will either walk, bicycle, or ride your horse along one of two trails. Your eventual destination is the St. Johns River and Lake Winder.<br /><br />First, some history. Sometimes we tend to take our rivers and lakes for granted. Fortunately, organizations like the St. Johns River Water Management District take a more proactive approach. The District owns about half a million acres, and 98% of it is open to the public.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9GH958L6O7aZiuk6XqXyyQOg2WtgqarBS-EwgnC4POK-mslQOvOEkcilMAS_mwxV3t7ZsZ-ThHMyRubtJtesKw6clWDQZCcG-BlLhh8TfyZoXzQerFSHCFlW38mzwzr3-L8_M-yx6syC/s1600-h/riverlake-map.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328784220432658866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9GH958L6O7aZiuk6XqXyyQOg2WtgqarBS-EwgnC4POK-mslQOvOEkcilMAS_mwxV3t7ZsZ-ThHMyRubtJtesKw6clWDQZCcG-BlLhh8TfyZoXzQerFSHCFlW38mzwzr3-L8_M-yx6syC/s200/riverlake-map.jpg" border="0" /></a>The River Lakes Conservation Area is District land. It comprises 36,156 acres in Brevard and Osceola counties and includes 14,000 acres the District bought from The Viera Company several years ago. The Moccasin Island Tract was part of that acquisition. The St. Johns River flows north, and as it makes its way through Brevard County, it forms lakes on its path, including Lake Hell ‘n’ Blazes, Sawgrass Lake, Lake Washington, Lake Poinsett, and our eventual destination, Lake Winder. (As I was researching this post, I got totally enamored of the river, nearly forgetting that my goal was to tell you about <em>Moccasin Island Tract</em>. There are references in the <strong>Links</strong> section that will take you to more river information.) </div><br /><br />The <strong>How To Get There</strong> section of this post gives detailed instructions on how to get on the 3.5 mile road that will take you to the <em>Moccasin Island Tract</em> parking pasture. Driving down the washboard road, you’re riding alongside Duda Ranch property, and you’ll notice signs that tell you not to stop on the road. Pay attention. If you stop, somebody in a Duda Company truck will probably come along and ask you to keep moving. Also, be advised that offroad vehicles (including motorcycles and all-terrain or track vehicles) are not allowed on the property.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cawpCLIMrYsJ2boiUT8qrhGJ0EYmU9EpTXvE09oS9SjEoFEEmErSdB_xM8snRigFL9yoPOC1sb4HjmdJeWlaaqFrWxvYv86gKZw-wdahsC8b5PERhtwxv0dVZQ3QMhYXvgHOhFE4pWe5/s1600-h/north+trail+gate++480+x640.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328786181300881858" style="WIDTH: 105px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 169px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cawpCLIMrYsJ2boiUT8qrhGJ0EYmU9EpTXvE09oS9SjEoFEEmErSdB_xM8snRigFL9yoPOC1sb4HjmdJeWlaaqFrWxvYv86gKZw-wdahsC8b5PERhtwxv0dVZQ3QMhYXvgHOhFE4pWe5/s200/north+trail+gate++480+x640.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJG0mcknZZ5wnXvXx2FC_pTvTVJWr8oFbYgWms3tlkzvxOB7Wgj-Mof0dMkV1n5T5BB-yAqOwsU-ytSj6xQKnjoL5RaegGxHne9eCK9yQ1gWBQG9Ncjd7uMRs9SJJMIoDBJ9QofN2Uab6/s1600-h/southern+trail+wm.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328786295448427234" style="WIDTH: 138px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 127px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJG0mcknZZ5wnXvXx2FC_pTvTVJWr8oFbYgWms3tlkzvxOB7Wgj-Mof0dMkV1n5T5BB-yAqOwsU-ytSj6xQKnjoL5RaegGxHne9eCK9yQ1gWBQG9Ncjd7uMRs9SJJMIoDBJ9QofN2Uab6/s200/southern+trail+wm.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW0JzwpQXteVY5JWMw0SRanqcM6z-k947HmXfaoXAO1OCDWfcU204kLpTe1g7cg5OAJ5fn6dzpNWfE7uZ0FRsSBR-7-T5zfXV7fT8iMr3okdsg-mYpp9qdG5oyL6qjHtc0sh6e3sKN6JSJ/s1600-h/kiosk+640+x+480.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328789251028323186" style="WIDTH: 156px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 114px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW0JzwpQXteVY5JWMw0SRanqcM6z-k947HmXfaoXAO1OCDWfcU204kLpTe1g7cg5OAJ5fn6dzpNWfE7uZ0FRsSBR-7-T5zfXV7fT8iMr3okdsg-mYpp9qdG5oyL6qjHtc0sh6e3sKN6JSJ/s200/kiosk+640+x+480.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>North Trail Gate, South Trail Gate, and Information Kiosk</strong><strong> </strong><br /><br /><div><strong></div></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp80RWWhAwzGTH8xeJMP7YRK6L03vRwY6NvkKyUcEWJ-9ffYTcHebH0G9Uv4mpAYICeLAQkisTmdSg2mTjLdOcqF-GKzPL2FfEHhVIrj6HEJSlMbtdgDOFOl0XVNDgEpeIXOM_2UTRwXT7/s1600-h/biker+wm.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div>Two trails lead from the parking lot. The north trail is 2.5 miles long and ends in a picnic shelter overlooking Lake Winder. The south trail is 2.6 miles long and ends in a 2-mile loop trail and a marshy area with a shelter. According to friend Wayne, an avid bicyclist, the trails are hard-packed short grass, basically tracks made by various authorized vehicles. A wide-tire bike is best, but a narrow-tire bike should have no trouble--might take more energy pedaling.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipN6gNRo1an5vyRVmYrx1wKABMBCjwgZHFZ53X58LhyphenhyphenUuWd7qDWiXcTCnzOp1ipSQi-olBXv8oQLzNcx_H1l910ril3V2yZ0WZyRzrEwSAEnw-70cV2Kzqa-bzblljnJQ13hhYPUi95aL8/s1600-h/rat+snake+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328782782315131618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipN6gNRo1an5vyRVmYrx1wKABMBCjwgZHFZ53X58LhyphenhyphenUuWd7qDWiXcTCnzOp1ipSQi-olBXv8oQLzNcx_H1l910ril3V2yZ0WZyRzrEwSAEnw-70cV2Kzqa-bzblljnJQ13hhYPUi95aL8/s200/rat+snake+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a>The River Lakes Conservation Area is home to variety of birds and critters, including gopher tortoise, Florida softshell turtles, wood storks, bald eagles, crested caracara, roseate spoonbills, sandhill cranes, white tailed deer, wild hog, and wild turkey. There are rumors of a nest of burrowing owls, but I don’t know anybody that has seen it. When Charlie Corbeil took me on a “recon” trip, we saw this beautiful red rat snake.<br /><br />As always, many thanks to Wayne Matchett for sharing his biking adventure and photos with us. Click on the photos to enlarge. </div><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Just the Facts<br />River Lakes Conservation Area<br />Moccasin Island Tract</span></strong> </div><br /><br /><div><strong>"BIG PICTURE" LOCATION:</strong> Central Brevard, Mainland, Viera</div><br /><br /><p><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUhZ_tMbJIDDKzo4H_XkTt8-NfcGkajXCfNQv8gAuWgcybAiP4bFYNDaqbncgf7qWlOMjdn7W6-31ywKDjXclb-gNIj2wf1Y_DFgZpF9y7tEy8X2uG7fLylHayj_j3nAHYgv5m4l6kZKw/s1600-h/entrance+sign+498+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328779026556277954" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 126px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 109px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUhZ_tMbJIDDKzo4H_XkTt8-NfcGkajXCfNQv8gAuWgcybAiP4bFYNDaqbncgf7qWlOMjdn7W6-31ywKDjXclb-gNIj2wf1Y_DFgZpF9y7tEy8X2uG7fLylHayj_j3nAHYgv5m4l6kZKw/s200/entrance+sign+498+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a>WHEN TO GO</strong>: Seven days a week. The gate opens at 7:00 a.m. and closes at 7:00 p.m. You don’t want to get locked in there. Remember that it is going to be hot, hot, hot on those trails in the summer, so act accordingly. </p><br /><br /><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvW-nl4dg3OGvBIbAV0TNIepaGKGVzwPmZ97TpdLZPYTeoz28V0Ct5ec5rXG9UJ1DPEbBdgOLlwxmjNjx-epCQBT9Xl-OVvMiJToZEiKrM2hxi-Qhr4GvacKnY9RTWHrR7EPnHjo3auTAC/s1600-h/entrance+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328779532159591314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 98px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvW-nl4dg3OGvBIbAV0TNIepaGKGVzwPmZ97TpdLZPYTeoz28V0Ct5ec5rXG9UJ1DPEbBdgOLlwxmjNjx-epCQBT9Xl-OVvMiJToZEiKrM2hxi-Qhr4GvacKnY9RTWHrR7EPnHjo3auTAC/s200/entrance+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a><strong>HOW TO GET THERE</strong>: See the map and directions in the Viera Wetlands post (April 4 post). When you see the Road Ends sign, just before the South Central Water Reclamation Facility, make a right turn and then an immediate left turn. This puts you on a limerock road that ends in a parking lot at the River Lakes Conservation Area, Moccasin Island Tract. </p><br /><br /><p><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAF7sXNZojTIReSIUwVtPi_s9XdNQrWZGzejWp_JtmOYKjv7B9z8dMS6GpuD2mOVP7k6sDdxfz2DYYNkgDsC6mVZRWN26oqTglERrhcjCoJxJEoHhR5l_mYsuNVtqASsV8xYkiDpCGvTs/s1600-h/parking+lot+480+x+640.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328778717432627474" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 152px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 104px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAF7sXNZojTIReSIUwVtPi_s9XdNQrWZGzejWp_JtmOYKjv7B9z8dMS6GpuD2mOVP7k6sDdxfz2DYYNkgDsC6mVZRWN26oqTglERrhcjCoJxJEoHhR5l_mYsuNVtqASsV8xYkiDpCGvTs/s200/parking+lot+480+x+640.JPG" border="0" /></a>WHERE TO PARK</strong>: Anywhere in the parking area.<br /><br /><strong>WHAT TO WEAR</strong>: As you can tell from the parking pasture photo, this is Florida wild country – wear sturdy shoes, and remember your sunscreen, water, and mosquito repellant. Particularly remember to bring plenty of water – this is no place to get dehydrated.<br /><br /><strong>PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS</strong>: You need to be pretty hale and hardy for this adventure. No portolets, either!<br /></p><br /><br /><p><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZm7kJqi36g_vR-TcMMI6WFNEaK0bydCwQ5ENMvWe5gSLbOMOJKDKYAD7Cv1GDOt7ZDF0RFIL1O4r3Wu-d6de_S3LZUtsFHSwn37reVjnzOytC6ePEu5cRnIoDutfgYKtWHpkN3_jPxwTs/s1600-h/cows+wm.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328778245356659954" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZm7kJqi36g_vR-TcMMI6WFNEaK0bydCwQ5ENMvWe5gSLbOMOJKDKYAD7Cv1GDOt7ZDF0RFIL1O4r3Wu-d6de_S3LZUtsFHSwn37reVjnzOytC6ePEu5cRnIoDutfgYKtWHpkN3_jPxwTs/s200/cows+wm.jpg" border="0" /></a>HOW LONG TO STAY</strong>: In Wayne’s words: <em>I rode the 2.5-mile north trail, which took about 1 hour out and about 45 min. back. As usual, I poked along taking pictures and checking out the flora and fauna. It was easy going with my wife's off-road bike. I probably got up to 5 mph at times. The point here is not speed. Take your time and smell the cow pies. Speaking of which, at one stop I didn't notice what I was doing and stepped off my bike into a very fresh cow pie.<br /></em><br />The south trail is longer – 2.6 miles, then a 2-mile loop through an oak hammock that Wayne says is more interesting and shadier.<br /><br /><strong>WHAT TO DO</strong>: Hike, bicycle, or horseback ride through one or both of the trails. At the end of the north trail, there is a picnic shelter overlooking Lake Winder. At the end of the south trail, there is a picnic shelter overlooking the St. Johns river.<br /><br /><strong>BRING MONEY</strong>? No, this is FREE!<br /><br /><strong>WHERE TO EAT AFTERWARDS</strong>: See the <em>Viera Wetlands</em> post for recommendations, or drive down Wickham Road to the Pineda Causeway. There is a little restaurant called <em>Grecian Garden</em> in the strip shopping center on the corner of Wickham and Pineda Causeway (lots of construction there – be careful) that has good food and great rice pudding.<br /><br /><strong>HOW TO HELP</strong>: As always, don’t speed, don’t annoy the cows or the wildlife, and don’t litter. Pay attention to signs that say don’t enter. Don’t stop on the 3.5 mile road driving in, and don’t be late getting out.<br /><br /><strong>NOTE</strong>: This area is surrounded by Wildlife Management Areas, so use caution during hunting season. Indeed, you’ll see a sign to that effect at the entrance to the north trail.<br /><br /><strong>REFERENCE LINKS</strong>:<br /><a href="http://sjr.state.fl.us/index.html" target="_blank">St. Johns River Water Management District</a><br /><a href="http://sjr.state.fl.us/rivertour/index.html" target="_blank">St. Johns River History</a><br /><a href="http://www.sjrwmd.com/recreationguide/riverlakes/index.html" target="_blank">River Lakes Conservation Area Recreation Guide</a><br /><a href="http://www.sjrwmd.com/landmanagementplans/pdfs/2004_River_Lakes_CA.pdf" target="_blank">River Lakes Conservation Area Management Plan</a><br /><br /><strong>A LITTLE EXTRA</strong>: Thanks to Wayne's photos, there is a Moccasin Island Tract slideshow in the right-hand column of this blog</p><br /><br /><p>Near the observation tower on the north trail, a 2.5 mile agricultural dike built in the 1950s is being leveled. This will eventually result in reflooding of about 2,900 acres of marsh, much to the delight of fishermen (it will also serve as a water treatment area). This effort just started, so we’ll keep you updated with progress. </p><br /><br /><p>July 2011 update: A reader contacted me to see if dogs were permitted at Moccasin Island Tract. I checked with Charlie Corbeil, and he said dogs on a leash are allowed. Be a little careful - according to a recent story in Florida Today, a fellow picked up a palm frond and was bitten by the pigmy rattler hiding underneath. And of course, take plenty of water for your canine friend as well as for yourself. </p>Florida Beach Basicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11757309712564048053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113767116961253488.post-64781523241430146642009-04-13T06:18:00.039-04:002009-04-23T21:38:01.610-04:00Seen at Viera Wetlands and Click Ponds<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig04WaZh0CaoH5TJ0lPknB1C_fgksEQa8jA4tig2G8epkEcPv7IqCgpe46fYAZSCZz1WAaI-DMQ4LGTphdpNr5k6mHg1c88QlkjE5p7xbICMxJy1mQ6g9c8zxOBKyRUtPQ_9jdN7YSr8ku/s1600-h/people+walking+on+dike+640+x+429.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324366250342465186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig04WaZh0CaoH5TJ0lPknB1C_fgksEQa8jA4tig2G8epkEcPv7IqCgpe46fYAZSCZz1WAaI-DMQ4LGTphdpNr5k6mHg1c88QlkjE5p7xbICMxJy1mQ6g9c8zxOBKyRUtPQ_9jdN7YSr8ku/s400/people+walking+on+dike+640+x+429.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Viera Wetland roads were closed for a few days so that County workers could smooth out the potholes, but the weather has been lovely and people have walked the dike roads instead of driving them. Friend Wayne snapped this photo on a recent visit. I like what appears to be a man and a bird having a conversation, although Wayne tells me that's just my over-active imagination kicking in.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><div>Our recent posts have been pretty wordy, so I thought you might enjoy these photos of some of the residents at the Wetlands and nearby Click Ponds. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qqisbFsur9x00eNgBHT1Nf9Z_mbXwKJ6l_4Jfh2EMWuBYF5C2too5oMeDGBUE9ExRbBwsK8Q48RgTCeiQt_OaZcvVn6TplDxNTwrWLnx_kiBYMMTzkuFmjLr1JX2pfUhe8-IYXnEu_7b/s1600-h/caracara+690+x+600.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324364386564001874" style="WIDTH: 192px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 172px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qqisbFsur9x00eNgBHT1Nf9Z_mbXwKJ6l_4Jfh2EMWuBYF5C2too5oMeDGBUE9ExRbBwsK8Q48RgTCeiQt_OaZcvVn6TplDxNTwrWLnx_kiBYMMTzkuFmjLr1JX2pfUhe8-IYXnEu_7b/s320/caracara+690+x+600.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4L3-byIYK-TT6xTB-TxGAeZiQrR7CeH30wJSjYQWjsJ3QR33SLLL10T8voeeLyVV8M7sO2MkhxEUQfL9iTeEVaZ1VGOqRqbyyaQrYmpMRv2uSVfeuSBA0ELth59mo76Wx67xx6cQj9w-2/s1600-h/caracara+side+view+706+x+600.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324365382139877010" style="WIDTH: 175px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 173px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4L3-byIYK-TT6xTB-TxGAeZiQrR7CeH30wJSjYQWjsJ3QR33SLLL10T8voeeLyVV8M7sO2MkhxEUQfL9iTeEVaZ1VGOqRqbyyaQrYmpMRv2uSVfeuSBA0ELth59mo76Wx67xx6cQj9w-2/s320/caracara+side+view+706+x+600.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This is a young <a target="_blank" href="http://www.peregrinefund.org/Explore_Raptors/falcons/crstcara.html">Crested Caracara </a>- one of a family in residence this year at the Wetlands. Wayne thought perhaps the parents and sibling had deserted this little fellow, but after a few days of investigation, he located the other family members. The Caracara is the national bird of Mexico, and I've always thought that little black hat and beady-eyed stare had a definite Latin look! Caracaras are frequently seen walking and running on the ground. Or like this one, waiting for somebody to pick him up after basketball practice! (Doesn't he look just like a teenager waiting for Mom? I assume he knows how to roll his eyes and sigh.) Be sure to click to enlarge the photos - they really show this little guy's personality. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDyha3ChQsxJm5NyZm_dvryPYf6POmSzzWRDZH633fIw1qRmXwwCfcdNnD8x0WDNhRBozj9tIvL9yU6j-ArKfcuEvsSSikygpUzpyx7K7eoywWT42qn6o_HhxpgmdiDoYHw4qrcZcdLYE/s1600-h/anhinga+drying+wings+640+x+429.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324373983495882450" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDyha3ChQsxJm5NyZm_dvryPYf6POmSzzWRDZH633fIw1qRmXwwCfcdNnD8x0WDNhRBozj9tIvL9yU6j-ArKfcuEvsSSikygpUzpyx7K7eoywWT42qn6o_HhxpgmdiDoYHw4qrcZcdLYE/s200/anhinga+drying+wings+640+x+429.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4c6p1VetEFPXEMBQV1M4CY9A8fLnUFjtoGKKnBPTxH3s0asr6kceGjOZo1FVhKvxQo9necch6j8v8f_Q5-mBaOaMI2dAUoq8wBMZgBskGhBvOX7t1L-8Rg0NSEtIR56apVpPXFgfEoBrL/s1600-h/anhinga+closeup+640+x+468.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324374152265997554" style="WIDTH: 187px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4c6p1VetEFPXEMBQV1M4CY9A8fLnUFjtoGKKnBPTxH3s0asr6kceGjOZo1FVhKvxQo9necch6j8v8f_Q5-mBaOaMI2dAUoq8wBMZgBskGhBvOX7t1L-8Rg0NSEtIR56apVpPXFgfEoBrL/s200/anhinga+closeup+640+x+468.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div></div><div>You'll frequently see the adult <a href="http://www.birds.cornell.edu/BOW/anhing/" target="_blank">Anhingas</a> drying their wings in the sun - these birds do not come <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbRnhPHFO1YreY3hqQLR1tMck9Ki-luJXsG5AKIo6dNjEPj4jkAIDUBsYJFd14HQ47XaX3JZHd2-YyUkEG7xwgnLLYXordvkSq-ZD9P2DvpQfC8Rja63zyftJIA-PgQfmw4UaSRcooHN_k/s1600-h/anhinga+closeup+640+x+468.jpg"></a>equipped with the standard oil gland that birds use to waterproof their feathers. Anhingas swim mostly below water, sticking just that long neck and head out (earning them the nickname of <em>snake bird</em>), and thus lose a lot of body heat. Cornell ornithologists maintain that the Anhinga basks in the sun primarily to regulate its body temperature, not just to dry its feathers. The male Anhinga is black with beautiful silver patches on its wings. The female has a brown head and neck and no bling (go figure). The above photo shows the Anhinga's sharp, pointed beak that allows it to spear fish. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQQjl36yrIoWfYwhnHtBbXhRTe-RoxOMb9L8cscoBBEGEOFV5VJq6-TUlH3E84xvI-ODWjQaUQCWX8SUITI399F2rujNf-6_l2qf_kQanUEFfnXYF45oT3_q3ddbGtnEo710Kyl0QkryN/s1600-h/cormorants+640+x+411.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324377048040907474" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 144px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQQjl36yrIoWfYwhnHtBbXhRTe-RoxOMb9L8cscoBBEGEOFV5VJq6-TUlH3E84xvI-ODWjQaUQCWX8SUITI399F2rujNf-6_l2qf_kQanUEFfnXYF45oT3_q3ddbGtnEo710Kyl0QkryN/s320/cormorants+640+x+411.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hhn3uQDf2VYYAWq6GmOqMuA4ZUoA3DN0T6eLXYnle0rnf_qzMI2WZeEb8czypUZAb74vJ1btN5m89DaIp0VaZa8So1232Fh8Dtj7KNtF11WcJqC9Uqsta8kSwE8gT_felkMFOrvg548Z/s1600-h/cormorant+bill+416+x+363.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324377220070330114" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 144px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hhn3uQDf2VYYAWq6GmOqMuA4ZUoA3DN0T6eLXYnle0rnf_qzMI2WZeEb8czypUZAb74vJ1btN5m89DaIp0VaZa8So1232Fh8Dtj7KNtF11WcJqC9Uqsta8kSwE8gT_felkMFOrvg548Z/s320/cormorant+bill+416+x+363.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div></div><div>It's easy to confuse the Cormorant and the Anhinga. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOk8q2dT4Cq5Epq7cKkvr3HtmEIZjlEc77A2WRF6IDqYMVYucFiEBByRURIpvdGVaLUPeXabMtTCZz9oapKX6R1xrRVxwsuu01d2bcuovCsbgay6uFgGM3mjEICR07UO8HsH2_gUAyCBXg/s1600-h/cormorant+closeup.jpg" target="_blank"></a>They are about the same size - approximately two feet long, with a wingspan of about four feet. The Pelican, Cormorant, and Anhinga are related, and all have four webbed toes (instead of three like other waterbirds). The <a href="http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Double-crested_Cormorant.html" target="_blank">Cormorant </a>(shown above) has dark brown or black feathers, a hooked bill, and an orange throat pouch. You can see the hooked bill in this photo - that bill feature dictates how it obtains its food. It dives for fish from the water's surface, flips the fish in the air, and swallows it head-first.<br /></div><div></div><div>(Here's a trick to remember which is which - the <strong>C</strong>ormorant's bill has a hook, like a <strong>C</strong>. The <strong>A</strong>nhinga bill is straight, like the side of an <strong>A</strong>.)</div><div></div><div>This is just a small sample of what you might see during your field trip to Viera Wetlands and Click Ponds, so grab your cameras and head on out there! </div><div></div><div>As always, our thanks to Wayne Matchett for sharing his photos and his expertise. (Be sure to click on the photos to enlarge.)</div></div></div></div></div></div>Florida Beach Basicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11757309712564048053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113767116961253488.post-70942573693744540912009-04-11T20:46:00.005-04:002009-04-11T21:04:39.793-04:00Joyous Easter<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXUKbJ_WzWq66ibyBZz4mDQE7h7NZaJMG9CdpOLVecYK74htXxeScsymGyBGn8Rwv2H_FUwLHZ21He3vAtANqqmD-JwGjCYHR9EK-6XN9xKQ8JkRmSBFRp708tGrnp_wnRxB-nYdHKLwc/s1600-h/bunny+ja+462+x+640.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323603754015609122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXUKbJ_WzWq66ibyBZz4mDQE7h7NZaJMG9CdpOLVecYK74htXxeScsymGyBGn8Rwv2H_FUwLHZ21He3vAtANqqmD-JwGjCYHR9EK-6XN9xKQ8JkRmSBFRp708tGrnp_wnRxB-nYdHKLwc/s400/bunny+ja+462+x+640.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong> May the joy and promise of Spring and Easter be yours.</strong></div>(Photo by Jim Angy)Florida Beach Basicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11757309712564048053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113767116961253488.post-37232234057576333252009-04-04T15:09:00.040-04:002009-05-26T19:21:35.126-04:00Dan Click Ponds Field Trip (Near Viera Wetlands)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_N3-mAveF-01D5n_IpKtDzqFoeLHvu_w4Faaw4hT5RNLmPlE6pKzr07EqxHJ1yHqYSW391ZvJmlpcGb5gHUEEcRThT8duh5Pmoh88q13O66EVWC8IBUzGVHSIknIhPmdeyipxrAwMFi8r/s1600-h/Click+pond+sign+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320957533433478418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_N3-mAveF-01D5n_IpKtDzqFoeLHvu_w4Faaw4hT5RNLmPlE6pKzr07EqxHJ1yHqYSW391ZvJmlpcGb5gHUEEcRThT8duh5Pmoh88q13O66EVWC8IBUzGVHSIknIhPmdeyipxrAwMFi8r/s400/Click+pond+sign+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a> <em>Click Ponds</em>, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikE-AcCX_ft9_CV2zrx8YUN7amVhDaRTPpJjai_96opAHcvhVvX_Pm0BfIf3H5hIParTAHCBq6Hegoyipn0nXEo8rfv0OsoBaFZsa1w332dcCVzeHw3o6BherBDgZdJceMQEsaHPTs_MzK/s1600-h/Click+pond+sign+640+x+480.JPG"></a><em>Viera Wetlands</em> (previous post), and <em>River Lakes Conservation Area Moccasin Island Tract</em> (next post) are near each other. You can visit all three in one "recon" trip if you wish.<br /><br />After Charlie Corbeil and I finished our drive through the <em>Viera Wetlands</em>, we took a side trip to <em>Dan "Click" Ponds</em> (usually just called <em>Click Ponds)</em>. These ponds are very near the entrance to the Water Reclamation Facility we told you about in the <em>Viera Wetlands</em> field trip report, and you'll want to include a visit to them in your trip to the Wetlands. (There are no entrance signs, but I've included detailed directions and photos in the <strong>Just the Facts</strong> section of this post.)<br /><div></div><div>Like the <em>Viera Wetlands</em>, the <em>Click Ponds </em>are a part of the South Central Regional Wastewater System, and likewise serve as home to lots of birds and critters. According to Charlie, they are particularly enticing to birds when the water level is drawn down. As with the Wetlands, you can drive along the berms and take photos from your car, or you can hike or bicycle. </div><div></div><div>Mostly, I was curious about the name and the history. Jim Angy told me Dan Click was a long-time local birder, so through the wonders of the Internet and the Audubon Society on-line newsletter, I found an email address for Dan and sent him an inquiry. I received a delightful, detailed response that he said I could share with you. In Dan' words: <em>The South Central Regional wastewater system extends from west Cocoa south to Post Road. It was established in the late 1980’s and its centerpiece, the regional treatment plant, was dedicated in August 1990. At that time, the principal means of disposal of the treated effluent was irrigation of the nearby Duda sod fields. The sod watering schedule, dependent on planting cycles and weather, differed greatly from the rate of flow through the plant; this made daily and seasonal effluent storage necessary. That was the original purpose of the ponds.<br /><br />As the Viera area has grown, the use of reclaimed water for irrigation within the community has replaced the original agricultural application. The function of the ponds remains storage, but the destination of the water is now lawns and landscaping, usually after passing back through the plant or the wetlands. The wetlands system was not part of the original construction; it was added about ten years later when the plant capacity was expanded.</em><br /></div><div><div><div><div><div><em>Soon after the ponds were filled – becoming the only open water for miles around – they began to attract lots of birds, particularly migrants and wintering waterfowl. I was the project manager for the South Central regional system, working in the Brevard office of a large engineering firm. Also, as you have noted, I am an active birder. I and others prevailed on the County to allow public access to the pond site. We were successful and the site became very popular, first with the local birding community and gradually with others around the state.</em><br /></div><div>With charming, self-deprecating humor, Dan says that several years ago, his birding friends starting referring to the ponds as <em>Click Ponds</em>, and the name stuck. After he left private engineering work, he worked for Brevard County in Parks and Recreation and then in the Utility Services Department until retiring in 2008. Dan says that sometime around Christmas of 2007, <em>The South Central plant staff, realizing the association between me and the birders’ name for their ponds, took it upon themselves to install the sign along the entrance drive. Little did they know that for years, I have threatened bodily harm to anyone doing so! </em><br /></div><div>For you birders, walkers, hikers, and bikers, <em>Click Ponds</em> are a "hidden jewel." For me, learning about them was an introduction to another <strong>Conservation Hero</strong>! </div><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Just the Facts<br />Click Ponds</span></strong><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>"BIG PICTURE" LOCATION:</strong> Central Brevard, Mainland, Viera</div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>WHEN TO GO</strong>: Sunrise to sunset, seven days a week</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRo5m5VMc686FqnTWGuSP_KLLnKxt9hZ0cTeKxCWu91KKsNMdfqgDKlDgyzPi4znoXGZI4m2KL86eb4vITtKLw-_q4iXIErDIgpn0v3Pf-H1hcRoCobz2QxMbq131tNfZ_KaXiy3guzRBe/s1600-h/road+ends+sign+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320953579259782818" style="WIDTH: 163px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 119px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRo5m5VMc686FqnTWGuSP_KLLnKxt9hZ0cTeKxCWu91KKsNMdfqgDKlDgyzPi4znoXGZI4m2KL86eb4vITtKLw-_q4iXIErDIgpn0v3Pf-H1hcRoCobz2QxMbq131tNfZ_KaXiy3guzRBe/s200/road+ends+sign+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7DTBfLFVmk4L0doqLhLBCK3WsL7w41Hp1kpqCdVK1YH-Bc3yxaK2-VJxfkVtUwExELwc108PzMmoT8QgUWOlb5UMhoZ24jXkHhAfGs_Kp8IdgzBkSBwdv2drtylkqXSwsuJYjUMBfcYC/s1600-h/Click+pond+entrance.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320953888123762482" style="WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 118px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7DTBfLFVmk4L0doqLhLBCK3WsL7w41Hp1kpqCdVK1YH-Bc3yxaK2-VJxfkVtUwExELwc108PzMmoT8QgUWOlb5UMhoZ24jXkHhAfGs_Kp8IdgzBkSBwdv2drtylkqXSwsuJYjUMBfcYC/s200/Click+pond+entrance.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><strong></strong></div><div><strong>HOW TO GET THERE</strong>: See the map and directions in the <em>Viera Wetlands</em> post. When you see the Road Ends sign, turn right onto the dirt road alongside the power lines. After about 50 feet, turn left onto the dirt Four Mile Road. Go another 50 feet, take the first right, and go through the gate. "Click" on the photos to enlarge (pun intended - sorry). And you thought I was kidding when I said "hidden jewel!" </div><div><strong>WHERE TO PARK</strong>: There is no parking lot, but you can pull over on the berm.<br /></div><div><strong>WHAT TO WEAR</strong>: As with the Wetlands, you can take photos from the comfort of your car, but if you wish to experience nature more intimately, wear comfortable shoes and remember your sunscreen, water, and mosquito repellant.<br /></div><div><strong>PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS</strong>: Since you can remain in your automobile and take pictures out the car window, there are no real physical constraints. There are no benches for sitting and no portolets.<br /></div><div><strong>HOW LONG TO STAY</strong>: It only takes about ten minutes to drive around the ponds, but you'll miss a lot if you don't linger and commune with nature a little.<br /></div><div><strong>WHAT TO DO</strong>: You can drive, walk, or bicycle. Of course, bring your camera.</div><div><strong>TAKE MONEY?</strong> No, this is FREE!</div><div><strong>WHERE TO EAT AFTERWARDS</strong>: See the <em>Viera Wetlands</em> post for recommendations.<br /></div><div><strong>HOW TO HELP</strong>: Don't speed, don't hog the berm road, don't annoy the wildlife, and don't litter. </div><div><strong>A LITTLE EXTRA</strong>: Dan spoke of the <em>nearby Duda sod field.</em> The <a href="http://www.viera.com/westviera/historyduda3.htm" target="_blank">Duda Ranch </a>in Brevard County is the parent property for the town of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viera,_Florida" target="_blank">Viera</a>. </div></div></div></div></div>Florida Beach Basicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11757309712564048053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113767116961253488.post-71690823610730445582009-03-31T21:39:00.053-04:002009-05-26T19:16:36.712-04:00Viera Wetlands Field Trip<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQ-spqo5TvgHZIJODitwMsLZoAfnYuGBQm4yQdmI6iiXWPklaHBe9Fcs7_aAslTVPH68sw-fCReWb5OTMK3BgKdYVh_2825-IwMF0h6rqLGlHGGKoarAzARKMJpXZAa6jUyklx81D0utd/s1600-h/viera+wetlands+sign+483+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319559414534707890" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 199px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQ-spqo5TvgHZIJODitwMsLZoAfnYuGBQm4yQdmI6iiXWPklaHBe9Fcs7_aAslTVPH68sw-fCReWb5OTMK3BgKdYVh_2825-IwMF0h6rqLGlHGGKoarAzARKMJpXZAa6jUyklx81D0utd/s200/viera+wetlands+sign+483+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a>I’m warning you right up front, this is a very long post. Most stories about the <em>Viera Wetlands </em>focus on the birds, but we're going to talk about what it is, how to get there, and what to expect. If you already know those things, speed read!<br /><br />Just a few years ago, the <em>Viera Wetlands</em> was one of Brevard’s best-kept secrets. Besides the County employees that worked at the South Central Water Reclamation Facility where the <em>Wetlands</em> is located, only a few nature photographers (including Jim, Matt, and Charlie, of course) knew about it and they told NOBODY! But all good things come to an end - now the area is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail and draws over 60,000 visitors a year.<br /><br />The <em>Wetlands</em> is part of Brevard County’s wastewater reuse system. It is the property of the Brevard County Utility Services and managed by the Natural Resources Management Office. It opened to the public in 2000. In late 2007, it was renamed the R<em>ich Grissom Memorial Wetlands at Viera</em> in honor of a long-time Brevard County employee killed in a traffic accident on his way to work.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /></div><div align="left"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319543872253386466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR97z3lpV1zfntEa2OYeQsZ-CH1mi5AkbUcB7RcaBLQIsSSj42zKBl90HUW6toZVt5nJAeift6muN3w-KoNhcLHpzEKYRv_1nfXNP4uji_-rDwTzuNe5GiTSWjZvwQpRUcIatJ14dFWjM_/s400/map+761+x+600.jpg" border="0" />The <em>Wetlands</em> consists of 200 acres divided by berms into four cells (ponds) around a central lake. The cells are numbered Cell 1, Cell 2, Cell 3, and Cell 4. As you are driving into the Reclamation Facility (observing the 15 MPH speed limit please), notice the bright blue water tank. Reclaimed water is stored in this tank and then pumped into cells 1 and 2, then into the lake, then into cells 3 and 4. At each step, the water is “polished” for irrigation or overflow into the adjacent Four-mile Canal.<br /><br />Let us digress here for a moment to talk about reclaimed water. According to the very interesting Brevard County Utility Services web site, <em>Reclaimed water is wastewater effluent that has been highly treated and filtered, resulting in a high quality water suitable for lawn irrigation and many other purposes.</em> The process creates a virtual playground for wildlife, and we are so fortunate that our County makes this water treatment facility accessible to the public.<br /><br />To get to the Wetlands, you’ll drive in through the Water Reclamation Facility itself – buildings, water tanks, trucks, and all. (Our <strong>Just the Facts</strong> section at the end of this post will give you excruciatingly explicit directions.) In the <strong>Reference Links</strong> section of <strong>Just the Facts</strong>, there's a link to print out a <em>Viera Wetlands Visitor’s Guide</em>. It has the map shown above, plus a dandy wildlife checklist. You can also pick up this guide and other interesting brochures at the Water Reclamation Facility Ops Building just inside the chain link gate. (This is NOT a Wetlands information office. You can pick up your brochures there, right inside the front door, but then just go about your business!) You'll keep driving through the water tanks and trucks, following a few signs, until you reach a parking lot with two handy portolets. You can park and then ride your bicycle or hike, or you can just keep on driving on the berm roads around the cells and lake, being sure to follow the arrows on the map above and provided in the Visitor’s Guide.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxLCm3hC-d6Haa0g_JyesVmxP4lmJlkHOFqINJFevHhAiWLk0jtK0XEQacYtK6CySGGoBe-w-lgrXmtVuu3B-NaJuk9yRHA8pn-Wdo3U_avHyBpY_qHX2BKT8UE7N0EFAHdI1ZnXZYp3m/s1600-h/bench+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319558916785896930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxLCm3hC-d6Haa0g_JyesVmxP4lmJlkHOFqINJFevHhAiWLk0jtK0XEQacYtK6CySGGoBe-w-lgrXmtVuu3B-NaJuk9yRHA8pn-Wdo3U_avHyBpY_qHX2BKT8UE7N0EFAHdI1ZnXZYp3m/s200/bench+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a>Photographer <em>extraordinaire</em> Charlie Corbeil was kind enough to give me a guided tour of the <em>Wetlands</em> a few weeks ago. Charlie goes to the <em>Wetlands</em> daily and knows it and its critters like the back of his hand. What you see depends upon what time of year it is, of course. We saw moorhens, coots, a red-bellied woodpecker, killdeer, grackles, great blue herons, otters, wood storks, anhingas, glossy ibis, white ibis, alligators, a pied-billed grebe, a least bittern, tri-color herons, and bald eagles, and those were just the ones I managed to write down! Early morning and late afternoon are best for bird-watching. Check out Charlie’s web site (see <strong>Reference Links</strong>) for some stunning, award-winning photographs of <em>Wetlands</em> inhabitants.<br /><br />If you love birds and wildlife and nature and stunning landscape and beautiful sunrises and sunsets – this is the place for you. It’s Brevard’s version of a Magic Kingdom.<br /><br /><center><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Viera Wetlands</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Just the Facts</span></strong></center></div><div><br /><strong>"BIG PICTURE" LOCATION:</strong> Central Brevard, Mainland, Viera</div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong>WHEN TO GO:</strong> Sunrise to Sunset, Monday through Sunday. If there has been a lot of rain, you might want to call to see if the berm roads are open. 321-637-5521<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdZSD-w_OJn-0319tpDmEFX3AoE9RzWOpplh9d2GPCzGXkj5pHltNiKykQfvhXI-Ld0eBKo1_r0Oum2ZtFykj85rc1OpqSKDendilyfHNDvAUTC5a6SHvMklDBqXTKz7dWyDTn_6yo5rY/s1600-h/cell+tower+606+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319556615590568290" style="WIDTH: 88px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 79px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdZSD-w_OJn-0319tpDmEFX3AoE9RzWOpplh9d2GPCzGXkj5pHltNiKykQfvhXI-Ld0eBKo1_r0Oum2ZtFykj85rc1OpqSKDendilyfHNDvAUTC5a6SHvMklDBqXTKz7dWyDTn_6yo5rY/s200/cell+tower+606+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyK6-M-HkF4_MLTdHonJoCDg4mKL4ZmR-gO7BzgZJEda4VX4xEmcleyTauThLZk6z2WQxSYp41yPA7y9wimHk6NVl-xvcoSQ1TuiE2IcVD_lEO8aODLFqYdn4mYA29lZDvHrAEcthbxgBf/s1600-h/gate+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319556846615175554" style="WIDTH: 87px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 77px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyK6-M-HkF4_MLTdHonJoCDg4mKL4ZmR-gO7BzgZJEda4VX4xEmcleyTauThLZk6z2WQxSYp41yPA7y9wimHk6NVl-xvcoSQ1TuiE2IcVD_lEO8aODLFqYdn4mYA29lZDvHrAEcthbxgBf/s200/gate+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8fKc-uZpsdA1KpLWJfRKFUDdP9FpOFMhDRUytmx84XCTdpZd7v2d2lGbLsW37sGruL35qLd_D7zgPpckn3eoI55sDtNTXlQe0pUo7MzAL4EHCs6PXCrfV7GQoFPYge-3eKJux4lZBd9ww/s1600-h/ops+bldg+616+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319557142303377970" style="WIDTH: 86px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 75px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8fKc-uZpsdA1KpLWJfRKFUDdP9FpOFMhDRUytmx84XCTdpZd7v2d2lGbLsW37sGruL35qLd_D7zgPpckn3eoI55sDtNTXlQe0pUo7MzAL4EHCs6PXCrfV7GQoFPYge-3eKJux4lZBd9ww/s200/ops+bldg+616+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQa7KrlaD-Kmj2l-L_CkhkC2y_7X_wv3FAvtkPL2xEohsl5wdYYgQkD18iKndcc-O9HvMYpFOL-iO_J5Ko3iW-ZsVLdOU1iHx8LGGSpApQ7Mg6hH8puo1rZDA9oyKWziWyU5cUS5kv-69C/s1600-h/road+thru+trucks+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319557730620068466" style="WIDTH: 109px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 76px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQa7KrlaD-Kmj2l-L_CkhkC2y_7X_wv3FAvtkPL2xEohsl5wdYYgQkD18iKndcc-O9HvMYpFOL-iO_J5Ko3iW-ZsVLdOU1iHx8LGGSpApQ7Mg6hH8puo1rZDA9oyKWziWyU5cUS5kv-69C/s200/road+thru+trucks+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><strong>HOW TO GET THERE:</strong> From Wickham Road and I-95, keep going west, past Wal-Mart, straight through the only roundabout in Brevard County (there to preserve the tree). Keep going straight for about two miles, past the Church of Viera, Duran Golf Course, and Heritage Isles. Focus on that huge cell tower straight ahead. Drive in through the chain link gate. If you need a Visitor's Guide, stop at the Ops Bldg. Then drive through the trucks and tanks, following the speed limit. (Click on photos to enlarge.) <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&ll=28.238313,-80.729599&spn=0.063215,0.109863&z=13&msid=113048917408422060749.0004668854502a6eaf5c0">map</a><br /><br /><strong>WHERE TO PARK:</strong> There’s a parking lot if you plan to bicycle or hike. Otherwise, just drive in along the berm roads.<br /><br /><strong>WHAT TO WEAR:</strong> If you plan to tour the Wetlands via automobile, you can wear your Sunday best! Otherwise, wear comfortable shoes. Remember sunscreen, water, and mosquito repellant if you plan to walk or bicycle around the cells and lake.<br /><br /><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gTMoT2OwIe__nzN3bQFBOMSvKfVQwumKekiLAbe0usdeWx-6eeMPb4FM5FTKjDHJn8xd_dt2aT9Nl26RGumfUIMqOrQP7aHbaOChESZj7IYjEqeGgVGXRWVszeibf2YTcLcbCFU0lalu/s1600-h/portolets+561+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319556109740389314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 174px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 141px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gTMoT2OwIe__nzN3bQFBOMSvKfVQwumKekiLAbe0usdeWx-6eeMPb4FM5FTKjDHJn8xd_dt2aT9Nl26RGumfUIMqOrQP7aHbaOChESZj7IYjEqeGgVGXRWVszeibf2YTcLcbCFU0lalu/s200/portolets+561+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a>PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS:</strong> One of the wonderful aspects of the Wetlands is that you can remain in your automobile and take pictures out the car window. There are also a couple of benches where you can sit and admire the view and the critters. There are portolets in the parking lot.<br /><br /></div><div><strong>HOW LONG TO STAY:</strong> It does not take long to drive around the cells and lake, so how long you stay depends on how intrigued you are with all the wildlife. If you rush, you’ll miss a lot. I’d plan on at least an hour, and longer if you plan to take photographs.<br /><br /><strong>WHAT TO DO:</strong> You can drive, walk, or bicycle. It is a wildlife photographer’s heaven, and you don’t need to be a professional to get some beautiful pictures. This is Florida – our wildlife has been trained to pose for photos! There’s an observation tower and a gazebo near the lake.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjd3uZnIISwZsdM4rjRkReEQe1TdhwPVKzbYgCi_drQKZCoIP-NhQeZEAyQi0Kovg5lnYvZNwO9wghbw0Gy1vbfZ8z1mzda1C1JxOn5K8LxxDXSEQSTPvYzm7_qZ_UTxzvzf4kJsVKer95/s1600-h/alligator+sign+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319555877728173634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 172px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 112px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjd3uZnIISwZsdM4rjRkReEQe1TdhwPVKzbYgCi_drQKZCoIP-NhQeZEAyQi0Kovg5lnYvZNwO9wghbw0Gy1vbfZ8z1mzda1C1JxOn5K8LxxDXSEQSTPvYzm7_qZ_UTxzvzf4kJsVKer95/s200/alligator+sign+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a>You can even walk your dog, but pets must remain attended and on leashes at all times. Be advised that there are alligators – pay attention to the signage and keep yourself and your pet on the road. Swimming, wading, hunting, or fishing are NOT allowed.<br /><br /><strong>BRING MONEY?</strong> No, this is FREE!<br /><br /><strong>WHERE TO EAT AFTERWARDS:</strong> Head back to the tree roundabout and bear left. You’ll arrive at <em>The Avenue Viera</em>, with shopping and restaurants. Or, travel straight down Wickham - there are numerous restaurants close by.<br /><br /><strong>HOW TO HELP</strong>: Do not drive on the turf. Stay on designated roadways. Do not annoy the wildlife. Follow the <em>Principles of Birding Ethics</em>. Don’t hog the berm road – if you’re going to stop, pull over as far as you safely can. And of course, don’t litter.<br /><br /><strong>REFERENCE LINKS:</strong><br /><a href="http://www.brevardcounty.us/environmental_management/VieraWetlands-Home.cfm" target="_blank">Viera Wetlands </a><br /><a href="http://www.brevardcounty.us/environmental_management/documents/VieraWetlandsChecklistV3WEB.pdf" target="_blank">Viera Wetlands Visitor’s Guide </a><br /><a href="http://www.brevardcounty.us/usd/reusinfo.cfm" target="_blank">Brevard County Utility Services, Reclaimed Water Information </a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berm" target="_blank">Berms </a><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/charlie_corbeil" target="_blank">Charlie Corbeil </a><br /><a href="http://www.viera.com/public/Attraction.jsp?id=3" target="_blank">The Avenue Viera </a><br /><a href="http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html" target="_blank">Principles of Birding Ethics </a><br /><br /><strong>A LITTLE EXTRA:</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKY4sH7qKrZtkQzrv_yZE4WchtPfiM5hoeD0YBDPFjVKiPFjtTC-yUhRe72SZsW9mEgR93cGZNCgTwN3EbZqoe-JT2F8urEhb9pWyXKJ-jxm-SX4G6R_B4IGmzWEuCAzXaAAUPS_4XYPxK/s1600-h/Charlie+and+sign+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319555683027996258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKY4sH7qKrZtkQzrv_yZE4WchtPfiM5hoeD0YBDPFjVKiPFjtTC-yUhRe72SZsW9mEgR93cGZNCgTwN3EbZqoe-JT2F8urEhb9pWyXKJ-jxm-SX4G6R_B4IGmzWEuCAzXaAAUPS_4XYPxK/s200/Charlie+and+sign+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a>This sign at the entrance to the <em>Rich Grissom Memorial Wetlands at Viera</em> features a photograph taken by my guide, Charlie Corbeil (shown here). </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Florida Beach Basicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11757309712564048053noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113767116961253488.post-51472825011018928612009-03-21T16:11:00.026-04:002009-04-26T11:43:13.997-04:00Ulumay Park Wildlife Sanctuary - Making a Difference<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315797645985566818" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 157px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9D16sLDzWnwdi6XBTlX9fzUG0Axbrj069-7Lic4zt-HB-dyvEpg-GVVACivHGlxguhyvyVhfDgIwAe5od_fCtutOqOdQ1ZoTjfeElTtCutqG9HQsRQj1n4CkSlZhNWPBoazteZUQ7DbX/s200/sign+650+x+511.JPG" border="0" />Today was the dedication of the <em>Ulumay Park Wildlife Sanctuary</em> historical marker. Nice weather, nice crowd, lovely marker - but what stands out in my mind is what it took to reach this point. How did this beautiful chunk of land that was home to Ais Indians 400 years ago become a park accessible to all, with a marker that establishes its place in history?<br /><br />I love a collaborative effort, and this is a good one. Back in 1970, the land was designated a Brevard County Park. In 1993, the Brevard County Historical Commission dedicated the Sanctuary as a historical landmark. In 2008, the Environmentally Endangered Lands Program purchased property adjoining the Sanctuary. About a year ago, Friends of Ulumay was organized. In late 2008, the Friends and the Historical Commission worked together to obtain the designation of the Sanctuary as a Florida Heritage Landmark. The Tourism Development Council paid for the marker.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315795785182119186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 330px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUvyknL-3bhIest2O0bsXd397UJhIW-I6OPILGc_fcrgwUOpVjPrXmPO-hk-HOK17rKHzcP67QtjnNfnT_I8Dl2201-Ed6XVQvWmKOhD84g3ybfiy4Z5OUkIVQBDSs02ewMBhtIiGHm7W/s400/marker+and+speakers.JPG" border="0" />All of these contributing/participating organizations were represented at this morning's ceremony. Guest speakers Dr. David Paterno (Chairman of the Brevard County Historical Commission), David Biega (President of Friends of Ulumay), and Commissioner Chuck Nelson (Brevard County, District 2) gave short, heart-felt speeches (shown in photo, left to right, after the unveiling). Jack Masson, Central Area Parks Operations Manager, served as a genial MC.<br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315795992070077314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 375px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 385px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_JeAFHo1Y_Emw0Km_fOmIwPcKEpIXa_H0x7fEGz4PIwiRNuNXoktM2vnmiAp9Qvc-32uk1vxt3_AJWa2m9D8doCOHrPBbXUqLiHySoLEXnZDzXeAk65AVCeLP0A8Ai93iHwjPvoTXUhv/s400/musicians+490+x+480.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>There was some dandy music - Joseph & Lynn Gray, shown here with their banjo-playing friend Tom Dundis, played their original composition, <em>Ulumay</em>. (You can <a href="http://ulumay.org/links.html" target="_blank">hear them perform their song </a>on the Friends of Ulumay web site in the downloadable slideshow. You can reach them at <a href="mailto:aspecialoccasionmusic@yahoo.com" target="_blank">aspecialoccasionmusic@yahoo.com</a> - nice people and talented musicians.) The Indian River Anthropological Society had an interesting display of artifacts and information. A Sheriff's Office Deputy directed traffic. A lot of people did their part to make this a nice event.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315796430865027842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 393px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOu_eKXpLL_urK5CuCcyx0CyyVQolexxzBaDtx1_BgXvBVwvMF3Punm7fJNU67Bu3yDKgIJce0DoEkrZa335sRl59wJAYziBY0ECUeSxHWefOi-SpTSAQypxwjPaci1TxNIJOTeYS2jH17/s400/Friends+611+x+600.JPG" border="0" />There was a great deal of mutual respect shown throughout the speeches and in the mingling before and after. Friends of Ulumay (shown above) may be a relatively new group, but it has garnered the admiration and appreciation of the Brevard County Parks & Recreation Department.<br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315797002156164434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2higaYnKiAkbcujEE14zvE2J_ZA7z0O5RvalQ03npS7xjwD32g4lTSUtgeV_3tduU5KDNgPrkjrF549zXsz8m04rudIIrdZCX8YhMggIfggPX63CDH46enxZkw-EXXXOzWgVpt2R2Xzpt/s400/starts+in+the+park+640+x+345.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Over the past 39 years, enough people have cared about preserving and protecting this piece of Florida that today we were able to gather and celebrate another chapter in its history. We thank them for their efforts. Job well done! </div><div></div><div>(Read all about the Sanctuary itself - how to get there, what to expect - in the <a href="http://www.spacecoasteco.com/2009/03/ulumay-park-wildlife-sanctuary.html" target="_blank">March 8 post</a>.)</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Florida Beach Basicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11757309712564048053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113767116961253488.post-4732079523309981702009-03-18T13:57:00.024-04:002009-03-19T19:01:56.047-04:00You can't holler down my rain barrel ...<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XaC4QlEkwDOuUw6TSoJmeeuS7Kyq0GON0rX3dsqWznZ-zBSntlQouSWMpuXcU8bUo677T38mqMictnSd87HDZwQ6ia_kq_Jw2Zp6YhdBp7_X9zJA1Fr9AoJbqXpxL2O2YKuziTZAAsHj/s1600-h/rain+barrel+467+x+640.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314601716887222786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 146px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XaC4QlEkwDOuUw6TSoJmeeuS7Kyq0GON0rX3dsqWznZ-zBSntlQouSWMpuXcU8bUo677T38mqMictnSd87HDZwQ6ia_kq_Jw2Zp6YhdBp7_X9zJA1Fr9AoJbqXpxL2O2YKuziTZAAsHj/s200/rain+barrel+467+x+640.JPG" border="0" /></a>If you are lucky enough to have had a Grandmother that sang to you, you may remember these words:<br /><em><br /><br /><blockquote><em>You can't holler down my rain barrel,<br />You can't climb my apple tree,<br />I don't want to play in your yard,<br />If you won't be good to me.</em><br /></blockquote></em><br />I thought of this old song (circa 1894) when Margie and I were at Enchanted Forest a few weeks ago and saw this lovely rain barrel (fortunately, Margie snapped this photo - click to enlarge so you can see all the details).<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314601460278397138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 329px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgochyphenhyphenJYHOl2AhV5DSR4_LQ-d0rTzpnTrZWdVPWqkqhmC2QZHuh3MUR8-qQ15hQn-T7NHWl_k1WRL4t8-KR8PpA0042IczyR1rrcPrDpp6RSbOGQRbcBHssfv3Bd27VqWZdbnHniGQXKgli/s400/Syliva+584+x+480.JPG" border="0" />Then I happened upon more rain barrels during my visit to <em>The Green Marketplace </em>last weekend (full field trip report coming soon). In talking with Sylvia Eppig (shown above), who sells her barrels at there, I mentioned that a young friend had constructed rain barrels for his Eagle Scout project a few years ago. He donated them to his Mom's garden club, and the garden club sold them to raise funds for their community activities. With the usual six degrees of separation, it turns out that Sylvia got her first barrel at that garden club sale and was so taken with it that she started making them herself!<br /><br />When I spent summers on the farm with my Grandmother, we pumped drinking water by hand, but collected rainwater for washing our hair, as it was much softer water. These days, rainwater is more likely to be collected for watering plants and lawns. According to the <em>Naturewise</em> web site, <em>Rain barrels are an easy way to collect the rain water that runs off your roof top and hold the water until you are ready to use it. Rain water is better for plants than municipal water, as it has not been treated with chemicals, and it contains lots of great micronutrients for plants. Rain barrels are easy to install, and can be as easy as just placing them under a valley where water collects and runs off. The barrels also help prevent soil erosion from water splashing on the ground. </em><br /><em></em><br /><em><br /></em><em></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314601189173531762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOb6eav7c577hlQXajCRDcs6AvzbZD1x_8g6CV9UIeLrDBb9xpgn7Qt66_k2NPa-aslbXa1_yldy0og52RZ_fgkkwviH7HQDG4YXCJfnV-vxE6FspRYFHrivPGnUpU8LOE_JmRbqqf_4fj/s400/connor+drilling+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="left">This photo shows Connor in the production phase of his Eagle Scout project.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314601025453678930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99LjzAaUN5ZORqqA0lQsFNTVkYlR1hiZ7lwY3k-YSNk2cGr9-m40W2BSEQlxaaiARMqFuqz235XRVWPjlNluObHSMoNPRuit4A2KM3paHrFdZpz3ziJDtFcQVKuoYmHZowU6cCtmqnjuG/s400/all+barrels+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /><br />And here's Connor (waaay in the back) with the fruits of his labor. He was justifiably pleased when I called to tell him about Sylvia Eppig starting her affair with rain barrels after purchasing one of his! (Thanks to Connor's Dad for the photos.)<br /><br />During my rain barrel research, I came across an interesting Wiki-type site titled <a href="http://www.demesne.info/" target="_blank">Demesne</a>. There are directions for making your own barrels there, or you can attend one of the rain barrel-making workshops held here in Brevard County fairly frequently - I'll start including them in my Calendar of Events. Or, you can visit <a href="http://www.naturewiseplants.com/index.html" target="_blank"><em>The Green Marketplace </em></a>and get one of Sylvia's! </div>Florida Beach Basicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11757309712564048053noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113767116961253488.post-87712942858692748042009-03-17T06:49:00.003-04:002009-03-17T06:54:07.709-04:00Ulumay Historical Marker Dedication Ceremony<a target="_blank" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGQdRmYfzneGpIVsI1jUBe1HHVjV_SqP5oAh4_8T48hs2d017_XKV8PHI3sE0QznOhkmx0bLwMIcvD4ZefhhWX0KXFckm_T9pTChniFflRm7n_s9_KH9DnwyZIdrzHwkEu-MyZxr5vKgZ/s1600-h/image001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314107291056418178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 321px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGQdRmYfzneGpIVsI1jUBe1HHVjV_SqP5oAh4_8T48hs2d017_XKV8PHI3sE0QznOhkmx0bLwMIcvD4ZefhhWX0KXFckm_T9pTChniFflRm7n_s9_KH9DnwyZIdrzHwkEu-MyZxr5vKgZ/s400/image001.jpg" border="0" /></a> See the March 8 Ulumay field trip post for directions. We'll see you there!<br /><div></div>Florida Beach Basicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11757309712564048053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113767116961253488.post-1930526120691993242009-03-12T21:01:00.006-04:002009-03-12T21:54:08.509-04:00Ecotourism<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGE2cuEddUuCnHeZGrmdc50Bn15jvDTociIIQ4fvyKN4BNrLjMBEAXTBXDqpyqd0hYiNejxMF4-UIxQjnN_1YRajJCekmvlceztt9gM49eVdjkQuiHPXhEwYbb76mUOcwTHWhXTk8Y0ZP/s1600-h/screech+owl.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312480931275014210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGE2cuEddUuCnHeZGrmdc50Bn15jvDTociIIQ4fvyKN4BNrLjMBEAXTBXDqpyqd0hYiNejxMF4-UIxQjnN_1YRajJCekmvlceztt9gM49eVdjkQuiHPXhEwYbb76mUOcwTHWhXTk8Y0ZP/s200/screech+owl.jpg" border="0" /></a> Ecotourism is an important component of our Brevard County economy, responsible for millions of dollars in revenue yearly. <a href="http://www.ecotourism.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/eco_template.aspx?a=12&z=25" target="_blank">The International Ecotourism Society</a> definition of ecotourism is <strong>Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.</strong> Now that's what I call a clearly-defined goal, and one that is apropos for the Space Coast in its pursuit of tourists. But it is an equally suitable goal for local residents as well - in these economic times, that definition could just as well apply to a "stay-cation" in Brevard County. It was with these thoughts in mind that I have settled (at least for now) on a <strong>field trip</strong> format for this blog. We have a marvelously diverse selection of free outdoor opportunities here - bicycle trails, hiking trails, locations perfect for kayaking, birding spots, thinking spots - on and on and on. Do you remember that little tingle of excitement you felt when the teacher announced a field trip? I hope you'll try some of the field trips I describe here and let me know how they work out for you.<br /><br />If you are interested in ecotourism and like well-reasoned, well-written material, I have a blog to recommend to you. <strong>Megan Epler Wood</strong> was one of the founders of <em>The International Ecotourism Society</em> and is a 20-year veteran and pioneer of the ecotourism movement. She now owns her own company and advises business and governments on the development of sustainable tourism and ecotourism. She travels to places the rest of us just read about, and her web site is an education in itself. But the good part is that she has started a blog to document a new project. The introductory material for <a href="http://meganeplerwood.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Day in the Life of an Ecotourist Consultant</a> reads as follows: <em>Follow Megan Epler Wood on her journey to Bangladesh where she will develop an ecotourism strategy for the Teknaf Peninsula on the Bay of Bengal. This far-flung peninsula borders Burma, and is becoming a target for rapid local development. Forest reserves here harbor the threatened Bengal tiger.</em> Now that's what I call a tough assignment, but interestingly enough, as I read her postings, much of what she talks about is relevant locally - does target for rapid local development sound familiar? A threatened critter? But what intrigued me was the idea of a strategy - you gotta love a plan. And in thinking about it, I decided that Brevard County has been pretty forward thinking in its ecotourism strategy, thanks in part to the voter-supported Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program , the Archie Carr Refuge, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, etc. and some of the Conservation Heroes that have fought to conserve and preserve the natural wonders of our Space Coast.<br /><br />We have a perfect Florida weekend on the horizon - blue skies and low 80's - get out there and enjoy it! (If you're lucky, you may even spot a screech owl like the one in Jim Angy's photo. )Florida Beach Basicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11757309712564048053noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113767116961253488.post-89967900683243504672009-03-09T17:21:00.029-04:002009-05-26T19:12:24.072-04:00Enchanted Forest Sanctuary Field Trip<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyDlsoKNnEH7Ro-CAc6dsh55pMfIHTTSGA9OyAar3XgFfFCwMOONkSOGIJnbZOffF-dqMJKS9XFBXMqgj4soCavVYc85mZFvdBMlF9amw5v5WbLgD0oHndl0eOiPAJJqPQgWPjlsQkG-D5/s1600-h/sign+813+x+819.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311304042360891970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 198px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyDlsoKNnEH7Ro-CAc6dsh55pMfIHTTSGA9OyAar3XgFfFCwMOONkSOGIJnbZOffF-dqMJKS9XFBXMqgj4soCavVYc85mZFvdBMlF9amw5v5WbLgD0oHndl0eOiPAJJqPQgWPjlsQkG-D5/s200/sign+813+x+819.JPG" border="0" /></a> Back in the late 1960s, I drove to work through a portion of the Enchanted Forest. Co-workers and I would compare notes as to what wild critters we saw on our way in. Back then, we didn’t give much thought to over-development or land preservation – we focused on astronauts and moon walks.<br /><br />Fast-forward to 1990, when Brevard County citizens approved a referendum for funding the Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program, charged with acquiring environmentally sensitive land and making it available to the public through passive recreation and environmental education. Under the able direction of friend Dr. Duane De Freese, the first phase of the EEL Program was to identify and acquire these sensitive lands, and the Enchanted Forest property was the first acquisition. When the development phase of the Program kicked in, the Enchanted Forest was chosen to be the “Flagship” sanctuary.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjho2schHkR4ayMbW4O7U67EMwLna5xcxM0m8WwsxbUs4hhQD5Z8zYamPxVHgk5E0MtGk9I9E_PIO4MjkKSe2uVgWf6v9SDtksEFGoMr4TloZQ_WI7HAtdCKf4trgfYGZfT7C_QdXkptaY1/s1600-h/benches+and+coquina+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311304164826734690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjho2schHkR4ayMbW4O7U67EMwLna5xcxM0m8WwsxbUs4hhQD5Z8zYamPxVHgk5E0MtGk9I9E_PIO4MjkKSe2uVgWf6v9SDtksEFGoMr4TloZQ_WI7HAtdCKf4trgfYGZfT7C_QdXkptaY1/s200/benches+and+coquina+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a>The <strong><em>Just the Facts</em></strong> section below will tell you the basics of how to get there and what to expect. I want to talk here about how “enchanting” this Sanctuary really is. From the moment you turn off the main road, you’ll start to unwind. Even the parking lot is mellow. The Education Center houses hands-on exhibits, a cozy library, a dandy gift shop, classrooms, and restrooms. A huge screened-in porch provides room for mosquito-free activities. Benches are tucked around a landscape dotted with big coquina boulders. My photo does not do it justice, but it should help you get an idea of the thought and love that went into this design.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLeJD_LmJT1lkBMQ4yHXdZW0eSeCe7zM0sKo1Tmi-5puEzf9KMunc8v6KVOLtQ2lb5mKrp066k1jtQxQArESdRba1VwAb2416g2YbyBX71ZHDDIiF3qBY90DDwcAyENFPBzyYe2qY4H0W-/s1600-h/Joe+Zayas+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311304491511810242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLeJD_LmJT1lkBMQ4yHXdZW0eSeCe7zM0sKo1Tmi-5puEzf9KMunc8v6KVOLtQ2lb5mKrp066k1jtQxQArESdRba1VwAb2416g2YbyBX71ZHDDIiF3qBY90DDwcAyENFPBzyYe2qY4H0W-/s200/Joe+Zayas+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a>When friend Margie and I attended the Archeology Month Kickoff Event, we viewed the exhibits set up in the screened-in porch, watched an atlatl demonstration, and took a guided hike led by Volunteer Joe Zayas (in this photo, Joe is the fellow in the blue shirt). Joe is a founding member of the Sanctuary and knows it like the back of his hand. We got a smattering of geology, history, biology, botany, and wildlife information, but even more so, I think Joe left everybody with a greater understanding of the importance of preservation and conservation. He has been involved with the preservation of Enchanted Forest for over 20 years, and certainly qualifies for my designation of Conservation Hero!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8kipvji0vTVmrlrjhAaJAmeIlOb1voGFcM7bRkxStrVWr_mcQnZFM3beM1Q7a7cnfujBVg44etuGpwNYIBLk8tNBefVmQkhqJSKHv_rYc469CnJ3eFGGsKv0WFSuJ7G4YKR6aTaEo7oW/s1600-h/green+booklet+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311304709656963986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8kipvji0vTVmrlrjhAaJAmeIlOb1voGFcM7bRkxStrVWr_mcQnZFM3beM1Q7a7cnfujBVg44etuGpwNYIBLk8tNBefVmQkhqJSKHv_rYc469CnJ3eFGGsKv0WFSuJ7G4YKR6aTaEo7oW/s200/green+booklet+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a>In previous posts, we spoke of habitat in general and scrub habitat specifically. The Enchanted Forest Sanctuary includes five basic habitat types: oak scrub, mesic and hydric, hammock, wet prairie, and pine flatwood. Fortunately, as you approach the Education Center building, you can pick up a <strong>little green booklet</strong> titled “Exploring Biodiversity – Self-Guided Hike” to use during your visit. It’s an easy-to-read booklet with great, useful information – be sure to pick one up. (That’s friend Margie standing by a Hike Desk with literature that includes the booklet.) Guided tours are also offered, and you’ll find the staff and volunteers to be friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful.<br /><br />Margie and I have lived in Florida for so long that we were amazed to find that the Sanctuary actually has hills. Joe explained that this high ground is an ancient coastal dune, part of the Atlantic Coastal Ridge, and that we were about 30 feet above sea level, standing on one of the highest points in Brevard County. What fun stuff to think about, and the children in the group seemed fascinated by the possibilities.<br /><br />I can’t begin to tell you everything we saw, heard, and learned on our hike – Margie and I took so many photos that I’ve included a slideshow (far right column). This is a wonderful place to spend the day – don’t miss it! </div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">ENCHANTED FOREST SANCTUARY</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">JUST THE FACTS</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong></strong></div><div align="left"><strong></strong> </div><div align="left"><strong>"BIG PICTURE" LOCATION:</strong> North Brevard, Mainland, Titusville</div><div align="left"><strong></strong> </div><div align="left"><strong>WHEN TO GO</strong>: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday (closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day)<br /><br /><strong>HOW TO GET THERE</strong>: 444 Columbia Boulevard, Titusville, Florida<br /><em>From I-95 southbound</em>: take SR-50 to first light, turn right and go east 4 miles on SR-405. The Sanctuary entrance is on the north side of SR-405 across from the Space Coast Regional Airport. <em>From I-95 northbound</em>: take SR-407 north to SR-405 and go east through two lights. The entrance is on the north side of SR-405, 0.25 miles past the second light.<br /><em>From US Hwy 1</em>: the entrance is 0.5 miles west of US Hwy 1 on SR-405.<br /><br /><strong>WHERE TO PARK</strong>: There is a spacious parking lot.<br /><br /><strong>WHAT TO WEAR</strong>: You’ll be hiking through sand, so wear comfortable shoes. Depending on the time of year you visit, remember sunscreen, water, and mosquito repellant.<br /><br /><strong>PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS</strong>: The Education Center includes a feature called Enchanted Crossing – an interpretive nature trail with a stabilized surface for universal accessibility. The trails through the Sanctuary are soft sand and there are some inclines, so take your physical limitations into consideration as you are planning your hike. Ask the Staff for recommendations if you have concerns. There are some benches and rocks along the way for sitting. Bathroom facilities are in the Education Center building.<br /><br /><strong>HOW LONG TO STAY</strong>: If you have brought food along, you could easily spend the better part of the day wandering around, sitting and contemplating life, etc., but it all depends on how much you want to see and learn.<br /><br /><strong>WHAT TO DO</strong>: Hike, sit and enjoy the view, look at the educational exhibits in the Center, take a guided tour – lots of possibilities.<br /><br /><strong>BRING MONEY?</strong>: The Sanctuary is free, but the Gift Shop in the Center has some neat things to buy.<br /><br /><strong>WHERE TO EAT AFTERWARDS</strong>: Margie and I finished our day by eating at the iconic Dixie Crossroads, an attraction in its own right! Co-owned by local environmentalist Laurilee Thompson, its offerings include different types of shrimp harvested by their own fleet, and you’ll start your meal with a basket of corn fritters that are totally addictive. Their papergoods are biodegradable. You’ll see a quote by Laurilee in the <strong><em>We Think </em></strong>section of this site.<br /><br /><strong>HOW TO HELP</strong>: Don’t litter, and respect these sensitive lands. Support the Environmentally Endangered Lands Program if you are a Brevard County voter. Volunteers are essential to the Sanctuary, so lend a hand.<br /><br /><strong>REFERENCE LINKS</strong>:<br /><a href="http://www.nbbd.com/godo/ef/" target="_blank">Enchanted Forest Sanctuary</a><br /><a href="http://www.nbbd.com/godo/ef/friends/index.html" target="_blank">Friends of Enchanted Forest Sanctuary</a><br /><a href="http://www.eelbrevard.com/" target="_blank">Environmentally Endangered Lands Program</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coquina" target="_blank">coquina</a><br /><a href="http://www.flarchmonth.com/about.cfm" target="_blank">Florida Archeology Month</a><br /><a href="http://spacecoastbeachbuzz.blogspot.com/2009/03/atlatls-and-enchantment.html" target="_blank">atlatl</a><br /><a href="http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/4h/index.html" target="_blank">habitats</a><br /><a href="http://www.dixiecrossroads.com/" target="_blank">Dixie Crossroads</a></div>Florida Beach Basicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11757309712564048053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113767116961253488.post-62106141480931059472009-03-08T20:53:00.014-04:002009-05-26T17:09:46.768-04:00Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary Field Trip<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53GV4pOAtVA7mfLrUdLTzpchBRNbghnxCCE58xiqxtc0o3C-9Ei82FNlPnylmAOKP8wM9-SptgzSr3cuvjJ68QE0cI4SEieyuXqmfT10369UyV87692cEtCksIJi7fDwk9aSzcYsnQ7xV/s1600-h/sign+650+x+511.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305279472999129010" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 157px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53GV4pOAtVA7mfLrUdLTzpchBRNbghnxCCE58xiqxtc0o3C-9Ei82FNlPnylmAOKP8wM9-SptgzSr3cuvjJ68QE0cI4SEieyuXqmfT10369UyV87692cEtCksIJi7fDwk9aSzcYsnQ7xV/s200/sign+650+x+511.JPG" border="0" /></a> First, a bit of history. Ulumay Park Wildlife Sanctuary on Merritt Island was home to Ais Indians four centuries ago. The land was designated a Brevard County Park in 1970. In 1993, the <a href="http://www.brevardcounty.us/history/" target="_blank">Brevard County Historical Commission</a> dedicated the Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary as a historical landmark. In July 2008, the Environmentally Endangered Lands Program purchased property adjoining the park, and about a year ago, <em>Friends of Ulumay</em> organized <em>to preserve and enhance the natural resources of the Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary.</em> What a role model of collaborative effort for the common good!<br /><br /><div>On December 17, 2008, The State Bureau of Historic Preservation, working with the Brevard <span style="font-family:arial;">County</span> Historical Commission Manager Stephen R. Benn and <em>Friends of Ulumay</em> Vice-President Jack Lembeck, announced the designation of the Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary as a Florida Heritage Landmark. The Landmark marker will be dedicated at the Ulumay entrance on Saturday, March 21st, 2009 at 11:00 A.M.<br /><br />Enough history. It was a beautiful Florida day, and my guides on this field trip were Vince Lamb and the aforementioned Jack Lembeck, both core members of <em>Friends of Ulumay</em>, and Charlie Corbeil, whose photos you often see in Beach Buzz blog posts.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvgXSbLrQ-1bSjgwVeSHITh4ZW2SWj3_D35nzqclqRAPzZcQnk5qAcR_ip9FsmuErwWh6SkZHHNxYYOXW2wMhyphenhyphendLhAeoQxLIIMo21f-rTOddcTIiRa2rxsULwUDzVdICxJs1xOmE-aSYE/s1600-h/gate.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305275438183255906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 145px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 102px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvgXSbLrQ-1bSjgwVeSHITh4ZW2SWj3_D35nzqclqRAPzZcQnk5qAcR_ip9FsmuErwWh6SkZHHNxYYOXW2wMhyphenhyphendLhAeoQxLIIMo21f-rTOddcTIiRa2rxsULwUDzVdICxJs1xOmE-aSYE/s200/gate.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>See <em><strong>Just the Facts</strong></em> below on how to get to Ulumay. In this photo, Vince, Charlie, and Jack are standing by the gate you'll see shortly after you turn in. This is the entrance to the trails. Once you are inside, turn to the left for a four-mile trail or to the right for a two-mile trail. (The trails are not a loop, so when you get to the end of one of the trails, turn around and come back to the entrance.) You can ride your bicycle or just hoof it. Since the Sanctuary is located on Sykes Creek, if you are a kayaker, this is a wonderful destination. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMvvybSdifRVe2jqwhu0nIMSCAXqE7S6yMb9VDa4as9J3JUMgWbaa5UVrmPeQyUs_wZ8zWTc4Lken3zk47KGFvW2_XMtjGSLm3oyOsDq9w01KXCArPCllI44dfp-wGvqhF0gzkJsDsDTz/s1600-h/viewing+tower+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305276896329010258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 148px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 85px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMvvybSdifRVe2jqwhu0nIMSCAXqE7S6yMb9VDa4as9J3JUMgWbaa5UVrmPeQyUs_wZ8zWTc4Lken3zk47KGFvW2_XMtjGSLm3oyOsDq9w01KXCArPCllI44dfp-wGvqhF0gzkJsDsDTz/s200/viewing+tower+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a>Midway through the four-mile trail is a rustic viewing tower. The great blue heron on the top rail is optional! You'll see a variety of <a href="http://www.cfbw.com/ulumay_loc.shtml" target="_blank">birds</a>, but my favorite "find" was a black racer snake sunning himself. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>This 1,200 acre Sanctuary is in the middle of Merritt Island housing developments, but once you get into it, it's as quiet and remote as any wilderness. It is a great place to go to "get away from it all" without having to travel far, buy a ticket, or stand in line. There are no bathroom facilities, and you'll want to take water and wear a hat. Jack and Vince tell me the mosquitoes are fierce there in the summer, in spite of mosquito control efforts. (This IS Florida, and the Sanctuary is bordered by water.) </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Please take the time to look at the <a href="http://ulumay.org/default.html" target="_blank">Friends of Ulumay web site </a>that Vince has developed, and if you're local, consider getting involved with the organization. These folks are certainly on my list of Conservation Heroes! </div><div></div><div></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">THE ULUMAY PARK WILDLIFE SANCTUARY - JUST THE FACTS</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong></strong></div><div align="center"><strong></strong></div><div align="left"><strong>"BIG PICTURE" LOCATION:</strong> Central Brevard, Island, Merritt Island</div><div align="left"><strong></strong></div><div align="left"><strong>WHEN TO GO</strong>: 7 a.m. until dark, 7 days a week. Fall and winter are most comfortable times to go.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2y635tsMKHzxI0CmrkAMXo6oi6Bi6Vv-frlXNUTP_lBpww9t2oQqrOd2vMpiLDl_WGttxdpSiHOV8EJ2TwIr4q3LuY-ZKiU-9Bb_i5ftJXeqQunKqXQOh3PNXRS9I7MjxlsJebofM-xx/s1600-h/roadsign+closeup.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305274226394353442" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 147px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 102px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2y635tsMKHzxI0CmrkAMXo6oi6Bi6Vv-frlXNUTP_lBpww9t2oQqrOd2vMpiLDl_WGttxdpSiHOV8EJ2TwIr4q3LuY-ZKiU-9Bb_i5ftJXeqQunKqXQOh3PNXRS9I7MjxlsJebofM-xx/s200/roadsign+closeup.JPG" border="0" /></a>HOW TO GET THERE</strong>: Turn north onto Sykes Creek Parkway at the Steak and Shake across from Merritt Square Mile. Travel one mile until you see a row of these road signs. Turn in.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><strong>WHERE TO PARK</strong>: Park along the dirt road.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><strong>WHAT TO WEAR</strong>: You'll be walking along sandy paths, so wear comfortable shoes and long pants. Remember sunscreen, water, and mosquito repellant unless it is cool and breezy.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><strong>PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS</strong>: The trail to the left is mostly soft sand. The trail to the right is a little firmer, but I would not want to call it wheelchair accessible. There is currently no place to sit, and there are no bathroom facilities.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><strong>HOW LONG TO STAY</strong>: How long you stay depends on how far you want to hike or bike or kayak. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><strong>WHAT TO DO</strong>: Hike or bike the four-mile path or the two-mile path, or kayak in Sykes Creek.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><strong>BRING MONEY</strong>? No, this is free!</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><strong>WHERE TO EAT AFTERWARDS</strong>: There are numerous places to eat around Merritt Square Mall, or you can ease on up to Cocoa Village by heading west on the 520. <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=113048917408422060749.000464a5d7eff7a7f1ac8&ll=28.3525,-80.726207&spn=0.135962,0.219727&z=12" target="_blank">map</a></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><strong>HOW TO HELP</strong>? Don't litter. Don't harrass the birds or critters. If you are local or a visitor, consider attending a <a href="http://ulumay.org/default.html">Friends of Ulumay </a>meeting and getting involved with the organization. They have some wonderful ideas for this Sanctuary and could certainly use your help.</div>Florida Beach Basicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11757309712564048053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113767116961253488.post-83908835575697433002009-03-03T14:55:00.003-05:002009-05-26T17:06:07.512-04:00Cruickshank Sanctuary Field Trip<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wjyCt8XeQdIt8URd9fkDmH72OSZebrHI3umASo5miPCe4v3cRvIMr80BmcLJwP7jIKiCEn8nyt3gcqM9IpzJKxpaEOjXwZHvvFEYVQ_sHF0Z8jDecWKCvaHIKRDsq2jgirx74LOif6Yt/s1600-h/Florida+scrub+448+x+335+mbell.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301557297334008994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wjyCt8XeQdIt8URd9fkDmH72OSZebrHI3umASo5miPCe4v3cRvIMr80BmcLJwP7jIKiCEn8nyt3gcqM9IpzJKxpaEOjXwZHvvFEYVQ_sHF0Z8jDecWKCvaHIKRDsq2jgirx74LOif6Yt/s200/Florida+scrub+448+x+335+mbell.JPG" border="0" /></a> I have ready access to lots of great photos – all belonging to other people! When friend Wayne pointed out that those photos allowed me to experience nature vicariously, so to speak, I decided he might have a point. So off we went to the <a href="http://www.eelbrevard.com/pubs/cruickshankbro.pdf" target="_blank">Helen and Allan Cruickshank Sanctuary</a> , I with trusty nine-year-old camera in hand.<br /><br />I have an unabashed admiration for the <a href="http://www.eelbrevard.com/eel/index.php" target="_blank">Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program</a> that Brevard County voters approved in 1990 and re-approved in 2000. Its mission is to protect the natural habitats of Brevard County by acquiring environmentally sensitive lands for conservation, passive recreation, and environmental education. The property for the Cruickshank Sanctuary was acquired in 1994 and named in honor of Helen and Allan Cruickshank, master birders and photographers, long-time Brevard residents, and early supporters of anything related to nature.<br /><br />The 140-acre Cruickshank Sanctuary is nestled in the middle of a Rockledge neighborhood and features a one-mile hiking trail. As you can see from the first photo, it is <a href="http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/4h/Ecosystems/Scrub/scrub.html" target="_blank">scrub habitat</a>, with some freshwater marshes thrown in for good measure – just the kind of place that a <a href="http://myfwc.com/viewing/species/scrbjay.htm" target="_blank">Florida scrub jay </a>family likes to call home. (It is also the kind of place developers like to call subdivisions, so scrub jay habitat has decreased as subdivisions have increased.) Florida scrub jays are very picky about where they live – they want scrub habitat that burns often enough to maintain a tree height of 3 – 10 feet tall. (The EEL Program conducts prescribed burns to keep this type of habitat scrub jay and gopher tortoise- friendly.) It does not migrate or even take vacations.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvPJ-v8mEURb2oQZsPSL1si1sG4GZEJltzQtgs1EPJDuXdXcrCfORwA0tUFKqJ1LVLnAGbkOg0qNGd4QeSRmlszz8a5wrCfiHlvzZvvM-kTTBQKvKcqJ1hNqrRZHvQs_XAmB1BtZboaL6/s1600-h/Florida+scrub+jay+in+bush+448+x+336+mbell.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301557604872951922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvPJ-v8mEURb2oQZsPSL1si1sG4GZEJltzQtgs1EPJDuXdXcrCfORwA0tUFKqJ1LVLnAGbkOg0qNGd4QeSRmlszz8a5wrCfiHlvzZvvM-kTTBQKvKcqJ1hNqrRZHvQs_XAmB1BtZboaL6/s200/Florida+scrub+jay+in+bush+448+x+336+mbell.JPG" border="0" /></a>Scrub jays are such cool birds – they mate for life, wait until they are responsible adults to breed, live in cooperative family groups that may include non-married kids and birds adopted from other families, and seem to like people. Some of the family members are identified as “helpers.” Each family stakes out about 25 acres, which it defends against other families. They set up a watch system wherein the helpers stand guard against predators and defend the family territory. Their diet includes seeds, insects, caterpillars, frogs, young mice, and lots and lots and lots of acorns (from the scrub oak trees) that they bury beneath the sand to eat during the winter months.<br /><br />The Florida scrub jay is Florida’s only <a href="http://education.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/entry/endemic" target="_blank">endemic </a>bird. Loss of habitat has resulted in continuous scrub jay population loss, and they are now legally protected as a Threatened Species. As such, is it illegal to feed them (word on the street is that the scrub jays are not crazy about this restriction – they like their peanuts and sunflower seeds in the shell).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrWXDpCo1BNV38ceG34htkt8J3-d2g9NqR_8j6oAN3Obi0DJiGCmQJWJlr_7KFRqopXRNUmxTG-IAXzuDeJBKc1ooaT4hREMiiLLRCcF2LWvqKmUWIiq8vL3U3f10zt0IeymSbyrWY9t6/s1600-h/Florida+scrub+jay+on+hat+448+x+336+mbell.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301557816587602466" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrWXDpCo1BNV38ceG34htkt8J3-d2g9NqR_8j6oAN3Obi0DJiGCmQJWJlr_7KFRqopXRNUmxTG-IAXzuDeJBKc1ooaT4hREMiiLLRCcF2LWvqKmUWIiq8vL3U3f10zt0IeymSbyrWY9t6/s200/Florida+scrub+jay+on+hat+448+x+336+mbell.JPG" border="0" /></a>What fun! It was a perfect day for a mild hike – 70 degrees, sunny, and blue skies. It was just us and the critters. Wayne pointed out some of the plants typical of this sandy scrub habitat – shiny blackberry, gallberry, fetter bush, broom sedge, myrtle oak, sand live oak, saw palmetto, and pine. We saw a mockingbird, some osprey, even a pileated woodpecker. Nice day, good company, interesting plants - all well and good, but where were the scrub jays? We had walked the one-mile path and were headed back towards the entrance when here they came – five lovely scrub jays that swooped in to land on hands, arms, and hats. What a rare treat to have one of these critters sitting on your finger - the only word I can think to use in describing them is “dear.” The family/helper structure was very evident – one stood guard while the other four visited with us. At some point, another took up the guard position and the first guard was free to explore. There was not the first sign of quarreling over who got to sit where – these birds had impeccable manners (tee hee).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenrUs0VfzXS6s_hJe8SzuO6oj26ICmLKIddE45YCmIKliPyyd715BYGVX2mNnawByCna0mNOzJglEV97_d13VZpB04SUZsMvc2-vgRzR4T_IVKah-jUnCky_IEOWPLqPRkazxAWi3L5qR/s1600-h/cruickshank-fsj-cropped.jpg" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpkcv-8n9BOaK9MjOslAW6ofPa8x7OtceEBwEPDR4OZkQXU413J0BpiO4hWDPYx334O9q8C59jiU0tyMXYiCirFM6P7TraTt5yIlpnvIBD7vIDir-LtaWdSQEfwphYmqgimsBnjxI6-iC/s1600-h/cruickshank-fsj-cropped+640+x+480+wm.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301582950328541218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpkcv-8n9BOaK9MjOslAW6ofPa8x7OtceEBwEPDR4OZkQXU413J0BpiO4hWDPYx334O9q8C59jiU0tyMXYiCirFM6P7TraTt5yIlpnvIBD7vIDir-LtaWdSQEfwphYmqgimsBnjxI6-iC/s200/cruickshank-fsj-cropped+640+x+480+wm.jpg" border="0" /></a>The rest of the photos are mine, but this "glamour shot" is Wayne Matchett's - what a beautiful bird! (Be sure to click on all the pictures to enlarge.)<br /><br />If you want to spend a pleasant hour communing with nature up-close and personal, without need of preparation and long drives, the Cruickshank Sanctuary is certain to put a smile on your face!</div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>THE CRUICKSHANK SANCTUARY - JUST THE FACTS</strong></div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"><strong>"BIG PICTURE" LOCATION: </strong>Central Brevard, Mainland, Rockledge </div><div align="left"><strong></strong></div><div align="left"><strong>WHEN TO GO</strong>: Sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwj8DfzY_flFrbe7NRn4Is2CovjV_d1S2IerxYNixMlc3gzxzN4LsqAwDHtrV5eCWwcWKn3vqn29s9Xh0JDbVy5q0ykoczMnW4zU6NVX1kFOcZOP5UGEVU8zHr8A9dEnXpP14DSa5Ry1k/s1600-h/entrance+640+x+480.JPG" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301560011561640978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 147px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 90px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwj8DfzY_flFrbe7NRn4Is2CovjV_d1S2IerxYNixMlc3gzxzN4LsqAwDHtrV5eCWwcWKn3vqn29s9Xh0JDbVy5q0ykoczMnW4zU6NVX1kFOcZOP5UGEVU8zHr8A9dEnXpP14DSa5Ry1k/s200/entrance+640+x+480.JPG" border="0" /></a><strong>HOW TO GET THERE</strong>: 360 Barnes Blvd, Rockledge (from US #1, go west 0.4 miles on Barnes) – right now, there is no sign, so here is a picture of the entrance. <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=113048917408422060749.0004626ee6f8545369615&ll=28.293709,-80.708861&spn=0.072553,0.109863&z=13" target="_blank">Map </a><br /><br /><strong>WHERE TO PARK</strong>: Contrary to what the outdated brochure states, there is a nice parking lot.<br /><br /><strong>WHAT TO WEAR</strong>: You’ll be hiking the one-mile path through scrub, so wear comfortable shoes and long pants. Unless it is wintertime, give some thought to mosquito repellant. Remember sunscreen and water.<br /><br /><strong>PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS</strong>: Not wheelchair accessible, and the trail is soft sand. No place to sit. No bathroom facilities.<br /><br /><strong>HOW LONG TO STAY</strong>: Depending on how many photographs you take, plan on an hour to hike the trail.<br /><br /><strong>WHAT TO DO</strong>: Watch for gopher tortoises and scrub jays. Listen for the “guard” scrub jays. Admire the scrub habitat and notice what it consists of. Speak in normal tones (don't yell and run around), and it is likely the scrub jays will find you.<br /><br /><strong>BRING MONEY</strong>? No, like all EEL sanctuaries, this is FREE!<br /><br /><strong>WHERE TO EAT AFTERWARDS</strong>: Head west on Barnes (past Murrell Road, before Fiske Blvd) until you reach the Turtle Creek Golf Club (see above Map). Jimmie’s Restaurant is in the Clubhouse – good food, friendly service, reasonable prices. (It used to be on US#1, so don’t be misled by old maps/internet information.)<br /><br /><strong>HOW TO HELP?</strong> Don’t feed the scrub jays. Don’t litter. Don’t harass the birds or critters. If you are local, volunteer with the EEL Program. If you live near the Sanctuary, keep your cats inside.<br /><br /><strong>A LITTLE EXTRA</strong>: I've lived in Brevard County since the 1960s, and the Cruickshank name was very familiar to me, but I didn't remember much about them. Wayne told me that Allan Cruickshank was a Scot, a master photographer, an entertaining speaker with a wry sense of humor, and a leader in the local Audubon Society. In my on-line research, I found a couple of wonderful articles about Mr. Cruickshank in the Sports Illustrated Vault, describing Cocoa Christmas Bird Count activities - one article from <a href="http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1131216/index.htm" target="_blank">1956</a> and one from <a href="http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1084474/index.htm" target="_blank">1971</a>. Really interesting reading about a time past</div>Florida Beach Basicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11757309712564048053noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113767116961253488.post-9247384766234252992009-03-03T14:08:00.004-05:002009-03-03T13:32:01.004-05:00Scrub Habitat<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6olT_7s8FgR8kuzC6XJ3H6eudxVyDsKuJ5eQZvFDjhymy4qychKQYKAQQLdymIGp1PAhfDQQiqrQfbwudwrU9cKvPHCazFw1874UPstRV9539c54pg0Nklwfq7UIO5tSpcHhcRouZDWo/s1600-h/scrub+habitat+640+x+418.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308763886530217410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 261px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6olT_7s8FgR8kuzC6XJ3H6eudxVyDsKuJ5eQZvFDjhymy4qychKQYKAQQLdymIGp1PAhfDQQiqrQfbwudwrU9cKvPHCazFw1874UPstRV9539c54pg0Nklwfq7UIO5tSpcHhcRouZDWo/s400/scrub+habitat+640+x+418.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong>Scrub habitat</strong> was formed on ancient dunes and is the oldest land habitat in Florida. Unfortunately, it is well-suited for development and agricultural use, so over two-thirds of the original scrub land in Florida has already disappeared. The excellent University of Florida Florida <a href="http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/4h/index.html" target="_blank">4-H Forest Ecology </a>site that I treasure for habitat information explains that <em>Scrub ecosystems are a valuable natural resource, not only because they are an important habitat for wildlife but because they act as recharge areas for the water table. </em><br /><em></em><br /><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50Z2uEWdOtka3e4V8KGfAOOEXqej3OIzv6nCadiPB0rN3PIQISvLPt7rqrD5XqwncTeJW3zJM4CovHhyeQQWBSXxbsYm-czvyHpAm0iixDY2udkXClxlrOGq2HZy92sChCIOWeBy6ddMX/s1600-h/scrub,+fire+aftermath+640+x+423.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308765256468528322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 132px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50Z2uEWdOtka3e4V8KGfAOOEXqej3OIzv6nCadiPB0rN3PIQISvLPt7rqrD5XqwncTeJW3zJM4CovHhyeQQWBSXxbsYm-czvyHpAm0iixDY2udkXClxlrOGq2HZy92sChCIOWeBy6ddMX/s200/scrub,+fire+aftermath+640+x+423.jpg" border="0" /></a>Scrub habitat is dependent on fire to keep from too getting overgrown for the animals that use it. Lightning is the natural way for fire to start in scrub habitat, but these days, <a href="http://www.fl-dof.com/wildfire/rx_guide.html" target="_blank">prescribed burns </a>are frequently used. This being Florida, it does not take long for the plants to start new growth. This is scrub vegetation three weeks after a prescribed burn.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfpwNqVEIPo69tWML4TcHHqZ6hxbcHdr8p2I8Y-PJc2d3Dk3_pPiyDKg4IeW4C1cR5o8wafyTwVey3ItNwbjs-5KMFxDQg-G1S4DE3o55lIE0PY_-M06DdJtOvptrx9F6Hm9uOy-cHq4P/s1600-h/scrub,+gopher+tortoise+480+x+534.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308771540082701746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfpwNqVEIPo69tWML4TcHHqZ6hxbcHdr8p2I8Y-PJc2d3Dk3_pPiyDKg4IeW4C1cR5o8wafyTwVey3ItNwbjs-5KMFxDQg-G1S4DE3o55lIE0PY_-M06DdJtOvptrx9F6Hm9uOy-cHq4P/s200/scrub,+gopher+tortoise+480+x+534.jpg" border="0" /></a>This photo of Jim's shows a gopher tortoise in front of the tunnel it has dug in the white sand characteristic of this habitat. Their tunnels are 15 - 20 feet in length, with a chamber at the end large enough for the reptile to turn around. Other critters often use the gopher tortoise tunnels for shelter.<br /></div><div>Scrub lizards are common in some areas of scrub habitat. They can climb, but are more often found on the ground in search of their favorite food - ants! Scrub lizards are about six inches long. Males can be distinguished by the bright blue markings on their neck, sides, and abdomen. These lizards hunt insects in leaf litter, where they are <strong>cryptic</strong> (camouflaged). If they are not moving around, it's easy to miss them. Skinks, indigo snakes, and Florida mice live here, too, although you may not see them. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekuCy3aj9m9IOPkOmPnWM8F8jf-IZt5rnJwPzzHlGYdFYvmu3OUmFRJCdmfCUu5UpUPtwTw1JquN8yQFguLC_WKbO2-L_bqzHVxjBZzbgrcIa33wSgRGn-jDuSHtFyRZt_kfEwQ5Q-HbB/s1600-h/scrub,+cottontail+640+x+427.jpg" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wbOXpf03j47JQ3CYhTQo-Ks5a5j6707xtKkFBcUC-03m-VFj83M16ZLChytYmgDbwmoR3aHT7u5AZpfm4Zgv2rv3EC5Z_3_wN8K6yY3Mstd6fYrCwusmjsmxuqp30Ui2LC0JQbhBhY_O/s1600-h/scrub,+cottontail+640+x+427.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308771219441881362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wbOXpf03j47JQ3CYhTQo-Ks5a5j6707xtKkFBcUC-03m-VFj83M16ZLChytYmgDbwmoR3aHT7u5AZpfm4Zgv2rv3EC5Z_3_wN8K6yY3Mstd6fYrCwusmjsmxuqp30Ui2LC0JQbhBhY_O/s200/scrub,+cottontail+640+x+427.jpg" border="0" /></a>In a field trip post about the Cruickshank Sanctuary, we'll talk about the scrub jays that make this habitat home. Other birds include the rufous-sided towhee, ground doves, mourning doves, woodpeckers, and screech owls. Critters that make their home in the scrub include raccoons, wild hog, cottontail rabbits, and deer.</div><div>Take another look at that first photo - not what you typically see on a Florida postcard. Who would have thought that all these wonderful critters could be found in something called <em>scrub</em>! </div><div></div><div>(Photos by Jim Angy. Click to enlarge.)</div></div></div></div></div>Florida Beach Basicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11757309712564048053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113767116961253488.post-88576743051260715962009-03-03T09:16:00.008-05:002009-05-26T20:55:48.041-04:00Brevard County - The Big Picture<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CWZ4wSCC3eDHOi_dlEuDk_3M8LRTEeiOLeqk5wt1xLAkBqH_5KELH0Mkr6VqXgmNH8IfSBQbaVFtlk2EM_3oT4E30IRQKwbUSy_f21EpU7Dx5KyvRfzJK3TmDeQWfuiaezg3M37WyPWH/s1600-h/brevard+map+298+x+640.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339941432462725890" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 93px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CWZ4wSCC3eDHOi_dlEuDk_3M8LRTEeiOLeqk5wt1xLAkBqH_5KELH0Mkr6VqXgmNH8IfSBQbaVFtlk2EM_3oT4E30IRQKwbUSy_f21EpU7Dx5KyvRfzJK3TmDeQWfuiaezg3M37WyPWH/s200/brevard+map+298+x+640.jpg" border="0" /></a> Welcome to Brevard County, Florida, home to some 532,000 people. You will also hear it called Florida’s Space Coast. But it doesn’t matter what you call it– it's a great place to visit.<br /><div><div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>This map is courtesy of Florida's Space Coast Office of Tourism. Click to enlarge it. Brevard County is 72 miles long, and we typically describe things as being in North Brevard, Central Brevard, or South Brevard, as well as beachside, mainland, or island. Starting at the north and traveling down U. S. 1, you'll find Scottsmoore, Mims, Titusville, and Port St. John, all mainland towns that border the Indian River. The northern part of Merritt Island and the beachside part of North Brevard encompass the Kennedy Space Center.<br /><br />Central Brevard consists of Cocoa and Rockledge on the mainland, the town of Merritt Island, and the beachside towns of Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, and Patrick Air Force Base. Notice that Merritt Island has the Indian River on the west side and the Banana River on the east side; these two rivers merge at the tip of Merritt Island and are then referred to collectively as the Indian River. The whole system comprises a lagoon.<br /><br />South Brevard consists of Viera, Suntree, Palm Shores, Melbourne, Palm Bay, Malabar, Valkaria, Grant, Micco, and Sebastian on the mainland side. Beachside, you'll find Satellite Beach, Indialantic, Melbourne Beach, Melbourne Shores, and Sebastian Inlet.<br /><br />The bridges connecting the mainland, island, and beach towns are referred to as causeways - the 528 (or Beachline) Causeway at the north end of Cocoa, the 520 (or Bennett) Causeway at the south end of Cocoa, the Pineda Causeway between Rockledge and Melbourne, the Eau Gallie Causeway in mid-Melbourne, and the Melbourne Causeway between Melbourne and Palm Bay. After the Melbourne Causeway, there is not another access to the beach from US #1 until County Road 510 on the north end of Vero Beach.<br /></div><div>North/south routes are I-95 and U.S. #1 on the mainland, A1A beachside, and Wickham Road and Babcock in South Brevard. East/west routes are Highway 46 in Mims, Highway 50 in Titusville, 528 (also known as the Beachline) and 520 in Central Brevard, and Eau Gallie Boulevard, 192, Palm Bay Road, and Malabar Road in South Brevard.<br /></div><div>The <strong>Just the Facts</strong> section of the field trips described in this blog will give you a "big picture" location - for example, the Enchanted Forest big picture location is North Brevard, mainland, Titusville. The location information is also included in the labels at the very end of each post, and you can click on a label to display related posts. </div></div></div>Florida Beach Basicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11757309712564048053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113767116961253488.post-70384543082931347422009-03-02T18:57:00.010-05:002009-03-02T19:41:30.249-05:00The Nature of Central Florida's Habitats<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLSSABBZIBDCdAN2WtRMxAvyhb12mIqiitP-AupIzJ2HDeFMc5gQTVU7QTYG8e2KJZw_Klc3zRjjn1yLhmbt7kJGsB8JHCShQHe_9IAYVtYM6AMyiKKJdX_dlGTE0DhT_N5XyeGQBqKmG/s1600-h/map+800+x+436.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308751375680220498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 218px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLSSABBZIBDCdAN2WtRMxAvyhb12mIqiitP-AupIzJ2HDeFMc5gQTVU7QTYG8e2KJZw_Klc3zRjjn1yLhmbt7kJGsB8JHCShQHe_9IAYVtYM6AMyiKKJdX_dlGTE0DhT_N5XyeGQBqKmG/s400/map+800+x+436.jpg" border="0" /></a> Several years ago, we did a <a href="http://www.stillnature.com/" target="_blank">Still Nature </a>digital nature photo album about Central Florida's habitats. Every time I look at it, I'm so proud of the information it contains and the beautiful Jim Angy photographs it displays. Now I have even more reason to like it - it provides me with fodder for this blog!<br /><br />Matt labored long and hard over this map that shows the general distribution of habitats (be sure to click to enlarge - lots of good information there). As we speak of our Space Coast habitats in future posts, we'll include beaches and lagoons, as well as the scrub, pine flatwood, and freshwater wetlands noted on the map.<br /><br />Knowing an area's habitat is important, because it determines what flora and fauna you will see when you visit. So as we talk habitat, we'll talk critters and plants, too.Florida Beach Basicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11757309712564048053noreply@blogger.com2