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The Trailhead is located in Lake County, Florida. map

For more information, please contact info@scrubjaytrail.org
(352) 429-5566

open:
sat - wed : 8:00-5:00

Email photo contributions
of wildlife or plants seen
on the trail to this address: photos@scrubjaytrail.org

 

 

July 24, 2010 Trailday Newsletter
Hello Trailblazers and Friends !

The "old-timers" tell us that this has been the hottest summer ever, and we're inclined to agree with that. In spite of the weather, volunteers continue the work on the Trail, and we thank you
for all of your contributions.

Highlights of the Trail

Although we have seen no Scrub-jay juveniles from this year's survey at the Trailhead, we are not yet convinced that there are none. One of our birds had been missing for a month or so which could mean one of a couple of things. Although they are not banded, we know we have one male and two females. One of the females is a 3 year old, and she may have dispersed to find a mate; or possibly one female has been on a nest. The latter would be unlikely but not impossible considering our cold weather this past winter. Time will tell as we continue to monitor them daily.
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July Trailday

Saturday we will be clearing the area of invasive plants around the scrub plantings.
Be prepared by bringing gloves, shovels, hat, sunscreen and if you prefer a particular type of water to drink, please bring that as well. We will supply bottled water and coffee/tea.

Trailday is always extra special when Judy Cark creates one of her themed specialties like
the pollinator cupcakes last month, consisting of red velvet cupcakes with white chocolate chips. Feel free to contribute to the breakfast table if you'd like, however it is not required to participate.

Please do RSVP however, so we can prepare accordingly.
info@scrubjaytrail.org ) or (352)-429-5566
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Florida Scrub-Jay On-Line Store

front: Scrub-jay Trail T-shirt back: Scrub-jay Trail T-shirt
front (click on image to enlarge) back (click on image to enlarge)

Many of you are asking how you can purchase a Florida Scrub-Jay Trail T-Shirt or front license plate your car. We now have an on-line store available to make this easier for you.
The Florida Scrub-Jay Consortium contributes a portion of the proceeds from the purchase of these license plates towards to the Florida Scrub-Jay Education Fund (see "2nd Annual Scrub-Jay Festival" below).

For T-shirts, coffee mugs, mouse pads etc. visit our store today. We thank you for your support.

Go to the main menu bar to find the "Store" button or  click here.

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Upcoming Guests/ Presenters/Workshops

Guided Tour of The Florida Scrub-Jay Trail, August 7th from 8am-11am
In this 3 hour program, Stewards will begin with a cold glass of lemonade as you learn about the status of the Florida scrub-jay and its habitat. Tour the Florida Scrub-Jay Trail; observe a family of resident jays; learn about the native plants of the Florida Scrub and proper planting techniques.
Leave a token of you visit behind, if you choose to participate in the planting of a scrub-oak on the Trail, and find out how you can contribute to the preservation of the species on your own property. This program is open to all adults and children who share a love of the outdoors, birds and wildlife.

Reservations for the stewardship program are required to assure a spot.
Contact us at:   info@scrubjaytrail.org  or  (352)-429-5566

Sustainable Gardening for Florida - Ginny Stibolt

Ginny Stibolt
Ginny Stibolt, author of Sustainable Gardening for Florida presenting Preparing the Landscape for Hurricanes, Managing Storm water, Creating Rain Gardens, Bioswales and Bog Gardens at B.B.Brown's Gardens in Clermont, FL on Saturday, August 14, 2010 from 9am-11am.
Old gardeners' tales will be woven into her presentation, and you are welcome to bring a brown bag lunch and stay for while as Ginny offers to autograph her books that she will have for sale.

Ginny's presentation this Spring was so successful she has agreed to make this her last stop before traveling across the country.

Cost: $15.00 , RSVP required as space is limited.
Contact:  (352)-429-5566  or  bbbrowns@earthlink.net

Crones' Cradle Conserve

Jeri Baldwin
Jeri Baldwin, Organic Gardener, and owner of
Crones' Cradle Conserve, an ecological preserve and education center in Marion County, FL will present
a workshop on The Ins and Outs of Organic Gardening, Saturday, September 11, 2010 from 8am-4pm
at B.B.Brown's Gardens, Clermont, FL.

Before you dig your first shovel you must have a plan. In this hands-on workshop Jeri will guide you step by step through your organic garden plan. Topics covered; how to test and correct
your soil for maximum productivity, composting and benefits, what to plant where and when, key tools that will make your life easier.

Cost: $55.00 includes take home materials
Bring:  A brown bagged lunch
Registration Deadline:  Wednesday, September 1st. Homework is required before class starts.
Contact:  (352)-429-5566  or  bbbrowns@earthlink.net

2nd Annual Florida Scrub-Jay Festival
Plans are well underway for the Florida Scrub-Jay Festival which will be held at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, February 12, 2011 from 9:30 - 3:30.
The Education and Festival Planning Committee had the pleasure of touring the various venues on the Refuge recently and Nancy Corona and her staff are producing a packed day of activities and entertainment for all ages. Mark your calendars now.
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Happenings on the Trail

Contributions To The Trail
Dan Cleary has been building a covered picnic table on the Trail which is a much needed addition. Thank you Dan!

New Volunteers on The Trail
Thanks to Carrie Tabor clearing invasive plants and creating habitat for the Florida Scrub-jay, Jacob and Renee Leech for your help with the Craig Tufts Pollinator Garden, and Bright Futures Scholarship candidate Sebastian Montoya, of South Lake High School, for preparing the Giving Garden,designed to give organic produce to those in need.

The Giving Garden
This organic garden has been designed to give back to the community in the way of education and food. If you are interested in learning more about organic gardening or if you or someone you know is in need of fresh produce we would like to hear from you. Preparing the soil and planting of fall crops are currently underway.
Volunteers interested in working in The Giving Garden should contact Cathy Brown
at  (352)-429-5566 or  info@scrubjaytrail.org 

Visitors to The Trail
Recent visitors to the Trail have included Fred and Laura Underwood from Dayton, Ohio; Ernesto Arias from Republic of Panama; Andrew and Shirley from UK; Lyn Graves of Englewood, Colorado; Mark and Irene Hoffman from Tallahassee, Florida; Ian Mendenhall from New Orleans, Louisiana; Brandy Padracek from Waco, Texas; Robert and Cathey Daugherty from Ashburn, Virginia; Russ and Andi Greek from Deming, New Mexica and
Jan Unruh from Panama.
We thank you for making a special trip to The Florida Scrub-Jay Trail. Please come see us again when you visit Florida.

Wildlife on The Trail
Night hawks have been abundant over the years, but this year we have enjoyed a first time nest on the Trail.
We have a family of sandhill cranes, baby included, that have been enjoying their stroll on the Trail each day, and a pair of bob white quail along with our largest population of younger gopher tortoises. Pictures will be posted under the Gallery section.

"Show us your Florida Scrub-Jay Trail T-Shirt" contest
Next time your out and about with your camera send us a picture of you in your Florida Scrub-Jay Trail T-shirt. An independent panel of judges will be choosing a winner from the most unique location whether it be you own hometown or around the world. Winner will receive a package of Florida Scrub-Jay Trail merchandise. Send photo to  photos@scrubjaytrail.org.

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Ongoing Opportunities

Scout Projects and Summer programs
If your organization is interested in becoming involved with the Florida Scrub-Jay Trail and leaving your mark for this important species please contact us for a list of projects at
at  (352)-429-5566 or  info@scrubjaytrail.org 

Equipment Needs
If you or anyone you know can assist in obtaining the following needs we would greatly appreciate it.
A front end loader for the tractor is needed to continue with the Trail restoration and a 4-6 passenger golf cart type vehicle is needed to include those guests who cannot walk well on the guided tours.

Membership
Thank you to those that have renewed your annual membership or have become a new member. With increased participation in our programs and activities we are able to make a bigger impact. It is through your voluntary efforts and active support that this growth is made possible. Members like you provide the primary source of funding to continue to educate others about the Florida scrub-jay and its habitat.

For a membership , complete the application form and return with your payment. As a member, you will receive the following benefits:
. 10% discount on plants and merchandise at B.B. Brown's Gardens
. Invitation to special events for members only
. 10% discount on workshops held at the Trailhead

The mission of the Florida Scrub-Jay Consortium is to preserve the Florida Scrub-Jay and its habitat. Your support is very important to us and is vital for continuing our mission.

Photographs
Thank you for your photo contributions to the website.
Sandra Groeneveld does a wonderful job posting them in the Gallery Section as well as throughout the site. If you would like to contribute your talents please do so at photos@scrubjaytrail.org. Please include your contact information.

Best wishes, see you on the Trail.
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