|
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.
Back
to Top of Page |
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.
( )
or (352)-429-5566
Back
to Top of Page |
Florida Scrub-Jay On-Line Store |
 |
 |
| 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
Back
to Top of Page |
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:
or (352)-429-5566
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
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
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.
Back
to Top of Page |
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
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 .
Back
to Top of Page
|
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
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 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 .
Please include your contact information.
Best wishes, see you on the Trail.
Back
to Top of Page |
|
