News Archives

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

August 28, 2010 Trailday Newsletter
Hello Trailblazers and Friends !

Thank you to all that have braved the heat this past month and contributed your time and talent to the restoration efforts on the Trail. You are the heros of the wildlife!

Highlights of the Trail

The scrub-jays have been actively utilizing the entire 25 acre territory that they tend to protect as "theirs".
Much of this dispersal normally comes later in the Fall which leads us to wonder if we will have an early Fall. The leaves have been turning yellow orange and red as early as a few weeks ago. As we talk to those of you around the country and hear this is happening nationwide, we tend to think it may have to do with the extreme heat we have had this year.
For Florida it is a welcome visual.

August Trailday with National Wildlife Federation Special Guest

This Saturday from 8am-11am we are honored to have Eliza Russell, Director of Education Programs for National Wildlife Federation with us. This is Elizas first trip to The Florida Scrub-Jay Trail and she is very excited to see the Florida scrub-jays and the restoration being done by both the Trailblazers and the NWF Habitat Sewards. Eliza will fill us in on the latest programs at NWF and all are welcome to attend this event.

We will continue planting in the Craig Tufts Pollinator Garden (see below) with anticipation of the ribbon cutting next month.
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.
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@scrubjaytrial.org  or  (352)-429-5566

Eagle Scout Candidate Cory Yost Contributes ToTrail
Cory Yost, of  Boy Scout Troop 784, sponsored by The First Untied Methodist Church, Clermont, has completed his project for his Eagle Scout Award. Cory's project consisted of designing and building 4 picnic tables, specifically ADA accessible. Each table will be utilized by groups that are either contributing in the Giving Garden (see below), participating in an environmental workshop/seminar or simply enjoying a picnic lunch with nature. This much needed addition sets another fine example of community support led by a young gentleman who had a desire to help others.
We thank you Cory and all who supported your project.

Contributors To The Trail
Dan Cleary designed and completed the first covered picnic table on the Trail to the delight of many already. Many have enjoyed and commented on how nice it is to have a place to stop and watch the scrub-jays, gopher tortoises and other wildlife while resting in the shade.
Thank you Dan!

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Upcoming Programs and Workshops

Guided Tour of The Florida Scrub-Jay Trail, September 4th 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

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

Lake County Adopt A Roadway Clean-Up, Saturday, September 18th from 8:00am-10:00am
Florida Scrub-Jay Consortium in partnership with Lake County "Adopt-A Roadway" program participates in a 2 mile clean-up on Monte Vista Road in Clermont.
For more details see  Road Clean-up/Cookout  in the News section. Due to the Ribbon Cutting (see below) we will end the clean-up early and follow-up with the cookout after the ceremony.
RSVP  info@scrubjaytrail.org
The remaining schedule for 2010 is Saturday, September 18th and December 18th.

Ribbon Cutting - Craig Tufts Pollinator Garden, Saturday, September 18, 2010 10am
Join Jean Tufts, wife of Craig Tufts, as we officially open the Craig Tufts Pollinator Garden along the Florida Scrub-Jay Trail. Craig worked for National Wildlife Federation for 33 years as Chief Naturalist. He passed away June 2009.
Join in the festivities as we celebrate the importance of pollinators in our food supply.

"Show us your Florida Scrub-Jay Trail T-Shirt" contest
Next time you're 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

Florida Scrub-Jay Trail On-Line Store
Visit this website's Store section to purchase Florida Scrub-Jay Trail T- Shirts, front License Plates your car, Coffee Mugs, or Mouse Pads.
The Florida Scrub-Jay Consortium contributes a portion of the proceeds from the purchase of the license plates towards the Florida Scrub-Jay Education Fund. We thank you for your support.

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Ongoing Opportunities

Scout Projects and Fall 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

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 

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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