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News Archives Back to News Trailday News January, 2025

The Starfish Rule is the principle that individual actions, no matter how small, can make a meaningful difference.  Do you sometimes think that you would like to help but you aren’t able to commit the time or money or effort to make what you think would be a measurable result? We know. We often have to focus on the smaller picture in order to continue to make strides towards the bigger picture … and we recognize the need will always be there. The Starfish Rule Making a Difference An old man was walking along the beach when he noticed a young boy picking up starfish and throwing them back in to the ocean. Approaching the boy, he said “Excuse me, but what are you doing?” The boy replied “The sun is rising and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw the starfish back in, they’ll die.” The old man shook his head and said “But there’s too many starfish on this beach. You can’t possibly make a difference. After thinking for a moment, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the ocean. Then he turned to the old man. “Well,” he said, “I made a difference to that one.”   In 2025, you can make a difference to “that one” at The Florida Scrub-Jay Trail Maybe trail maintenance doesn’t work for you, but our trailblazers take many paths to utilize their uniquely special skills and talents to offer their support.   In future newsletters, we will highlight more opportunities to make a difference, but some suggestions to consider are: monitoring and maintaining the bluebird boxes; using carpentry and woodworking skills to repair or build tables and benches, or create artistic carvings in tree stumps; monitor and survey gopher tortoise sites as an intern project; photographers and graphic artists can help create signage and brochures, and document the wildlife and native foliage on the property; use your social media interests to help make others aware of activities; donate supplies and equipment; and everyone can “spread the word” to let other people know what we’re doing and how they can help. To find out more about volunteer opportunities at The Florida Scrub-Jay Trail, call 352-429-5566 or email info@scrubjaytrail.org.  Taking any step to help “that one” is a huge step forward for helping The Florida Scrub-Jay Trail continue on into the future through an outreach program designed to increase the awareness of the need to restore habitat for the scrub-jay, gopher tortoise and native plant species. By linking existing scrub-jay habitat through appropriate natural landscaping in backyards and open space, the corridors will expand along with the public support of the efforts to restore the beautiful environmental treasures of Florida. Trailday and Yoga are taking January off. Watch for their return on Saturday, February 22.  Find out more about BioBlitz Join or Donate Here Check out The Florida Scrub-Jay Trail Store! New merchandise is available at our online store. Get something for yourself or find a great gift for friends.  Free guided tours of The Florida Scrub-Jay Trail are offered the first Saturday of each month 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m   For further information or to reserve your spot, please call 352-429-5566 or e-mail info@scrubjaytrail.org. If you've been wondering what we're all about, this is a great first step and introduction to our organization.   The Florida Scrub-Jay Trail is open to the public Saturday through Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Special Notice: CLOSED January 24-25, 2025 You are always invited to come see this Garden Spot of Lake County. Physical Address: 11490 Montevista Road, Clermont, FL 34711   The Florida Scrub-Jay Trail is a not for profit 501(c) (3) corporation. Facebook Website Email Copyright © 2025 Florida Scrub-Jay Consortium, All rights reserved. Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list