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Trailday October 28, 2026

Trail Maintenance
Saturday, October 24
8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

The Dahoon Holly trees planted lakeside in December 2019 are thriving, but they are also in need of some attention and maintenance since weeds and invasives around them are thriving as well. We will be clearing that area and give the hollies a little breathing space.

Bring your water bottle – we will supply plenty of cold water to refill your bottle. Other things to bring to Saturday’s Trailday are gloves, hats, pruning shears, and loppers. We have a limited supply of tools to share, so don’t worry if you don’t have your own.

Dahoon Holly trees planted at The Florida Scrub-Jay Trail December 2019

The Dahoon Holly (Ilex Cassine) is a Florida evergreen tree or large shrub that typically grows 20–30 ft tall and 8–12 ft wide. It is naturally a wetland species (we planted these close to the lake) but can adapt to drier habitats with irrigation.

It produces small white or greenish-white blooms in late spring to early summer and bright red berries in fall and winter. It is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are born on separate plants. Plants of both sexes are required if berries are desired, but only the female will produce fruit.

It provides food and shelter for birds, small mammals, and pollinators. Bees pollinate flowers, and fruits are eaten by birds and small mammals.

The Dahoon Holly is not only beautiful, but it’s also low maintenance. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts to a wide range of soil types.

Before trail work begins, calm yourself with Sunrise Yoga by the lake. Dianna leads us through relaxing poses that are suitable for any experience level. All you need to bring is your mat and your enthusiasm.

(no charge)

Devoted birders and novices converge on the Florida Scrub-Jay Trailhouse at 5:30 a.m. for a light breakfast, and receive maps of their assigned territory, a section of a fifteen-mile circle surrounding Clermont.

After breakfast and briefings, the teams head out to their assigned territories to document their sightings. At the end of the day, all reconvene at the Florida Scrub-Jay Trail to report their sightings.

All levels of experience are accepted as we pair you with experienced birders. If you can see the birds and can count, you are needed. If you can’t participate in the official count, we encourage parents and children to go outside and experience nature, South Lake County style.

For more information or to register, contact John Thomton, Founder and Organizer of the Clermont Christmas Bird Count, at john.thomton@gmail.com

And so can you! Don't be afraid to become a Florida Scrub-Jay Trail member or donate. You will be contributing to our cause of protecting the Florida Scrub-Jay from extinction while supporting our children as they explore our great Florida outdoors.

Join or Donate Now

Free guided tours of The Florida Scrub-Jay Trail
are offered October through March on the first Saturday of the 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.

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.

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