Monday, April 26, 2010

Two More Walking Tours Available for Hernando County

Two More Walking Tours Available for Hernando County Environmentally Sensitive Lands Projects
May-June

The Hernando County Environmentally Sensitive Lands Program has made available two more opportunities for the public to participate in walking tours of its preserves and projects. Walkers will see scarce natural plant communities, look for animal tracks in the sand, and learn about the human and natural history of the areas. The two tours are:

TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2010 AT PECK SINK STORMWATER PRESERVE, WISCON ROAD

Where: Meet in the southeast corner of the Brooksville Regional Hospital parking lot (at Medical Park Lane and the service road which goes behind the hospital). We will carpool from there to Peck Sink.

When: 8:30 AM on Tuesday, May 4, 2010.

We will begin our tour with a short talk on the preserve, its history and acquisition by the County. Our speaker will discuss the geology, hydrology, stormwater challenges, and planned stormwater management facilities. We will visit the drainage channel that transports water to the sinks, and walk the high ground overlooking the sinkholes at the end where stormwater goes into the ground. We can look for birds in the open areas and unusual plants in the woods, while the drainage system and sinkholes are the main attractions.

THIS TOUR IS RATED MODERATE IN DIFFICULTY DUE TO SOME HIGH GRASS AND A FEW STEEP SLOPES. The tour will cover about one and a half miles and require about two hours to complete.

THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2010 AT FICKETT HAMMOCK PRESERVE, CENTRALIA ROAD

Where: Meet in the parking lot at 15482 Centralia Road. It is on the south side between Citrus Way and the Fire Station near the east end of Centralia Road.

When: 8:30 AM on Thursday, June 3, 2010.

Our tour will begin with a short talk about the preserve. Our speaker will discuss the preserve’s history, acquisition by the county, namesake, geology, hydrology, topography, vegetation, animals, public amenities, and management. We will walk a shady trail through forests of swamp chestnut oaks, sweetgums, hickories, and cedars. The trail meanders through palmetto patches, along a seasonally wet creek, and through long leaf pine flatwoods. Join us for a walk in a remnant piece of the Big Hammock.

THIS TOUR IS RATED EASY. The tour will cover about one mile and require about one and a half hours to complete.

To make a reservation for these tours, get directions, or ask questions, please contact:

Jim King, Conservation Lands Specialist
Phone 352-754-4057, extension 28020
Email: jking@hernandocounty.us

What to Wear and Bring: These are Mother Nature’s wild places. Please dress appropriately. Wear sturdy shoes, socks, and clothes suitable for walking outdoors. Long pants are strongly recommended. Hats and insect repellent may be desirable in warm weather. Bring drinking water if you want water to drink. And please feel free to bring your camera or binoculars.

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