New signage at the entrance to a new boardwalk trail in Gulf Breeze’s Shoreline Park. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension
I am always on the lookout for easily accessible places to get out into nature. Much of my job entails leading other people outdoors and teaching them more about what they’re seeing. I’ve found in my years with Extension that if someone can touch, smell, see, and feel something for themselves in a wilder ecosystem, they are much more likely to care about and protect it. If an interesting trail or ecosystem is nearby and easy to reach, I can take school groups or Master Naturalist outings there, exposing more people to these experiences. Gulf Breeze has a wealth of these natural resources, especially the large stretch of hiking trails and waterways that entail the Naval Live Oaks portion of Gulf Islands National Seashore.
The easily accessible boardwalk offers a nice stroll over a lovely view. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension
Shoreline Park South is less sports-oriented and more focused on nature. This section has a boat ramp, fishing pier, swimming area, and covered picnic pavilions. Between the north and south sections are public trails—including paved walking areas and a loop trail for wheeled vehicles. There are numerous off-road wooded trails with benches, plant identification signage, and trail markers. On the west side are a dog park and the newest amenity, a wetlands boardwalk.
This friendly ribbon snake was enjoying the new perch and sunny weather on the boardwalk. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension
The accessible 0.3-mile-long elevated boardwalk runs just south of the dog park and over the coastal wetlands, bending along the shore to another entrance/exit at the intersection of Colley Cove and Williamsburg Drive. Making its way through the wetlands, the trail winds over open water, thick grasses, and under shaded canopy. A pair of our recent freshwater wetland Master Naturalist students are working with the city to design and produce several educational signs, which will highlight the plants and wildlife typically found along the path.
While on my short visit to the trail last week, I saw several animals enjoying the area, including a pair of slider turtles and a ribbon snake. Numerous birds were with sight and earshot, and nests dotted the treeline. Due to tall trees growing near the shore and easy access to the water, ospreys are common in the park, as well. A bat house has been mounted on a big magnolia tree near the entrance to the trail, so hopefully bats will utilize the shelter and help manage insect populations on the trail.
December has been mild so far–take some time during the busy holiday season to go take a peaceful stroll along the water this month!
by carriestevenson
Source: UF/IFAS Pest Alert
Note: All images and contents are the property of UF/IFAS.
Numerosos pássaros estavam à vista e ao alcance da voz, e ninhos pontilhavam a linha das árvores.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.