Ring-necked Snake

ing-necked Snake
The non-venomous Ring-necked snake (Diadophis punctatus) can be found throughout Florida. These small snakes are usually only 6 – 7- inches long but can grow to 10 inches. Their dark gray body has a yellowish-orange ring around the neck, and the underpart is red, orange, or yellow. Ring-necked snakes reproduce by laying eggs.
Ring-necked snakes are rarely seen since they spend most of their time under rocks, leaf litter, or logs. They prefer moist forested areas but can be found in yards and gardens. Lizards, earthworms, insects, small snakes, salamanders, frogs, and tadpoles make up most of their diet.
Video Credit: Bobby Putnam – Brevard County Lead Education Coordinator
Photo Credit: Dan Kon – rescued lost Ring-necked snake from a department store.
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Blue Hole Spring

Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna is home to Blue Hole Spring. Water rises from the spring at a temperature of 67.8 before it flows into the Chipola River.
Swimming in the cool, turquoise water while surrounded by a lush forest is a perfect way to cool off in the hot Florida summer. Canoes are waiting for you to rent at the Florida Caverns Gift Shop. Enjoy your lunch at the picnic area near Blue Hole Spring.
Photo Credit: Erin James
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American Lotus

American Lotus, Nelumbo lutea, is a Florida native. The gorgeous pale yellow flowers are surrounded by beautiful circular leaves. The fragrant blooms are enjoyed from May through August.
Look for American Lotus in still and slow-moving waters that range from shallow up to six feet deep. They are often found in muddy water, at the edges of lakes and ponds, and wetlands. Seeds are available at the Florida Wildflowers Growers Cooperative.
The American Lotus provides food and shelter to wildlife. Parts of the plant are edible to humans. Many of us have enjoyed American Lotus in flower arrangements that have been purchased in floral shops and grocery stores.
Photo credit: Dan Kon
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Enchanted Forest Sanctuary

The moment you start your walk into the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary you know that there is something special about this place. The first property that was purchased by the Brevard County EEL Program and at 470 acres is the “Flagship” in a series of sanctuaries that the EEL program has been working to establish through Brevard County
Located in the southern limits of the City of Titusville, in the shadow of NASA and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center, the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary preserves a wonderful diversity of natural habitats. Five basic habitat types are found within the Sanctuary: Oak scrub, mesic and hydric hammock, wet prairie, and pine flatwood. Wildlife species found here include the Eastern indigo snake, Florida scrub lizard, gopher tortoise, white-tailed deer, and bobcat. A diversity of temperate and subtropical plant life includes Red Mulberry, Hercules club, orchids, magnolia, wild coffee, wind oranges, and pig nut hickory.
Several miles of diverse hiking and walking trails allow visitors of all ages and abilities to enjoy the natural beauty of the unique natural and historical features. There are massive trees, gardens, and diverse habitats along its trail system, with the spine of the Atlantic Coastal Ridge a prominent landform down the middle.
There’s a nature center filled with information and interactive exhibits about the habitats and history of this corner of Titusville. The nature center has a nice gift shop inside, restrooms, and a water fountain. They can even provide guided tours available for persons of limited mobility.
Universal accessible amenities include an exterior covered porch, the Ancient Oak amphitheater, an outdoor Butterfly Garden, and a trail to a scenic overlook over the Addison Canal.
The Enchanted Forest is a must-stop for those who love the outdoors and are visiting the Space Coast. So the next time you visit the Space Coast for the beach or rocket launch, make sure you schedule some nature time in The Enchanted Forest.
Length: 2.5-mile loop
Trailhead: 28.533350, -80.802283
Photo Credit: Bobby Putnam – Brevard County Lead Education Coordinator ted
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Grayton Beach State Park

Grayton Beach State Park is located in the community of Santa Rosa Beach in Walton County. It was initially acquired in 1964 with only 356 acres. The park continued to expand through 1995 and now contains almost 2,000 acres. With four miles of nature trails, including a captivating coastal forest, you will be guaranteed to leave with lasting memories.
The park offers bird watching, hiking, a beach for swimming, boating, paddling, canoeing/kayaking, RV sites, restrooms, and more. There are plenty of handicap-accessible features including campsites, cabins, Mobi-mats, beach wheelchairs, and picnic tables. Feel free to bring your pets but remember to keep them on a leash.
For more information visit the Grayton Beach State Park website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/index.php/graytonbeach
Photo Credit: Aymee Laurain
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