Florida's Adventure Coast Blog

Step into Hardwood Hammock Habitats in Nature's Place to Play

Part of Florida’s Adventure Coast is defined as a Temperate Hardwood Forest or “Hammock.” This shady habitat contains a rich diversity of trees, shrubs and wildlife. In Florida, the largest temperate hardwood communities occur near Brooksville, Gainesville and Ocala.

What is a hammock anyway?

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White Wings Against a Blue Sky: Look Up for American White Pelicans

Florida’s Adventure Coast is home to colonies of American White Pelicans. You can often spot them soaring above and gathering around area lakes and wetlands.

One of the largest birds in North America with a nine-foot wingspan, they are second in size only to the California condor.

With its...

Look Around the Coast for Snowbirds of the Feathered Variety

Snowbirds for Snowbirds

Pleasant winter weather also attracts northerners of the feathered sort throughout Nature’s Place to Play. Thanks to our coastline, wetlands, parks and sprawling forests, migratory and resident birds find places to gather that are also enjoyable for human snowbird viewing.

Have You Seen a Bald Eagle Today?

Look Up for the American Bald Eagle

Have you caught the flash of a white tail or feathered head as you look around Florida's Adventure Coast? As stunning as they are, for those looking, American bald eagle sightings are not rare around here.

Florida has the largest bald eagle population in the...

Chassahowitzka Rattlesnake Camp Road Entrance Walk-Through

In Fall 2017, the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area (WMA), managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, debuted a new entrance and check station. South of its former location, the new entrance is across from Centralia Road. 

Meet the Amazing Anhinga

You’ve no doubt seen their unmistakable silhouette; those outstretched wings and long, graceful neck belong to the Anhinga. Learn why this sleek American darter is also referred to as a Snake Bird.

Great swimmers and adept hunters, Anhingas spend a lot of time underwater. Seen in waterways, with...

You Can Help Protect Manatees Along Florida's Adventure Coast

It is that time of year again! Manatee slow speed zones are in effect. It is important to abide by these speed restrictions between October 1 and April 30 each year.

Florida manatees are slow-moving marine mammals found in shallow, coastal waters and rivers. They spend large portions of their...

Plant Native For Beauty, Simplicity and Butterflies

Welcome to the Sunshine State, where everything grows! Here in Nature’s Place to Play, our subtropical climate means varied - sometimes exotic - plant life. And, with a little planting planning, they can easily beautify your world with color and life.