Did you know that St. Lucie County has its own award-winning Guided Nature Program? Within this program are a number of guided land and water-based activities that are led by various community members, including life-long nature enthusiasts and Certified Advanced Master Naturalists.
Through these programs, I got to explore Steven J. Fousek Preserve where we learned about Florida’s Strangler Figs from our extremely knowledgeable guide. This Florida native can grow on its own or take root in a crevice of another tree. You may spot them with aerial roots- almost like a mangrove- reaching down in search of solid ground. When a strangler fig grows on another tree, it eventually engulfs its host. Capable of reaching up to 60 feet tall with nearly the ability to spread just as wide, the strangler fig can block light getting to the host tree.
Steven J. Fousek Preserve is filled with these wonderous sights, including one affectionately known as “the giraffe.” With a little imagination, it’s easy to see where it gets its name! However, this isn’t the only place in St. Lucie County you can find strangler figs. There are a few others scattered around, can you find them?
I also got to partake in an early morning paddle at the Petravice Family Preserve, here within St. Lucie County. I’m lucky enough to own my own paddle but for those that do not, as a part of the Guided Nature Program, Oxbow Eco-Center has rentals for $20 you can borrow for the adventure! During our time on the water, we got to see an Osprey nest, Great Blue Herons, Blue Egrets, and a young alligator.
Female alligators will nest once a year using various types of vegetation and their body to assist in clearing an area, moving vegetation, and digging. Female alligators are protective of their nests, hissing and charging at potential predators. Like sea turtles, temperature determines an alligator’s sex. However, for alligator’s chicks are cool (at 30°C or below) and males prefer hotter temperatures (at 33°C or higher). Once hatched, one of the young alligator’s biggest predators are other alligators!
To learn more about Florida’s Strangler Figs check out: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST250
To learn more about the American Alligator check out: WEC203/UW230: Living with Alligators: A Florida Reality
Be sure to look at the Guided Nature Programs monthly to see what new adventures await you!
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