About the program
Join UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County Natural Resources Agent Ken Gioeli on a semi-guided nature walk in search of butterflies and the plants that attract them. This will take place on December 19, 2024 beginning at noon. The location will be Paleo Hammock which is part of Steven J. Fousek Preserve, 8551 Carlton Road Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987. Wear foot ware that can get a little muddy, mosquito repellent, hat, water, sunscreen and a camera.
Most adult butterflies in Florida rely on specific plants for nectar. Nectar is a primary food source for butterflies at Paleo Hammock Preserve. Wild coffee, mistflower, fire bush, and scorpion-tail are examples of plants found at Paleo Hammock Preserve that can attract butterflies. A substantial list of annuals and perennial plants can be found in the UF EDIS Document “Butterfly Gardening in Florida.”
About Paleo Hammock
Paleo Hammock Preserve is an 80-acrew preserve featuring hammocks of broad-leafed plants and a shady understory. Visit the Paleo Hammock Preserve website for details.
About the instructor
Ken Gioeli is the Natural Resources Extension Agent for the UF/IFAS Extension St Lucie County. He brings 32+ years of experience teaching Florida residents about native and nonnative plants and animals. Ken has an M.Ag. in Agricultural Education and Communication from UF and a certificate in Environmental Education and Communication also from UF. He is also a graduate of the Organization for Tropical Studies Tropical Biodiversity Short Course in Costa Rica where he studied vampire bats in their native habitat. He has a B.S. in secondary science education from UCF, A.A. in liberal studies from IRSC, and a diploma from Ft Pierce Central High School. Finally, Ken is a lead instructor for the UF/IFAS Florida Master Naturalist Program which teaches Floridians about plants, animals and human dimensions of Florida upland, freshwater, and coastal systems.
EOI Statement
An Equal Opportunity Institution. UF/IFAS Extension, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Andra Johnson, Dean and Director. Single copies of UF/IFAS Extension publications (excluding 4-H and youth publications) are available free to Florida residents from county UF/IFAS Extension offices. People with disabilities seeking reasonable accommodations can contact Ken Gioeli no later than one week prior to the program.
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