Join us on Saturday, Oct. 11th from 8:45am to noon for an outing to the Janet Butterfield Brooks Wildlife and Environmental Area (WEA). Explore a hidden gem with Adventure Coast Group’s Outings Leader Ben Berauer. It is owned and managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and is only open for public visitation by prior arrangement, so this is a rare opportunity. The outing will be co-led by Hana Brinkley, FWC’s Center Coordinator for the Chinsegut Conservation Center. Hana is an 11-year veteran of the FWC working with wildlife, land management and education at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Babcock Webb WMA and now Chinsegut. She will be joined by Ken Morgan, the center’s groundskeeper, a natural guide and interpreter as well as a local arborist.

We will be introduced to the mosaic of upland habitats present on the 319-acre property. October is the best time of the year to observe sandhill’s annual explosion of wildflowers. FWC’s management of the property includes regular applications of prescribed fire, and we hope to see an especially spectacular display of wildflowers. Other habitats we will encounter include pine flatwoods and hardwood hammocks. Collectively, these habitat areas support populations of gopher tortoise, fox squirrels, kestrels, and many other species.

The outing will consist of a hike that is moderate in length and difficulty, covering about 2 miles of mostly sandy and uneven trail. Wear appropriate footwear and be sure to bring a water bottle and snacks. Bring your binoculars to better enjoy the many migratory bird species that could be present during our visit.

Reservations are required and will be limited to 20 participants. We will start the outing at 9:00 am, so please plan to arrive by 8:45 am to “sign in” and to receive an overview about “JBB”. The outing will conclude by noon. There is no street address for JBB, so we suggest using the address for the private residence located immediately across the street from the entrance gate (15478 Baily Hill Road, Brooksville, FL) to find the location, which is approximately 0.3 miles west of Citrus Way on Baily Hill Road.