Nature

Bromeliads are a large family of tropical flowering plants that belong to the pineapple family and come in hundreds of varieties.

I noticed this past week that the redbud tree at the Master Gardener nursery is in full bloom. It’s a little early for that to happen (by about a month), but it has been a warm winter.

This preserve and park would not be here if not for the dedication of people from Hernando County. It's a part of the Lake Townsend history that James King knows well.

King is Hernando County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Specialist and explained why this is the people’s park.

This was part of Colonel Robbins property at one time, and when the US Government bought it they declared it surplus, that way the county was able to purchase the property. The preserve is a conservation bordered by Lake Lindsey Road, Lingle Road, Osage Street and Daly Road.

This weekend Chinsegut Conservation Center hosted a Wildlife Photography Exhibit showcasing photography from members of Hernando County Photographers. With an assortment of photos from flowers to birds, is just a glimpse of what you can see on the trails.

“This is a new event for the center, but it’s definitely something we hope to continue to offer on yearly basis. This gives the visitor something that we really never offered before as well as it also serves a fundraiser for us to support our educational programs,” said Gina Philhower, Director of Chinsegut Conservation Center.

Take a DRIVE

Want to explore nature in the comfort of your car? Well, we got a place that you will love. Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area (CWMA) is just 11 miles north past 50 on US 19, it’s a beautiful scenic refuge for everyone at any age to enjoy.

Hernando County Preserves: Cypress Lake Preserve

Jim King, Hernando County Conservation Lands Specialist, oversees more than 1000 acres of Hernando County environmentally sensitive lands. His main purpose is to continue to provide residents of Hernando County and other nature enthusiasts a beautiful place for hiking, biking, birding as well as maintaining a healthy ecosystem within the preserves

Take a Hike: Perry Oldenburg Wildlife and Environmental Area

Hernando Audubon Society offers free field trips to different areas here in Hernando County and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation has some amazing properties that are open to the public for the whole family to enjoy and explore.

Archery at Chinsegut
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission put Chinsegut's youth archery program in motion last year. The FWC operates several ranges for youth summer programs which focus on target shooting statewide- Chinsegut now being one of them.

“We are excited… that it’s another new program that people can do here at Chinsegut,” stated Gina Philhower Director for Chinsegut Conservation Center.

Enchanted Weeki Wachee Preserve: Nature’s Therapy

From the Weekiwachee Preserve to the Withlacoochee State Trail, Hernando County has great areas for hiking, biking and walking. This is great news for the health of our residents and visitors. According to WedMD,

"Many health care researchers and practitioners say that ecotherapy (also known as green therapy, nature therapy, and earth-centered therapy) can have regenerative powers, improving mood and easing anxiety, stress, and depression.