SCC Audubon Club Field Trips Dates and Information

Ulele Spring is located in downtown Tampa and it is the only natural spring within the urban portion of the City. It is a jewel that was not functioning as it should for nearly a century, in that the edge of the spring was concreted in decades ago, and the spring run was filled in and replaced with a pipe. Now, freshwater flows of 672,000 gallons per day flow from the spring to the Hillsborough River. This spring water flow enhances vegetation and creates prime habitat for a variety of fish, crustaceans and mammals. To date over 18 species of fish and crustaceans have been documented within the newly restored spring run; in addition, manatees now frequently visit this spring along with their offspring. We can explore this park and have lunch at Ulele afterward.

The Gardens are a 100-acre Park, managed by the Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources Department, that inspires and educates visitors by showcasing flora, fauna and natural resources in motivational surroundings that promote environmentally friendly techniques. They will be decorated with lights for the holidays, so we will enjoy the sunset and a guided docent tour. We may rent a bus if enough people sign up. Cost for the tour is $10; additional cost for the bus.

Felts Audubon Preserve is a favorite field trip site for Sun City Center Audubon. It's a tidy 27-acre package, located only about 25 miles from us in Palmetto. We will visit the bird blind and hike down one of the trails that wind through wetlands, forests and prairies. its two signature species, the painted bunting and indigo bunting, may be at the feeders this January. We'll have lunch afterward at a nearby restaurant.