Walking on the Wild Side
Gail Ladd, Executive Committee Member and Conservation Committee Vice-Chair
On a warm morning in June, I found myself at the North Jupiter Flatwoods Natural Area at the north end of Jupiter Community Park with about twenty others, young and old, who were looking forward to an informative walk celebrating Pollinator Week. It was the second time I had been to the park. This 160-acre area is one of over 31,000 acres of Natural Areas that are managed by the Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management (ERM).
This walk, entitled “Discover our Native Wildflowers and Pollinators Expedition” was led by volunteers JC and CJ. These two very knowledgeable and enthusiastic ladies pointed out many of the wildflowers and pollinators in abundance along the trail, often with a whoop and a holler to “Look here!” Bees, birds, bats, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, wasps, and small mammals are pollinators.
According to Pollinator Partnership “Without the actions of pollinators, agricultural economies, our food supply, and surrounding landscapes would collapse.”
I marveled at the many wildflowers, some so tiny I would have missed them without the guidance of JC and CJ. (The one called Hairpin was the size of one!). I had enjoyed my first walk, but it was far surpassed by this one, now knowing where to look and what I was seeing.
At the beginning of the walk is a large pond and walk over bridge leading to a wetland area with Pond Cypress and other water loving flowers and plants.
Farther on looking west, I could almost imagine what it was like when the Ais, Seminole, and Jobe Indigenous people lived in Jupiter before the Spanish explorers arrived.
Tall pines, saw palmetto and an abundance of wildflowers filled my sight, not houses or cars zooming by. I was amazed at how quiet it was. As we walked to the north however, a Martin County housing development bordered the park.
Thankfully there was an easement with a fence, and a No Trespassing sign indicating the land was Palm Beach County owned and maintained.
Flower bushes flourished, bees buzzed, and butterflies fluttered all through the park that is maintained in its natural state. In fact, JC reminded us NOT to spray insecticides in our yards or gardens. They kill 90% of the pollinators and only 10% of the insects. It is not worth it.
If you feel the pull of the natural world, take advantage of our many beautiful natural areas, refuges, and preserves in Palm Beach County. This is just one to explore, enjoy, and protect.
Our walk was sponsored by ERM as part of their “Adventure Awaits” programs. You can find out more by visiting https://discover.pbcgov.org/erm/Pages/Adventure-Awaits.aspx
All Photos by Gail Ladd
