Erin Thursby
ECO – events
brought to you by TREE HILL NATURE CENTER
The Guana Tolomato Matanzas Natural Estuarine Research Reserve has a calendar chock full of activities. Every Saturday they have a different hike, beach exploration, or event for those that want to explore the First Coast’s rich eco-heritage. Most are free. See their website for a full calendar and more info at gtmnerr.org.
Dec 5 Orchid Potting Clinic Presented by the Jacksonville Orchid Society, 10am-1pm. Bring questions for members and/or orchids for repotting. Repeats every month on the first Saturday. Hagan Ace Hardware, 12501 San Jose Blvd, 772-7404.
Dec 10 Weekday Hike Jacksonville Arboretum Enjoy the beautiful trails at the Jacksonville Arboretum on a weekday morning. Hike about 3.5 easy miles of trails through various ecosystems. After your hike, add the calories back on with lunch at the nearby Mudville Grill. Bring bug spray and water. No pets, please. Children capable of long hikes are welcome. The Arboretum is close to I-295/East Beltway and Monument Road. When you get off I-295 at Monument Rd, go east for only one block and then turn left on Millcoe. The Arboretum entrance is on your right about 1/4 mile, 1445 Millcoe Rd. 32225. Meet in the parking lot. Restrooms are available. RSVP to Outing Leader Bill Armstrong at armsfam@yahoo.com. 10am.
Dec 12 Spoonbill Pond Spoonbill Pond is an informal name for the pond directly across the street from the Big Talbot Island State Park parking lot, at the foot of the Nassau Sound Bridge. The location is at the extreme northeast limit of Duval County and is one of the premier places in NE FL to observe the highest diversity in species during a single visit. In winter, it is not uncommon to observe close to 50 species and this location is the #1 eBird hotspot in NE FL in 2015. Parking: $2 per car; exact currency is recommended, since you must put your money in an envelope and then lock box. There is no park ranger stationed at this entrance. There is ample parking in the paved lot. This parking lot is primarily used by boaters, so find a smaller parking space for your vehicle. 8am, Spoonbill Pond, just before George Grady bridge, A1A. Kevin Dailey, kedailey@yahoo.com. duvalaudubon.org
Dec 14 Sierra Club Jax and Ponte Vedra Program Annual Potluck Dinner and Tour of the Southwest Come join the Jax and Ponte Vedra groups for their annual Potluck Dinner and tour the Southwest with Bill Armstrong. Bill will present photos from his recent visits to the beautiful parks of Mesa Verde, Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Monument Valley. He will also share his travel tips on how to plan your visit to this extraordinary area. Bring a dish to share between 6-6:30. Program begins at 7:00. Lakewood Presbyterian Church, 2001 University Blvd W. rear of education bldg. The door to meeting room is beside the playground. Free. All welcome. Refreshments provided. Please bring your own cup to reduce waste in the landfill. For more information contact Janet Larson 247-1876, jclarson168@msn.com.
Dec 15 Gardening Gifts Winter Workshop This program provides a hands-on activity, a make-and-take centerpiece from the landscape (20 only). Also gift ideas from recycled materials, along with Christmas plants. 10am. Total Cost is $10 (class only $5 + hands-on centerpiece $5). Make checks payable to DCOHAC and mail to 1010 N. McDuff Ave., Jacksonville 32254. Pre-registration and pre-payment required by December 9th. Call 255-7450 to register. Class is limited to only 20 attendees for make and take centerpieces. Register early. Duval County Extension Service 1010 N. McDuff Ave, http://duval.ifas.ufl.edu/index.shtml
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