Field Trips
Alafia Scrub Preserve, June 20, 8:30am-11:30 am
10243 Elbow Bend Road, Riverview 33578
This small preserve has a great variety of upland and riverine habitats. A short 1.5 mile loop takes us through woods and scrub to an overlook on the lower Alafia River. There is a good chance of seeing swamp azaleas and tarflower. https://hcfl.gov/locations/alafia-scrub-nature-preserve
For all hikes, we recommend long pants, long sleeves, and comfortable, closed toe shoes.
Bring plenty of water and a hat or other sun protection. Other useful items are walking stick, snacks, and insect repellent.
To register, contact Tina (Mable C) Patterson, email mablepatterson@hotmail.com or phone (305) 298-6381 , text or call, and leave your name and message and contact information.
Camping at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve, October 22-25 (4 nights)
Join other FNPS members to view fall flowers at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park. Make your own reservation for all or some of the days. We have some campsites to share for tent campers.
Contact Tina Patterson
Lettuce Lake Native Plant Walks, download for 2026 Schedule
Our next walk is September 5, 2026. No walks in July or August.
Suncoast sponsors native plant walks at Lettuce Lake Park on the first Saturday every month except July, August and December.These walks are designed for park visitors who want to learn about Florida native plants. We do a slow stroll pointing out the native plants that the park supports.
$2 entry fee for the park. Dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk.
Walks begin in the Native Plant Garden behind the Joel E Jackson Nature Center at 9 am and last until approximately 11 am.
Tampa Audubon 'Beginning Bird Walks' meet on the second Saturday of each month at Lettuce Lake. Participants meet at 9 am (8 am in summer) in the parking lot by the Visitor Center. Binoculars are available for loan. Please visit Tampa Audubon's website to register for this walk.
The Native Plant and Bird Walks are free and open to the public although there is a $2 park entrance fee.
