Take a Walk on the Wild Side: Let's Get Botanical with CJ part 2

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

Audubon Everglades gets botanical this year and kicks off a new series of hikes focused on exploring Florida’s habitats and the variety of native plants and wildlife that flourish there.

Join Plant Specialist CJ McCartney and Mycologist James Phillips, on an exploration through North Jupiter Flatwoods Natural Area (NJF)hunting for wildflowers and mushrooms.

This walk will explore NJF in an exciting new way by examining the wildflowers and meadows that flourish in different habitats and the interesting ways different fungi and mushrooms thrive within the ecosystems. Check out the Scrub, Coastal Hammocks and Flatwoods to see exciting wildflower meadows, orchids, fungi, mushrooms, bugs and other interesting rare plants. Learn about the interactions plants have not only with each other, but with birds, pollinators and butterflies. Along with endangered habitats, we’ll see rare and imperiled plants in different native plant communities and how they flourish in restored natural areas.

Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a curious nature enthusiast, these hikes will offer fresh perspectives on the natural world, helping you connect more deeply with the habitats and native plants that make South Florida exceptional, unique and special.

Bring your camera, your curiosity and hiking boots, and get ready to expect the unexpected.

Winter Wildflowers, Mushrooms and Pollinators

Join CJ & James to wander the trails of this restored Pine Flatwoods natural area loaded with rare and unusual winter wildflowers, mushrooms, and grasses. With a variety of habitats and terrains, North Jupiter Flatwoods Natural Area (NJF) ranges from aquatic marshes to canal berms buzzing with pollinator and butterfly activity to mesic prairie areas – all interesting and all offering different plant communities and pollinators.

Rare and endangered Tillandsias (airplants) fill the trees and small meadows with colorful mixtures of wildflowers and grasses are scattered around the site. Birds of prey and woodpeckers, along with an owl or two keep it interesting. Bring your camera and get ready to capture some of the beauty of this incredible natural area.

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This hike is for the experienced, beginner and the curious who want to see Wild Florida packed into 160 acres of sandy trails that meander throughout the different habitats. Expect natural, sandy trails, maybe some damp areas so wear closed toe shoes, bring sun protection (hat, glasses etc.) and water. Expect fun, all are welcome to come explore and get botanical in this amazing area.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• A guided walk of to explore the native plants, wildflowers, and mushrooms that are unique to this ecosystem.
• Fascinating habitat and plant facts and field insight from naturalists
• An opportunity to see the connection of native plants, pollinators and birds.
• Observe different habitats and the plant communities.
• A plant check list and an iNaturalist project to remember the trails you walked and the plants you saw, and the fun you had exploring this area.

LOGISTICS:

• Main Entrance: Parking is located in the northwest corner of Jupiter Community Park3377 Church Street, Jupiter
• Meeting Spot: At end of parking lot at trail head.
• Restrooms: There are restrooms and water fountains available near the trailhead.

Good to Know:

• Registration is required. No walk-ins.
• Be on time so we can make the most of our time in the field.
• Rain or shine.
• Trail conditions can vary; sandy, portions of the trail may be wet.
• Photos may be taken for social media. Let us know if you'd rather not be included.
• Please cancel if you can’t make it—someone else may be waiting.

WHAT TO BRING:

• Wear comfortable clothes you don't mind getting dirty/wet.
• Closed toe shoes you don’t mind getting muddy or wet.
• Bring sun protection (hats, glasses etc.) and bug spray.
• Bring water and a water bottle.

This is a wonderful chance to spend time outdoors, learn from top naturalists while connecting with fellow nature enthusiasts.

Your Guides for this hike:

CJ McCartney, Audubon Everglades Advisory Board Member, Environmental Steward

James Phillips, Mycologist

We love seeing your nature pics! Tag us on Instagram and Facebook

Questions or accommodation requests? Reach out at fieldtrips@auduboneverglades.org

About Your Guide:

CJ McCartney, Environmental Steward

CJ McCartney, Audubon Everglades Advisory Board, designs native pollinators gardens, speaks on the topics of conservation, restoration of habitats and leads hikes showing how nature informs us on creating habitats and native plant communities. She has taken landscape, horticulture and gardening classes to supplement her degree in Public Policy from Harvard University. She is the Master Gardner in Residence at Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens and develops programs around Conservation and Art & Nature and serves on multiple Boards and Committees throughout Florida.

Contact information: CJ McCartney, cjmpbc@gmail.com

Instagram: @Botanizingbirdingbutterflies

James Phillips, Mycologist, Land Protection Associate for Conservation Florida and specializes in the world of mycology

James is a naturalist from Okeechobee, Florida. With roots in the citrus industry, he has a lifelong love for the outdoors and a deep appreciation for Florida’s unique landscapes and agricultural heritage. His connection to the land inspired a passion for conservation and shaped his career. In 2001, James earned his Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Central Florida. Since then, he has built a diverse career working in water treatment, environmental consulting, and state and tribal wetland programs. When he’s not working to protect Florida’s landscapes, James enjoys kayaking and exploring wild places with his family and friends—always seeking new adventures and opportunities to connect with nature.