Explore a Mesic Hammock

Wild Coffee (Psychotria nervosa) is a Florida native plant with a long history. Native American tribes would use the bean to brew teas, or carry the bean around with the rumor that it was a 'love bean'. While this plant is commonly called w... Read more

The Orchard Orbweaver (Leucauge argyrobapta) are named due to being the most common species of spider found in orange orchards. They are not known to be aggresive, but will flee to the edge of their web when a predator is near.  ...

Resurrection Fern (Pleopeltis polypodioides) is a truly amazing plant. Look above you and notice how the fern grows all over giant live oaks. Resurrection Fern will be a vibrant green, with lively leaves when it has water. During times of ... Read more

Did you know citrus is actually not native to Florida? It was believed to be brought here by Christopher Columbus in 1493, where the crops took off! Look around the forest for remnants of old citrus groves.

Further into the forest, you may begin to notice the ground changing. This organic and dark soil holds more roots and bugs, something that wild hogs go crazy for! Watch your step, trails may look damaged and uprooted thanks to wild hogs sea... Read more

Look above and around you! All over you will see Spanish Moss (Tillandsia usneoides). Spanish moss has a few misconceptions; no, it is not from Spain. Spanish moss is also not parasitic; but in the Tillandsia family, making it a distanct ... Read more

The trees surrounding you may be the host to a special organism called lichens. Lichens are formed when an algae lives with a fungi, and are the rings found on the surface of trees. One of the most popular species of lichen is called Christ... Read more

You may know this little spider commonly as a banana spider! While slightly intimidating, these spiders are harmless. They are commonly seen in Florida and are renowned for building elaborate webs.

This shrubby plant is know as wild olive, or devilwood (Osmanthus americanus). A florida native, it is in the same family as cultivated black or green olives. The flowers are very fragrant, and the olives turn from green to black as they ... Read more