What we’re about
The Florida Scrub-Jay Trail provides an excellent birdwatching destination, with a variety of habitats ranging from sandhill/scrub to wetlands adjacent to the Trail, and several species of birds, including Florida’s only endemic species, the Florida Scrub-Jay.
The Florida Scrub-Jay Trail was conceived to provide direct, immediate benefit to the Florida Scrub-Jay and its surrounding habitat, and to raise awareness of and involvement in the conservation of the species. In order to accomplish this, land must be cleared of exotic and invasive plant materials and re-planted with scrub oaks, shrubs, and groundcovers, many of which are federally listed as threatened or endangered. Citizens and public agencies work in partnership to accomplish common goals.
This is the trailhead for a statewide, interconnected network of Scrub-Jay habitat, ranging from the Lake Wales Ridge to the south to Ocala National Forest to the north; from Sarasota to the west and Merritt Island and Cape Canaveral to the east. These “pockets” of scrub-jay habitats are connected by corridors of restored habitat acquired by private landowners granting conservation easements; lands purchased by land acquisition programs; and public lands available in parks and open space.
The Florida Scrub-Jay Trail also provides fun and exciting educational experiences for adults and children alike. Visitors all become honorary “Scrub Scouts” as they head out on the Trail to experience the Scrub-Jay and the plants and other wildlife of the Florida scrub. The Florida Scrub-Jay Trail has proven to deliver a one-of-a-kind up close and personal birding encounter.
Admission to the Florida Scrub-Jay Trail is free. Groups are encouraged to experience the Trail either by observing or participating in the restoration by planting trees and other scrub plants. Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Brownies work side-by-side with church groups, and garden clubs with one common cause – to save the Florida Scrub-Jay from extinction.
Visit our website at http://www.scrubjaytrail.org/.
The mission of the Florida Scrub-Jay Consortium is to preserve the Florida Scrub-Jay and its habitat. Your support is very important to us and vital for continuing our mission. Thank you!
To subscribe to our email newsletters, email "Subscribe to Scrub-Jay Trail Newsletters" to [email protected]. For additional information about the trail, activities, or directions, please contact us directly at [email protected] or 352-429-5566.
For a membership application or to make a donation, click here: https://www.scrubjaytrail.org/contact.html.
