Fall is in full force. J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area is over 60,000 acres and managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Wildlife Management areas were created for hunters and fishermen, but they are managed for native plants and other wildlife. We will walk in the area of the Hungryland Boardwalk, though the boardwalk is closed for renovation. Cypress swamp, pine flatwoods, hammocks, and marshes will be visited. The time of the field trip is between hunting seasons, so it should be less crowded. Fall wildflowers should be blooming including Catesby’s lily, Florida Celestial lily, blazing stars, deer tongues, goldenrods, and asters. This area is also known for its wildlife, so we could see sandhill cranes, snakes, and both migratory and residential birds. You may wish to camp overnight (on your own).
Leader: Steve Woodmansee, Vice President and Field Trip Coordinator for DCFNPS. He is a botanist and owns Pro Native Consulting, which specializes in plant research, conservation and native plant horticulture. (786-488-3101 if needed.)
Entrance fee: $3/person, $6/car (BRING CASH OR CHECK, no credit cards or other forms of payment)
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, along trails for the most part (probably mostly wet), but we may also poke into wild areas, and it will be a long day. Be prepared for knee deep water, where a walking stick will be helpful for extra stability.
Bring/wear: Sturdy shoes and clothes that can get wet or muddy, bug protection (just in case), sun protection, walking stick, water for drinking, lunch. Binoculars are handy for viewing wildlife. You might want a towel and change of clothes and shoes for afterwards.
Notes: Restrooms are available. Please do not bring pets.
Brochure: https://myfwc.com/media/26177/corbett-recguide.pdf
Directions: Take I-95 (or Florida Turnpike) to Northlake Blvd, travel 13 miles west. Turn right when Northlake Blvd dead ends at Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, travel north 3 miles, entrance is on the left. Roughly a 2 hour drive from Kendall (in Miami-Dade). Meet in the parking area.
Address: 11835 Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33412