Carolina Wren chicks

Every year we have Carolina wrens that nest on the back porch of the nature center.  Both parents have been working hard the past couple of weeks to keep their FIVE babies fed!  We saw them constantly flying in and out of the nest box, and now the babies have fledged.  Mom and Dad will help them find food for a short while, but they are pretty much on their own now.  Maybe the parents will fly on over to our Spa next for some well-deserved R & R ! 

mini me blue crab

I had a crab grab tour a couple of weeks ago and a boy caught this baby blue crab with one of the little shrimp nets.  It was hanging onto something floating near the dock.  The other blue crab in the bucket is the average size we catch with our lines.  We decided to keep the little guy for a while because it was so cute, and now he likes to hide in one of our saltwater tanks and is growing fast.  We'll release him soon. 

This past week Amanda and Levi partcipated in a 3-day training to obtain ACA Level 1 and 2 instructor certification.  This course teaches various kayaking strokes and techniques that are essential for safe paddling in open water and coastal enviornments.They were taught rescue and safety skills that we use during our kayak tours.  This class was very demanding both physically and mentally.  They both passed and now are ACA certified instructors.

Paddle Float

Self Rescue with Paddle Float

Towing two people at once!

Neil the Eel

About a month ago a resident caught an American Eel in a baitrap and brought it in.  We decided to let it live in the same tank as Flapjack, our softshell turtle.  We werent' sure how it would do, but the two seem to be getting along just fine. Both animals like to hide in the rocks.  Come see us and we'll point them out to you!

Maize's Fan club

Maize, our Miami corn snake, has lots of fans who come by the nature center on a regular basis to see her.  This is Elizabeth Foster, a local 11 year old who loves to stop by and visit Maize.  She is really excited to attend our summer nature camp this year and spend more time with our animals and out in nature.