Leaf Scavenger Hunt:
- Theme: The River Wilderness area in Florida features a variety of trees, including both evergreen and deciduous species, depending on the specific habitat within the area. Common trees include pines like longleaf and slash pine, oaks like water oak, and trees adapted to wetland conditions like bald cypress.
- Items to Collect: Explore the natural trees specific to our RW area! We have already collected details about these trees which will help you identify the trees in River Wilderness!
- You are welcome to collect leaves be sure to stay off of other people’s property while doing this one. Safely taking a leaf for your collection from the ground.
- Leaves of different colors, pine cones, smooth rocks, different types of flowers, feathers, etc
- Taking photos the the leaf and take another of the bark. Watch where you are going and try to get a photograph of the whole tree.
- Write down where you found the items you collected, and the date.
Please see the General Scavenger Hunt Rules
Here’s a more detailed look at some trees in the River Wilderness Community:
Specific Trees by Habitat:
- Mesic Flatwoods:These areas, often characterized by moist soil, support trees like slash pine, longleaf pine, and various oak species.
- Bottomlands and Floodplains:Trees like water oak, sweetbay, redbay, and bald cypress thrive in these areas, which are frequently flooded.
- Wetland Forests:Cypress swamps, common in the region, feature trees like bald cypress, pond cypress, and swamp tupelo.
- Shrub Swamps:Black titi and other shrubby species can dominate these areas, often a result of past disturbances.
- Cypress Domes:These isolated wetland forests are characterized by a circle of trees, with the tallest in the center, often surrounded by a treeless circle of open water or marsh.
- Tropical Hardwood Hammocks:In South Florida, these hammocks feature a base of strangler fig and cabbage palm, with additional Caribbean trees like gumbo limbo and mahogany.
- Mangrove Forests:Mangroves, including red, black, and white mangroves, are crucial to Florida’s coastline and are often found in riverine areas.
Other Notable Trees:
- Longleaf Pine: The tallest of Florida’s pines, known for its long needles and ability to regenerate from fire.
- Live Oak: A common and iconic tree in Florida, known for its large size and spreading branches.
- Saw Palmetto: A common understory species in flatwoods and other areas.
- Cabbage Palm: The state tree of Florida, found in various habitats.
- Swamp Bay: A species found in bottomlands and other moist area
