Join PRAS on Saturday, November 12, 2016, for a field trip to Paynes Creek Historic State Park in Bowling Green, Site #117 of the West Section of Great Florida Birding Trail.  The park has several nature trails that go through a variety of habitats. One trail follows Paynes Creek through bottomland forest to where the creek flows into the Peace River. Other trails go through xeric hammocks. The park is known for migratory songbirds and winter feeding guilds of warblers, titmice, and other species. The creek can be crossed on a suspension bridge called “the catwalk”. From the creek and river banks various water birds can be observed and otters are frequently seen as well.

Bring binoculars, closed toed shoes, water, sun protection, and insect repellant. For those wanting to picnic there bring a bag lunch. Please note there is a fee to enter state parks.

To get to the park take US Hwy 17 to Bowling Green, turn right (E) on Main Street for a half mile.  Then turn right on CR 664A (Lake Branch Road). The park entrance will be found on the right side of the road, almost exactly 1.5 miles from Hwy 17. Once you turn east off of Hwy 17 (at the signs on Main Street) it is only a short way to the park with signs pointing the way.

After paying the entrance fee at the Ranger station do not make the turn to go to the Historic Fort Site and  Visitor Center, but go further into the park to meet at the parking area by the Pavilion, Playground, and Picnicking Area. Be sure to pick up a park map while at the Ranger Station.

Those wanting to carpool will meet at the new North Carpool location in the Kings Hwy Wal-Mart parking lot near Culvers, 385 Kings Hwy.

Additional notes: There are restrooms by the Pavilions.    After birding the trails and eating lunch some of the participants may then want to tour the Fort Site and the Museum at the Visitor Center or explore more of the trails.

For more information contact Shannon McGinnis, 941-629-9116.