Ladell Brothers Outdoor Environmental Center

This wonderful site lies within the North Florida Community College campus. Access the trailhead behind the science annex/technology center, where trails and boardwalks crisscross the hardwood and pine forest. Wood Duck Pond, has a large observation deck (watch for Wood Duck and Belted Kingfisher). Another trail leads through a black gum/red maple swamp and across a small gurgling stream which draws White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Warbler and other migratory songbirds during the spring and fall. Open field habitats attract American Robin (winter) and Eastern Bluebird are common. Listen for Red-shouldered Hawks all year and Swallow-tailed Kites and Purple Martins gliding overhead during the summer. Allow a little extra time just to linger on the deck and boardwalks to savor the experience here; take a break to enjoy a picnic lunch in the woods at one of the shelters. Be sure to check the butterfly meadow between spring and fall for Gulf and Variegated Fritillaries. Free loaner optics to use for the day are available for checkout in the college library when it is open.