Wear It Wild for Earth Day (April 22)
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Although April 22 seems far away it is just on the next page in our calendars. Earth Day has been celebrated in many different fashions since its inception in 1970. Many of us go to Earth Day Festivals but the Trout Lake Nature Center is encouraging everyone to "Wear It Wild for Earth Day" on Monday, April 22.
What does Wear It Wild mean? It is simple. Put on an animal print, camouflage, nature t-shirt, butterfly wings, paint your face with an animal face or anything you can think of to represent nature or the Earth. Get a friend, classmate, colleague or family member to "wear it wild" too. Do it as a group or an individual.The TLNC Board is wearing it wild with bald eagle, gator, owl, vulture, bear, turtle, bee, armadilla and butterfly on display to inspire you.
Then, take a selfie. Yes, we're encouraging selfies for Earth Day. Post your selfie and let folks know you are Wearing It Wild for Earth Day. Tag the Trout Lake Nature Center and we will try to share your post.
It would be great if on this special Monday, we looked around the county and saw most folks "Wearing It Wild for Earth Day". This is a simple, fun way to celebrate Earth Day and bring some attention to how important the Environment is to all of us.
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Last Call: Inspired by Nature Watercolor Painting Class
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An additional watercolor painting class has been added in April for those who haven't had the time to attend any of the classes in February and March. Registration is required. Each class costs $50 with the entry fee and all needed painting supplies included.
Scroll down to learn about the Children's water color painting classes being offered in June.
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Reptiles are found throughout Florida and some of us even have them as pets. This event will introduce you to many of the reptiles that live in Florida and will feature live snakes, turtles and other reptiles. Experts from the Orianne Center of Indigo Conservation, Fl. Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Lake County Water Authority will be at the event.
You can walk our trails, observe our resident alligators from our boardwalk and visit our exhibits at your own pace. This event is for family and people of all ages.
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Fl. State Parks In all Their Diversity
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Friday Night Naturalist Series, Apr. 19 at 6:30 PM |
Florida has 175 award-winning state parks. Explore the tremendous diversity of Florida’s state parks, the many activities they offer and the huge economic benefit they bring to the state with Don Philpott, award-winning writer and Florida state park volunteer. Philpott is a Florida Master Naturalist instructor, Florida Master Gardener and a Certified Interpretive Guide and recently co-authored the book titled The Amazing Story of the Lost Town of Ethel, which is available for a $5 purchase at TLNC.
This event is free to TLNC members but donations are appreciated. Non-members must pay a $5/vehicle entry fee.
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The dry summer and clearing of the property north of TLNC, has brought extra mosquitos to our property. When it began raining December, mosquitos began to hatch. Most mosquitos don't prefer bright sunlight but like wooded and shaded areas which TLNC has plenty of this type of habitat. Our visitors, volunteers and staff have struggled with the mosquitos in the ensuing months.
The Lake County Mosquito Control has been helping us to reduce this biting population while maintaining our habitat and protecting our bees, butterflies and other pollinators. They placed a larvicide in standing water to reduce the mosquito larva and released Gambusia or what is known as mosquito fish in our ponded areas to eat the larva. Recently, they came early, early in the morning (4:30 AM) to spray to eliminate the hatched mosquitos and make your visit more pleasant. As a wetland, we can't eliminate all mosquitos but can reduce the extraordinary numbers we have been experiencing in 2024.
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Skeeter Facts
There are 3,500 species of mosquitoes with 176 species in the United States. Only 6% bite humans and are responsible for the spread of human diseases.
Mosquitoes use exhaled carbon dioxide, octenol (found in your breath), body odors (lactic acid found in sweat), temperature and movement to find prey or a bloodmeal. They seem to prefer beer drinkers but have no effects from the alcohol.
Smelly feet are attractive to certain mosquitoes. Bigger people are more attractive since they present larger targets and produce more CO2 and lactic acid.
A full moon increases mosquito activity by 500%. Mosquitoes use visual cues to find their next meal, which is easier to do when the moon is full.
Females are larger weighing more than males. Females’ antennae are less bushy and have odor receptors. Their proboscis lacks fine hairs and is more needle-like to pierce skin. They can drink their entire body weight in blood during a meal.
Males are smaller and have flagella (fine hairs) on their antennae which help them hear the high pitched buzzing of females. Males lack the mouth parts to pierce skin and have a shorter life span.
In addition to serving as a part of the food chain, mosquitos are great pollinators.
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Bode's Law with Mike Ryan |
Apr. 20 starting at 1:30 PM |
Who is Bode and why is he saying those things about the planets? 250 years ago Johann Bode, Director of the Berlin Observatory, advertised a game to show how far the planet; are from the Sun which was called Bode’s Law. Play the game with Mike Ryan, retired Director of the Lake County Schools Planetarium to reveal the answers.
No registration is required but there is a $5/vehicle entry fee to the TLNC property for all non-members.
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Apr. 27 starting at 6:30 PM |
This is the final campfire for the Spring season so don't miss out. This is a low-key fun night adventure that starts with a walk to the dock to watch the sun set and birds return to their roost ending with a campfire, music and roasting marshmallows.
Dress for Florida at night. Bring a lawn chair (our benches are not as comfortable as a chair), bring any snack and beverage you might want. We provide marshmallows, water, coffee and hot chocolate. If you play a musical instrument, you are encouraged to bring it and join in at the campfire.
Cost is $5/vehicle for all non-TLNC members but donations are always accepted and appreciated.
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Children's Inspired by Nature Watercolor Painting Class
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June 8 and June 15 from 10 AM to Noon
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Watercolor artist Ellen Westerholm is teaching a class for children. In this class, budding artists will learn how to use water colors and paint a squirrel or bass. Class is most appropriate for 6 to 12 year olds. Everyone must register to attend. Cost is $30/child.
Upcoming Class Dates
June 8, 10:00 AM to Noon (Squirrel) June 15, 10:00 AM to Noon (Bass)
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Trout Lake Nature Center 520 East CR 44 | Eustis, FL 32736 US
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