Grace McAlister
Reporter1@riverbendnews.org
The Hamilton County UF/IFAS Extension kicked off its Summer Adventure Series at Stephen Foster State Park with an exhibit titled Skulls, Skins and Snakes. Park Ranger Jessica Watkins introduced both youth and adults to the Junior Ranger program, providing them with a folder of educational materials and the opportunity to visit a state park for free to complete their ranger assignments. Park Service Specialist, Andrea Thomas manned the skull table, where she taught both attendees about alligators, hogs, deer, turtles and more.
Park Ranger Jim Ellis spoke about snakes, including common snakes in Florida; how to safely retreat from an encounter with a snake on a trail; the anatomy of a snake; how they sense and move and more. Snake lovers approached Ellis’s exhibit for a chance to hold a boa constrictor.
Register for the next Summer Adventure by calling Beth Kerr at (386) 792-1276 or Stephen Foster State Park at (386) 397-2733. Space and supplies are limited, so reserve your family's spot today. The next exhibit will be about pollinators and will take place on Saturday, July 30.
