Orange Hammock Winter Butterfly Count

Join us at the Orange Hammock Wildlife Management Area as we look for and identify butterflies! This program is part of a biannual effort to monitor butterfly populations at the Orange Hammock WMA. Long-term monitoring can help land managers make decisions that benefit all species in their care. Butterflies are sensitive to environmental changes and can serve as good indicators of an ecosystem's overall health.

The Orange Hammock Wildlife Management Area is a unique 5,777-acre property that contains more than 200 wetlands, intermixed with pine flatwoods, dry prairie, and other native habitats, providing a home for bobwhite quail, white-tailed deer, crested caracaras, and sandhill cranes. Immense volumes of rainfall collect on the property and feed the Snover Waterway and RV Griffin reservoirs, both of which are critical sources of the City of North Port’s clean drinking water.

This program is recommended for teens and adults. Participants under 16 must attend with a parent or guardian. Participants should be familiar with the common butterfly species found in Florida.

Participants should bring a water bottle and wear comfortable clothing (lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants are best). Depending on rainfall patterns, we may be walking on flooded trails; be prepared to get your feet wet! We recommend sun protection, bug spray, and closed-toe shoes, no flip-flops. Please note there are no restrooms or water fountains available on site. We will have a temporary toilet station, but we recommend using the restroom before you arrive.

To access Orange Hammock WMA, participants must drive down a 4-mile dirt road that is bumpy and may have potholes. Vehicles with a lower-than-typical clearance are not recommended. Driving and access directions will be provided after you register. Plan to add an extra 15 minutes of travel time to reach our meeting spot.

A $5 donation per person is suggested for this program. Your gift will help Big Waters Land Trust save wild places and continue to engage people in nature. We greatly appreciate your support!