Queen butterflies on Aquatic milkweed, Asclepias incarnata

Tosohatchee WMA

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Photo above by Mary Keim

THIS FIELD TRIP IS SOLD OUT. Email us to be added to the waiting list.

Join us as we explore the Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area with local naturalists Mary Keim and Randy Snyder. We will meet in the parking lot just past the pay station. From there, we will caravan along Powerline Road and Fish Hole Road, making several stops to take in the wildflowers, butterflies, birds and beautiful scenery. Some species we hope to see in bloom include Hooded pitcherplants (Sarracenia minor); Southeastern sneezeweed (Helenium pinnatifidum); False foxglove (Agalinis sp.); Nuttall’s thistle (Cirsium nuttallii), which attracts swallowtails and skippers; Aquatic milkweed (Asclepias incarnata or A. perennis), the larval host plant for the Monarch and Queen butterflies; and Leavenworth’s tickseed, which attracts sweat bees. Beyond plants and pollinators, some other likely sightings include Red-headed woodpeckers, Eastern bluebirds and Bachman’s sparrows. Be sure to bring your camera and binoculars.

Mary Keim and Randy Snyder have been visiting Tosohatchee WMA for many years, where they have conducted bird and butterfly surveys and searched for wildflowers with author and FWF member Walter Taylor. Mary is a retired biology instructor from Seminole State College. Randy graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in biology, and has written several booklets about butterflies and wildflowers for the nearby Orlando Wetlands Park.

Start time: 9 a.m.
Trip length: 2–3 hours
Fees: Free for Foundation members and $10 for non-members
An additional $3 per vehicle park entrance fee applies and is to be paid onsite. Bring exact change as there is no attendant.

Contact Rose Kinane at RKinane@FlaWildflowers.org to find out if your membership is current or needs to be renewed. To join as a member, visit FlaWildflowers.org/support.

To prepare for the day:

  • Bring water, snacks and whatever else you need to stay comfortable in an outdoor setting.
  • Sunscreen and bug spray may be necessary. If using aerosol products, please be mindful of others and apply before you arrive.
  • Wear weather- and environment-appropriate clothing. Long pants, a hat and closed-toe shoes are recommended.

https://myfwc.com/media/1562/tosohatchee-trails.pdf
https://myfwc.com/media/5302/cmp_tosohatchee_2003_2013.pdf