Field Trip to Stump Pass Beach State Park

Stump Pass Beach State Park is a Florida State Park that includes the southern peninsula of Manasota Key, and two small islands to the east, Whidden and Peterson Key.  Robert Kraft will lead us along a 1.3 mile hiking trail down the center of Stump Pass through the park’s five distinct natural communities. Along this trail you may see a variety of wildlife such as Ospreys, Bald Eagles, and a few warblers.  We might see Fiddler Crabs, Gopher Tortoises, Manatees or Dophins. There is a plant guide with labels for Prickly Pear Cactus, Indigo Berry, Bay Cedar and Coontie.  We will walk the beach to see the shore and sea birds.  Lately a Reddish Egret, Greater Yellowlegs, White Pelicans, Dunlins, Bonaparte's Gulls, Least Sandpipers, Marbled Godwits, Semipalmated Plovers and Red-breasted Mergansers to name a few of the 222 species sighted there at ebird. Please bring bug spray, water and sunscreen It would be a great idea to carpool because there are only 50 spaces and there is a $3 parking fee.