ISB Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants-Descriptions, Distribution Maps, Images
www.plantatlas.usf.edu



Reference Books and Field Guides

Butterflies through Binoculars-A Field, Finding, and Gardening guide to Butterflies in Florida; Glassberg, Minno, and Calhoun, Oxford University Press, 2000
www.oup.com/uk/catalogue/?ci=9780195112498

Butterflies of the East Coast-An Observer's Guide; Rick Cech and Guy Tudor, Princeton University Press, Princeton and Oxford
www.pupress.princeton.edu

North Central Florida Butterflying Locations

Florida Museum of Natural History-A great place to study the natural history of the flora and fauna of Florida. The Butterfly Rainforest, and the Wildflower and Butterfly Garden are excellent places to view butterflies and their habitat.

San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park-This preserve has one of the few remaining mature forests in Florida. The limestone outcrops and extreme changes in elevation provide ideal conditions for many species of hardwood trees, including several champion trees. Bobcats, white-tailed deer, gray foxes, turkeys, and many species of songbirds make their homes in the 18 natural communities found in the preserve. The park offers outdoor adventure to hikers, off-road bicyclists, horseback riders, and nature lovers. To ensure solitude and quiet for a true wilderness experience, the southern two-thirds of the park is designated for hiking only. The northern third of the park has horse trails, off-road cycling, and hiking. Equestrians must carry proof of a negative Coggins test. The hiking trailhead is located four miles northwest of Gainesville on State Road 232. The horseback and bicycle trailheads are located off U.S. 441 just south of Alachua. Swallowtails, particularly Palamedes, Eastern Tiger, and Zebra Swallowtails are found throughout the preserve. Gulf Fritillaries, Gray Hairstreaks, and numerous skippers abound. Recent skipper observations include Little Glassy-Wings and Yucca Giants. Goatweed Leafwings and Questionmarks can often be seen lurking in the shadow of shady trails. Harvesters have been spotted along Moonshine Creek as have Southern Pearlyeyes.

Devil's Hammock Wildlife Management Area-Managed by the Suwannee River Water management District, this large management area along the Waccasassa River is located between Cedar Key and Gainesville on state highway 24. Swallowtail, particularly Pipevine Swallowtails, Sulphurs, Red Admirals, Pearl Crescents, and Phaon Cresents can generally be found along Long Branch and Camp Road (see map on link). This location is a prime area for spotting the "Seminole" Texan Crescent as well as Gemmed Satyrs. Look in shady swampy areas for the the Gemmed Satyrs. Roads are sandy and can be impassable, particularly in dry periods. A parking area just off State Highway 24 is available and roads are generally good walking trails. Maps available at above link.

Payne's Prairie Preserve State Park-Paynes Prairie is biologically, geologically, and historically unique. This park became FloridaŽs first state preserve in 1971 and is now designated as a National Natural Landmark. Noted artist and naturalist William Bartram called it the great Alachua Savannah when he wrote about his visit to the prairie in 1774.

Over 20 distinct biological communities provide a rich array of habitats for wildlife, including alligators, bison, wild horses, and over 270 species of birds. Exhibits and an audio-visual program at the visitor center explain the areaŽs natural and cultural history. A 50-foot-high observation tower near the visitor center provides a panoramic view of the preserve.

Eight trails provide opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling. Ranger-led activities are offered on weekends, November through April. Fishing on Lake Wauberg is allowed and a boat ramp provides access for canoes and boats with electric motors. Gasoline powered boats are not allowed. Full-facility campsites are available for overnight visitors. Located on U.S. 441, 10 miles south of Gainesville.

City of Gainesville Nature Parks-The City of Gainesville Florida maintains dozens of nature parks which are great for "butterflying". See the city map at this link for locations and facilities. These are not typical city playgrounds, but rather truly qualify as "nature parks".

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens-Gardens, lake, and gift shop.

Lake Alto-County park and boat ramp with access into Lake Alto and nearby nature trail through longleaf pine habitat.

Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail-Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail State Park stretches 16 miles from the City of Gainesville's Boulware Springs Park through the Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and the Lochloosa Wildlife Management Area. The recreational trail is designed for walking, cycling, and horseback riding. Parking is provided at three trail heads, Boulware Springs Park (3500 SE 15th Street) in Gainesville; near C.R. 2082 west of Hawthorne at 7209 SE 200th Drive; and at 300 SW 2nd Avenue, in Hawthorne. Primitive restrooms are located at mile markers 1.0 and 6.6.

Watermelon Pond-County park and boat ramp with access into Watermelon Pond

Goethe State Forest-This State Forest was named for Mr. J.T. Goethe, from whom most of the land was purchased under Florida's Conservation and Recreation Lands (CARL) Program in 1992. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry, was given lead management responsibility for the Goethe State Forest. Using sound forest management, the Division of Forestry provides for multiple uses of the forest resources which includes timber management, wildlife management, outdoor recreation and ecological restoration.

O'leno State Park-Located along the banks of the scenic Santa Fe River, a tributary of the Suwannee River, the park features sinkholes, hardwood hammocks, river swamps, and sandhills. As the river courses through the park, it disappears underground and reemerges over three miles away in the River Rise State Preserve. One of Florida's first state parks, O'Leno was first developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. The suspension bridge built by the CCC still spans the river. Visitors can picnic at one of the pavilions or fish in the river for their dinner. Canoes and bicycles are available for rent. While hiking the nature trails, visitors can look for wildlife and enjoy the beauty of native plants. The shady, full-facility campground is the perfect place for a relaxing overnight stay. Located on U.S. 441, six miles north of High Springs.

River Rise State Park-The Santa Fe River goes underground in O'Leno State Park and reemerges over three miles away in River Rise State Park as a circular pool before resuming its journey to the Suwannee River. Surrounded by quiet woods and huge trees, anglers can spend a relaxing afternoon fishing on the river. Hiking and wildlife viewing is also a favorite pastimes for park visitors.

Equestrians can explore over 20 miles of trails and end the day camping overnight with their horses. Located near the entrance to the park, the horse camp has primitive campsites, restrooms, and a 20-stall horse barn available on a first-come-first-served basis. Equestrian fees and camping fees are paid first at OŽLeno State Park before entering River Rise State park. The equestrian fee includes park admission. Proof of negative Coggins is required.

OŽLeno State Park is located on U.S. 441, six miles north of High Springs. The entrance to the River Rise is two miles west of High Springs on U.S. 27.