Take a Walk on the Wild Side - Fall Wildflowers and Bird Calls

Kitching Creek Nature Trail

Hike Leaders: CJ McCartney & Marjorie Shropshire

Now that the big Thanksgiving meal is eaten and the shopping is done, let’s go on a hike with CJ McCartney and Marjorie Shropshire — noted artist and co-author of several nature books — to explore the meadows and habitats of Kitching Creek Nature Trail. Along with checking out the meadows to discover what's blooming, Marjorie will show us how to translate bird calls into a sketch — it's really fun! We'll also create photo portraits incorporating the surrounding flowers.

We'll bring the tools; you bring your camera, curiosity, and a sense of adventure.

This hike is for all levels. Expect natural, sandy trails that may be damp or wet in places. Wear closed-toe shoes, bring sun protection (hat, sunglasses) and water, and get ready to see Wild Florida at its finest.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• A guided walk through the native plants and wildflowers unique to this ecosystem.

• A hands-on session sketching bird calls and making nature portraits with your phone.

• Fascinating habitat and plant facts and field insight from naturalists.

• A look at how native plants, pollinators, and birds connect.

• Multiple habitats and plant communities to observe.

• A plant checklist and iNaturalist project to remember the trails you walked and the plants you saw.

  LOGISTICS — JONATHAN DICKINSON STATE PARK

• Park fees apply

• You will receive the meeting spot once you've registered, so keep an eye out for the email!

  GOOD TO KNOW

• Registration is required. No walk-ins.

• Please be on time so we can make the most of our time in the field.

• Rain or shine. Trail conditions vary; portions may be wet, with uneven natural terrain.

• Photos may be taken for social media — let us know if you'd rather not be included.

• Please cancel if you can't make it — someone else may be waiting.

  WHAT TO BRING

• Comfortable clothes you don't mind getting dirty or wet, and closed-toe shoes or hiking boots.

• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses) and bug spray.

• Water and a water bottle.

This is a wonderful chance to spend time outdoors, learn from top naturalists, and connect with fellow nature enthusiasts. We love seeing your nature pics — tag us on Instagram and Facebook! Questions or accommodation requests? Reach out at fieldtrips@auduboneverglades.org.

Highlights: 2 hours 30 minutes • In person

MEET YOUR GUIDES

CJ McCartney, Environmental Steward

After moving to South Florida from Chicago in the late nineties, CJ traded a consulting career for cycling and hiking natural habitats, and started noticing the wildlife that depends on them. She trained as a Master Gardener and took a variety of landscape and horticulture classes to complement her formal education in public policy from Harvard University. Today she is the Master Gardener at Ann Norton Sculpture Garden, serves on the Audubon Everglades Advisory Board and several state and local boards, and leads a Conservation Conversation and Art & Nature Series focused on reconciliation ecology while continuing to design and install pollinator and wildflower gardens in public spaces.

Contact: CJ McCartney, cjmpbc@gmail.com | Instagram: @Botanizingbirdingbutterflies

Marjorie Shropshire

Marjorie leads field journaling sessions that inspire unique approaches to nature through slow looking and experiencing nature with all the senses. She edits and produces Palmetto, the magazine of the Florida Native Plant Society, and is coauthor of A Step-by-Step Guide to a Florida Native Yard and Living Shorelines for Florida (University Press of Florida). She holds a BFA from the University of Miami and an MFA in Design and Visual Communication from the University of Florida.

Bella moth
Photography: CJ McCartney

Pine Lily
Photography: CJ McCartney