Crisp winter air and sand that glared, scrub jays and solitude, moonlit skies and the colors of a fall palette....Sierrans and friends had it all during a January weekend trip to Archbold Biological Station near Lake Placid, FL.

This vast private research station is one of the last remaining stands of scrub habitat on the Lake Wales Ridge and is home to a plethora of endemic species, many of which are endangered. Seasoned & certified outings leaders Sara Case & Elaine Wise arranged a weekend of activities designed to stimulate the participants minds as well as set a relaxing tone to every participant's experience of this special place.

The group enjoyed an informational video, a guided hike, and hands-on snake-charming - all before lunch! A free afternoon was utilized by many for hiking and visiting a nearby lake before an evening appointment with an Ambassador to the Solar System, who guided us on a journey through the night sky (free of city lights) and shared her experiences from over 25 years of "star-gazing" across Florida.

Top that off with a home-cooked breakfast on Sunday morning followed by another walk in the wilderness, and many Browardites came away relaxed and inspired to save what remains of this precious and unique ecosystem. Scrub habitat in central Florida is under increasing pressure from residential development & land conversion to citrus groves, further endangering animals such as the Florida scrub jay, gopher tortoise, scrub lizard, bobcat, and bald eagle, as well as dozens of plant species.

A Florida Scrub Jay	Full moon over the scrub pines...
Group shot (left to right): Nancy Eichert, Dawn Serra, Elaine Wise, Louis Serra, Brandi Wisner, Barbara Burk, Sara Case, Rick (guide), Barbara Burk, Jackie Fisher, Sheryl Chapman, April Middleman, Amanda Gaston, Keith Moran