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Upcoming Events
 Earth Day Hike
Celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, April 20 with a relaxing nature walk guided by longtime Chinsegut volunteer and professional arborist Ken Morgan. Along the way we'll learn about the amazing native trees found at Chinsegut Wildlife and Environmental Area. The distance of the hike is about 1.2 miles over soft, sandy terrain. Spots are limited and registration is required. Chinsegut has one track chair available on a first come, first served basis for people with mobility challenges. If you would like to participate in this program and feel like you would benefit from the use of the chair, please contact us to request an accommodation.
 Save the Dates for WildQuest
Florida WildQuest is back April 27-May 5 at Chinsegut WEA and other Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) across the state. Play this unique wildlife themed scavenger hunt with your family, friends or as a solo adventurer for a chance to win prizes! It’s simple:
- Download the GooseChase app.
- Head out to Chinsegut, Perry Oldenburg, Chassahowitzka or any other WMA April 27-May 5. Not sure where to start? Discover locations to play on FWC’s new, easy to use entrance finder (look for lead areas in blue).
- Enter game code DE6E39 into the GooseChase app and get ready to play! Respond to fun prompts all while watching everyone’s submissions roll in on a live feed. Players who register and earn at least 2,000 points will be eligible for the random drawing for nature-themed prizes.
For more information, visit the WildQuest website and for live updates check out the Facebook event.
 A local family of three poses next to a foam target they shot on Chinegut's 3D archery course.
3D Archery Is Back!
3D Archery shoots are back at Chinsegut on the first Saturday of each month starting in April. April's shoot was a success with almost 60 registered participants who enjoyed getting out in the woods and spending time with friends and family, all while honing their skills on 20 brand-new targets in a way that simulated a real hunting experience. Our goal is to use the suggested donations from 3D archery registration to continue to maintain and enhance this and other outdoor skills programs at Chinsegut. The next 3D shoot is on Saturday, May 4. Check out the event page for more details. We hope to see you there!
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Highlights from Last Season
 A group of high school students answering questions about wildlife at the 2024 Nature Coast Envirothon competition.
Chinsegut Hosts Wildlife Portion of Nature Coast Envirothon
In February, we had the opportunity to quiz teams of students from Hernando, Pasco, Citrus and Sumter Counties on a variety of wildlife topics at our local Envirothon. Florida Envirothon is a hands-on environmental problem-solving competition for high school students grades 9-12. The students must prepare to be quizzed in Forestry, Wildlife, Aquatic Ecology, Soil and Land Use and in a current environmental issue topic which changes each year. Winning teams have the chance to advance and compete for recognition, scholarships and prizes.
 Scorpions glow a greenish blue color when exposed to UV light at night. Chinsegut has several new UV flashlights for guests to borrow and explore with during our night hikes.
Nocturnal Adventures
On Saturday, February 24 we hosted a nocturnal creature talk and walk. Participants enjoyed learning about nocturnal animals with a focus on local species including Brazilian free-tailed bats, barred owls and flying squirrels to name a few. Several times a year we offer night hikes, The next one is on the night of a full moon, Friday, June 21. Keep an eye on our schedule of activities (where we post events one month in advance) as these hikes fill up quickly!
 A group of adults participating in our nature journaling class on March 13, 2024.
Connecting with the Outdoors Through Nature Journaling
During our nature journaling classes we focus on what visitors are experiencing with their five senses and recommend several fun and interesting ways to document those observations. We help break down mental barriers that may prevent people from participating in nature-based art, all while having fun and connecting with the outdoors. Pictured above are several adults who brought their children to a nature journaling class and discovered that there was a place for them in this practice too. Check out our request a program page to learn more about how you can request a nature journaling class for your organized group of 10 or more (all ages are welcome, elementary and up!).
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Volunteers
 This season, Richard Mizanin (pictured above) has been a great help to us by ensuring that the center can remain open and staffed on the occasions when we host educational programs elsewhere. On Fridays and Saturdays from 8am-2pm the center is open to the public, but these are often the best time to offer programs and events. Luckily we have volunteers like Richard who are happy to step in and help! Richard can be found in the center answering phones and conversing with visitors if you stop by on a busy day.
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Nature and Wildlife Connection
 A female summer tanager on a bird feeder at Chinsegut Conservation Center on January 3, 2024. Photo by Bev Hansen.
Although it’s increasingly common to observe small numbers of summer tanagers wintering in Central Florida, it’s still not the norm. We were excited to observe a female summer tanager regularly around the center starting in early January. Since these birds typically spend their winters across the Gulf of Mexico in Cuba and beyond, visitors were surprised to hear the dry, clicking pit-ti-tuck call of the Summer Tanager months ago. The center’s bird feeders served as an attractant, providing nutrient rich sunflower seeds, but some of their most preferred foods are bees and wasps. Tanagers will catch them out of the air and then rub the stinger off before consuming them. Other items on the menu include various fruits such as mulberries, which we also have thanks to Hernando Audubon who planted a red mulberry tree in our native plant gardens in memory of Kathie Rosse. Check out our eBird hotspot to see what other bird are being observed at Chinsegut. Consider tracking your bird observations and contributing to conservation by submitting your checklists. Learn more about how your observations contribute to conservation here. Happy birding!
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Chinsegut offers something for everyone! For more information about upcoming programs including how to register, visit our Schedule of Activities page. |
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Chinsegut Conservation Center
23212 Lake Lindsey Road
Brooksville, FL 34601
Chinsegut@MyFWC.com
352-754-6722
Chinsegut Conservation Center is an education facility managed by FWC that offers environmental education and outdoors skills programs to the public. We are located 7 miles north of Brooksville and are nestled within the Chinsegut Wildlife and Environmental Area. Our fun and educational programs connect visitors with biologists and subject matter experts, enhancing understanding and enjoyment of Florida’s unique natural areas.
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