Explore Cockroach Bay Nature Reserve in Southern Hillsborough County

Many of us are looking for ways to stay active while staying a safe distance from others. That’s why Sarah Phinney created a “Walking Club” to highlight some hidden and less hidden trails and parks in Tampa Bay.

Consider visiting Cockroach Bay Nature Reserve this weekend! Don’t let the name scare you. There is a good reason for this, and it’s not what you think!

Where is it?

Cockroach Bay Nature Reserve is located in southern Hillsborough County. Put this address in your phone:

3839 Gulf City Road
Ruskin, Florida 33570

The reserve, unlike conservation parks, does not have washrooms or park rangers.

What’s up with the name?

Don’t let the name of this place stop you from visiting!

Chris Kiddy, program coordinator for Hillsborough County’s Land Conservation and Environmental Management Department, says Spanish explorers saw horseshoe crabs in the water and thought they looked like cockroaches. The name stuck!

“It’s not the prettiest name, but once you get here and realize where the name comes from, and you’re here, you realize this place is really beautiful,” Kiddy said.

The region was once agricultural land.

Hillsborough County purchased the land in 1991 and spent two decades restoring habitat. Work completed in 2012.

“Now that whole wetland is acting like a filter to help clean up the Tampa Bay,” Kiddy said.

Visitors will now find a giant mound, made of all the dirt that remained from the project.

Kiddy calls it one of the best places in the bay to watch a sunset.

“You can see the Skyway, St. Pete and Tampa Bay,” he said.

And the trails?

There is a red run and a blue run. The red trail is about half a mile and takes you around the mound.

The blue trail is just over a mile and takes you around a pond. Kiddy says the area attracts bird watchers. In fact, he says, according to eBird, it tops the list in Hillsborough County.

“This site has more listed species than people have identified than any other site in the county,” Kiddy said.

Visitors should be aware that shade is limited, especially on the blue trail. Plan accordingly!

Want to get out on the water?

You can launch your kayak, canoe or boat at the end of Cockroach Bay Road.

There are two trails for paddlers. The Horseshoe Crab Canoe Trail goes south. The Snook Canoe trail heads north.

“Really great kayaking trails, they go through mangrove tunnels,” Kiddy said.

There are no rentals available at the moment, but guided tours are available several times a year.

Sign up for the Hillsborough County Trailblazer newsletter to be notified of upcoming trips.

Join the walking club!

Post photos of your adventures, ask questions and find out about upcoming #WalkingClub stories in the Sarah’s Walking Club group on Facebook!

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Police warn to stay away from dangerous blue lagoon “like swimming in a bath of bleach”

Police have issued a new warning not to swim in the disused quarries as they continue to monitor a “dangerous” blue lagoon in the Peak District.

The limestone quarry, known as Harpur Hill Quarry, has been described as “possibly the UK’s most dangerous water”.

Indeed, its high alkaline pH makes it similar to swimming in a “bleach bath”.

Derbyshire Police say they continue to monitor the lagoon and urge people not to risk swimming in disused quarries.

For the latest email updates from South Yorkshire Live, Click here .

In May of last year, the force issued a warning after about 2,000 people flocked there in hot weather.

The force said it received no reports of antisocial behavior around the Harpur Hill quarry over the recent bank holiday weekend.

However, they urge people to think twice before heading into disused careers.

A force spokesperson said: “Officers did not receive any reports of anti-social behavior around the Harpur Hill quarry over the public holiday weekend, but continue to monitor the area and work with law enforcement agencies. partnership to help maintain this over the long term.



The water in the quarry has a dangerous pH

“There are a number of disused quarries in Derbyshire and across the country.

“Many of them are on private land, so that in addition to the risk of offenses, people swimming in quarry waters are exposed to cold water shock, injury to themselves by objects. hidden below the surface or other pollution-related health problems.

“Please don’t put yourself in danger.”

It comes as two teenagers lost their lives after swimming in open water in Yorkshire last week.

Sam Haycock, 16, tragically lost his life after jumping to help a friend at Ulley Reservoir in Rotherham on Friday May 28.

Despite an extensive search by emergency services, his body was found soon after.

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Four days later, a 13-year-old boy was killed after playing in the Calder River in Brighouse on Tuesday, June 1.

The boy’s body was found after hours of urgent searches by specialized teams of police and firefighters.

He was playing with friends in the river near Armytage Road but struggled.

Police were called at 2:38 p.m. and were joined at the scene by firefighters, paramedics and an air ambulance.

West Yorkshire Police also reiterated a message to think twice before swimming in open water.

The force said on Wednesday: “We would like to remind the public of the dangers of swimming in lakes, reservoirs, rivers and canals.

“Thinking of taking a dip to cool off from the hot weather?”

“Please think again. “


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People have warned to stay away from the blue lagoon which looks like a ‘bleach bath’

Police have warned people not to swim in the disused quarries as they monitor a “dangerous” blue lagoon in the Peak District.

The old quarry near Buxton, known as Harpur Hill Quarry, is popular with day trippers, but has been labeled “probably the UK’s most dangerous water”.

Indeed, its high alkaline pH makes it similar to swimming in a “bleach bath”.

Derbyshire Police say they continue to monitor the lagoon and urge people not to risk swimming in disused quarries – Yorkshire Live reports.

In May of last year, the force issued a warning after about 2,000 people flocked there in hot weather.

The force said it received no reports of antisocial behavior around the Harpur Hill quarry over the recent bank holiday weekend.

But, they urge people to think twice before heading into disused careers.

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A force spokesperson said: “Officers did not receive any reports of anti-social behavior around the Harpur Hill quarry over the public holiday weekend, but continue to monitor the area and work with law enforcement agencies. partnership to help maintain this over the long term.

“There are a number of disused quarries in Derbyshire and across the country.

“Many of them are on private land, so that in addition to the risk of offenses, people swimming in quarry waters are exposed to cold water shock, injury to themselves by objects. hidden below the surface or other pollution-related health problems.

“Please don’t put yourself in danger.”



Derbyshire Police urge people not to visit Buxton’s ‘Blue Lagoon’

It comes as two teenagers lost their lives after swimming in open water in Yorkshire last week.

Sam Haycock, 16, tragically lost his life after jumping to help a friend at Ulley Reservoir in Rotherham on Friday May 28.

Despite an extensive search by emergency services, his body was found soon after.

Four days later, a 13-year-old boy was killed after playing in the Calder River in Brighouse on Tuesday, June 1.

The boy’s body was found after hours of urgent searches by specialized teams of police and firefighters.

He was playing with friends in the river near Armytage Road but struggled.

Police were called at 2:38 p.m. and were joined at the scene by firefighters, paramedics and an air ambulance.

West Yorkshire Police also reiterated a message to think twice before swimming in open water.

The force said on Wednesday: “We would like to remind the public of the dangers of swimming in lakes, reservoirs, rivers and canals.

“Thinking of taking a dip to cool off from the hot weather?”

“Please think again. “


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Garman nature reserve orientation trail signage unveiled | Jefferson County Area

WATERLOO – On Saturday, May 22, the new trail orientation signage for the Dr JS Garman nature reserve was officially unveiled in Waterloo.

For the event, supporters gathered for a guided tour at the entrance to the Garman Reserve and encountered the first of 18 colorful art panels by artist Ho-Chunk Christopher Sweet. The delicate yet powerful graphics advised visitors to “take care of this special place” and informed viewers that the Ho Chunk are the people of the great voice, the original people of this region.

The recently completed Cultural / Natural Orientation and Interpretation Project installation at Garman Nature Reserve is the culmination of two years of work with a group of volunteers, the Ho-Chunk Tribe and a design company.

“This is something that we are all extremely proud of and hopefully will be appreciated by all who see it,” said Kevin Wiesmann, Acting Director of Jefferson County Parks.

The Parks Department worked with local volunteers and Group 106 to develop this series of interpretive signs that guide visitors through the nature reserve and provide an understanding of the features of the reserve, including the 22 conical Indian mounds, glacial features, geology and common plants and animals found in the reserve.

The new signage also indicates the layout of the trails and places to locate the giant yellow hyssop (Agastache nepetoides), a plant species on the endangered species list of the state of Wisconsin.

Hikers through the park might think they are in an art gallery as each of the orientation signs encountered features another expressive and imaginative design.

“My mind is always trying to find the right path in a painting, so when I start a process sometimes there are a few ideas layered under the finished job,” Sweet explained. “It can be a long journey, but it’s still a therapeutic experience.”

Sweet’s Ho-Chunk name is Huuc Co Blue Bear, and he attended the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, NM

The new interpretive and orientation signage of the trails of the Garman Nature Reserve only adds to the natural beauty of the reserve.

Mary Truman, Jefferson County Parks Program Assistant, put it best: “If you are lost in the hustle and bustle of life, Garman Nature Reserve is a peaceful and serene remedy. Come and get lost in the reserve. You will meet again.

Now with the addition of these directional signage the journey just gets better.

In 2003, this 40-acre wooded hill, now the Dr. JS Garman Nature Reserve, was donated to Jefferson County by Mrs. Theo Garman in memory of her late husband, John.

Part of the county park system, Garman Nature Reserve is located at 701 Fox Lane in Waterloo. The Waterloo Regional Trailhead facility is adjacent to the property.


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WKD launches new flavors of Blue Lagoon and Tropical Sunrise cocktails for summer

British supermarekt chain Tesco and Morrisons are all set to launch new flavors of WKD Blue Lagoon and Tropical sunrise cocktails.

Cocktail fans won’t have to wait too long to get their hands on the new alcoholic beverage, as Tesco will launch the two new flavors in June, and they will both be available for purchase at Morrisons from July.

It’s no secret that we Brits need no excuse to get together and enjoy a few cocktails, so the launch of both flavors came just at the right time when the lockdown restrictions went on. relax and temperatures continue to rise.

WKD fans will soon be able to taste The Blue Lagoon, made with WKD Blue and mixed with citrus, berries and a blend of vodka flavors.

Cocktail lovers who love sweet and fruity flavors will love Tropical Sunrise, it’s made with WKD Orange & Passionfruit, Citrus, Strawberry and also mixed with vodka – making it the perfect alcoholic summer drink.

WKD fans responded to the Snack News & Reviews Facebook post, which has since received nearly 5,000 comments, with people sharing their views on the launch of the new flavors.

One fan tagged a friend saying, ‘Put it on your shopping list for July’ while another fan said, ‘Where were they when we were 16? “

A third fan went on to say, “22 degrees this Sunday girls, get this garden ready” while an excited fourth fan added, “Add tequila to the tropical sunrise, it’s like we’re back. in Tenerife. “

The nostalgic drink was first launched as an alcopop in 1996 with the famous WKD Blue in bars, clubs and supermarket shelves in the UK, and many will remember the brand’s famous slogan, ” Do you have a WKD side? “

WKD is not alone in launching brand new flavored alcoholic beverages. Pimm’s recently launched a new raspberry and gooseberry drink just in time for the bank holiday weekend.

The new Pimm’s Sundowner drink is served with lots of ice and prosecco.

Morrisons also recently launched the Aperol Cocktail Box which is perfect for the summer barbecue season, while budget chain Aldi has launched two new savory rum drinks with flavors of pineapple and raspberry mojito – that’s it. looks delicious.


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Iceland vacations start from £ 399 pp with visit to Blue Lagoon and volcano hike

Holidays to Iceland are currently offered with Icelandair starting at £ 399 per person, including your flights, hotel, and perks such as a visit to the Blue Lagoon and a hike on the volcano.

Package includes a trip to the iconic Blue Lagoon

Intrepid explorers can now book Iceland vacations from £ 399 per person, which includes a spa treatment in the iconic Blue Lagoon and a hike up the volcano.

Icelandair has launched a new Adventurer Package, which also includes your return flights to the UK, 23kg of checked baggage and three nights at CenterHotels Plaza on a bed and breakfast basis.

Iceland is currently on the UK’s green list of 12 countries and territories, so a holiday could be on the cards – although it’s worth noting that the country is currently only open to UK visitors who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 (aka have received both doses of one of the approved vaccines).

For those who can visit, there is no denying that this package is ideal for those looking for a bit of adventure.








People hiking on the trail leading to the recently erupted volcano at Fagradalsfjall mountain
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Picture:

Alamy Stock Photo)




To start, you will enjoy an excursion to the iconic Blue Lagoon with its geothermal waters and beautiful mountain views, where you can enjoy a luxurious spa treatment.

The package will also include a guided hike to the Fagradalsfjall volcano which has been erupting since March, with plenty of opportunities to learn about the volcanic landscape and take in the views of the glowing rivers of orange lava.





The hike itself can take up to two hours and is described as ‘of moderate difficulty’, but you’ll also be entitled to two hours around the volcanic site to explore and take in the breathtaking views.

Meanwhile, CenterHotels Plaza’s location in Reykjavik means you’ll be in a perfect location to access some of Iceland’s most beautiful spots, from black sand beaches to epic waterfalls.

Oh, and you might want to make room on the route for Iceland’s ridiculously cool new Sky Lagoon. The new attraction recently opened earlier this year and features a huge 264-foot-long natural infinity pool overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean, a sauna with epic views of the landscape, and plenty of on-board dining experiences. sea.








Blue Lagoon geothermal pools
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Picture:

Getty Images)




You can book Iceland packages on the Icelandair website here, with the offer valid for travel between June 8 and September 8.

Prices start from £ 399 per person from Gatwick, Manchester and Glasgow, or from £ 419 per person from Heathrow. You will need to book before May 31, 2021 to take advantage of the offer.

Looking for more travel inspiration? You may want subscribe to our travel newsletter for a weekly dose of destination ideas, news and deals / sales that we think are worth being on your radar.

What tempts you the most: a visit to the Blue Lagoon spa or a hike on the volcano? Let us know in the comments below.


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Cockroach Bay Nature Reserve is one of Ruskin’s hidden gems

RUSKIN, Florida – In the far west of Ruskin, you’ll find one of the area’s hidden gems.

Cockroach Bay Nature Reserve is so pristine that you would hardly know any fossils were unearthed there.

RELATED: Ruskin’s Camp Bayou Shines a Light on the Area’s Historic Past

Hillsborough County, along with state and federal partners, has worked for years to restore the ecosystem here.

This is part of the county’s ELAPP program. Before the county bought Cockroach Bay in 1991, the area suffered from a plant infestation and poor water quality. Something you wouldn’t even notice today.

“We have preserved about 64,000 acres across our county and are stringing them together in wildlife corridors, which is a great triumph for Hillsborough County is one of the things Hillsborough County can be very proud of. Ruskin residents can be proud of here, ”says Commissioner Mariella Smith.

The teams were able to improve the treatment of rainwater, agricultural runoff and restore two shell pits.

Today you can take a shell trail to the top of the lookout and see how beautiful it has become.

“So this is a wonderful legacy for future generations that Hillsborough County in our ELAPP Nature Preserve program has been able to preserve here,” said Smith.

One quick glance and you’ll notice Tropicana Field, the Sunshine Skyway, and downtown Tampa.

If you prefer boating and kayaking, head to the boat ramps. The views are just as magnificent. Our crews had the chance to catch a dolphin not far from the shore!

“It’s very beneficial for whatever people come to Tampa Bay for. So Cockroach Bay is the plain, the seagrass beds that are the nursery grounds for snooks, rockfish and mullet and all that people Blue crabs, we have a blue crab fishing industry as well as the recreational fishermen and fishing guides who make a living taking visitors and residents out fishing in Tampa Bay, ”says Smith.


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Laredo Nature Reserve, bird sanctuary approved by the City Council

At Monday’s City Council meeting, the Riverbend and Las Palmas Nature Trail were approved as the First Nature Reserve and the First Bird Watching Sanctuary, respectively, two resolutions strongly supported by Councilor Alyssa Cigarroa and supported by conservationists throughout the city.

Between the cooperation between the city, the Rio Grande International Study Center and the Monte Mucho Audubon Society, Cigarroa said the sites will now be protected and highlight the work done at each site over the past two decades.

Melissa Cigarroa, chair of the RGISC board, released a public comment stating that the Riverbend area had been threatened by the previous administration’s proposed border wall and federal overreach. She also said she hopes to see more designations in the years to come.

“We need to protect these natural areas for our community and our future, as these areas can easily disappear, robbing us of beauty and wonder and threatening our very existence,” she said. “The health of the Riverbend impacts the health of our river. We applaud the city’s efforts to create a green belt along the Rio Grande, planning these neighborhood amenities, north, south and center.

The Riverbend spans 77 acres and is a 90-degree turn below Laredo College and the San Francisco Javier Catholic Church. Over time, $ 5.5 million has been invested in restoring the turn as a refuge for the endangered, small interior tern, becoming a greener wildlife habitat and improving the quality of life for said fauna.

It is also the location of the annual Laredo Bird Watching Festival which attracts bird watchers from all over the world and generates millions of ecotourism.

Las Palmas Nature Trail is parked along the Rio Grande, parallel to Water Street with the trail entrance at the corner of Water Street and San Francisco Avenue. Monte Mucho representative and former director of the Environmental Science Center, Tom Miller, welcomed the move and said he had been involved in the projects for decades.

As a trail with an abundance of bird species, approximately 257 Miller said, the birding festival and birding community is becoming an international spectacle in Laredo, and the decision to designate the trail will put further highlight the city among the bird watching culture.

According to the city’s resolution, the new birding sanctuary sees 3,000 people arrive to see at least 20 species of warblers, the Amazonian kingfisher, the blue sparrow, the Morelet seed eater and many more. ‘other bird species. The trail is a unique blend of a variety of habitats that increase biodiversity in the area, and it is the second oldest natural trail in Laredo. It was built in October 2001 as part of the Justo Penn Park.

RGISC advisory board member Emede Rubio said the decision was a multi-level investment focused on the city, its community and natural resources. With 13 years of working with the RGISC, he said that the Rio Grande’s wealth in terms of resources and beauty cannot be overstated.

“We are in a unique region. We are fortunate to have such a beautiful ecological identity; an ecological identity which is threatened day by day, ”he declared.

By designating areas such as Riverbend and the Nature Trail, Rubio added that communities, students and conservationists will benefit.

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Likuliku Lagoon Resort for jeweler Shahana Kimiangatau

Her inspiration for creating Shahana Jewels came from the women in her family, especially her mother and grandmother.

Shahana Kimiangatau, founder and owner of Shahana Jewels (left) and Likuliku Lagoon Resort overwater bures, in a natural ocean lagoon, surrounded by a protected marine sanctuary (right).

Meet Shahana Kimiangatau, Founder and Owner of Shahana Jewels.

The born Fijian who now lives in Auckland, New Zealand, grew up in a multicultural home where her father was Indo-Fijian and her mother Chinese was Italian.

The pearls that make up the magnificent Shahana jewelry come from Tahiti.

Her inspiration for creating Shahana Jewels came from the women in her family, especially her mother and grandmother.

She said: “They have always encouraged me to be financially independent, to give back and to always use my voice for positive change.

“I really started to think about my business when I lost my mom to cancer.

“Crying, I wish she had done more of the things she loved, looked after herself more and put herself more first.”

“I didn’t want to have these regrets.

“I wanted to do something determined that gives me a reason to get out of bed every day.”

Career

Her family background, she says, absolutely influenced her career choices.

“I actually spent hours in jewelry stores with my mom in Fiji and New Zealand.

“We would spend hours talking to jewelers and asking them to show us the unique pieces that no one else would have if we bought them.

“Our jewelry is made entirely by women in New Zealand and India, and we are very honored to give them the opportunity to stand on their own feet.” She says she can’t wait to return to Fiji when the borders open.

“I miss my family and the food!”

Where would you take every visitor to Fiji and why?

Definitely to visit my family they are fed good food and really experience Fijian culture

What’s your favorite place in Fiji for a pie / coffee?

I love going to Gloria Jean when I’m in Fiji – mainly for their cassava cake and iced chocolate

What’s one place in Fiji at the top of your to-do list?

Would love to visit Likuliku Lagoon Resort someday.

Note: Likuliku Lagoon Resort (currently closed in light of COVID-19) is a subtle, adults-only haven of luxury exclusively for guests residing at the resort.

It is the first and only resort in Fiji with authentic bures on the water, in a natural ocean lagoon, surrounded by a protected marine sanctuary.

Feedback: [email protected]


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Nong Pong, a new lagoon park nearing completion in Pattaya

The developers of the project announced that they have almost completed construction of Nong Pong, a large new public park on Jomtien Second Road in the Pattaya region. The park began construction last May with an initial completion date of August which the construction team believes should be met without issue.

Pattaya Park has a large lagoon creating beautiful scenery and a tranquil environment and may even allow some limited water sports. Installation is underway for good lighting and exercise equipment to complete the natural park. One feature that could prove popular is that the park will be closed to ward off stray animals and keep it peaceful inside.

Pattaya’s goal is to create more public parks and open spaces to make Pattaya a city with a large number of green areas and more environmentally friendly. The hope is that beautiful and comfortable spaces will invite the people of Pattaya to go out, exercise and enjoy the space of the park, while also attracting Thai and foreign tourists to relax in the natural surroundings. from the city. The project is part of an effort to attract tourists to the Jomtien area, a goal that also includes a billion baht refurbishment for the beach.

City officials, including the mayor of Pattaya City, Sonthaya Khunplume, spoke enthusiastically about the park project, hoping it would become a major landmark for the city and eagerly awaited to announce its due date. official opening. Nong Pong has a total budget of around 32 million baht for its construction and is located across from the Riviera condo.

THE SOURCE: Pattaya News

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