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All Departments Administration Corrections Development Services Facilities Management Human Resources Information Technology Library Services Management and Budget Services Natural Resources Management Neighborhood and Human Services Parks and Recreation Public Safety Public Works Veterans Services Waste ServicesThe Escambia County Natural Resources Management Department is continuing to make improvements to the 1.3-mile nature trail at the Southwest Escambia Sports Complex, including ongoing conservation efforts, trail maintenance, plant species monitoring and more.
Escambia County Natural Resources Conservation Division staff planted 10 White-Topped Pitcher Plants along the trail last week as part of the county's ongoing conservation efforts in the area, in conjunction with celebrating the 55th anniversary of Earth Day. The White-Topped Pitcher Plant is endangered in Florida, with an estimated 97.5% of Pitcher Plant habitats destroyed in the southeastern United States due to ongoing development. The Pitcher Plant provides numerous benefits as a carnivorous plant, helping to reduce the insect population by attracting, trapping and absorbing insects.
The Southwest Escambia County Sports Complex nature trail was recently designated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as part of the Florida Greenways and Trails System, adding it to the state's network of greenways and trails throughout Florida. The trail lies within the Escambia County Southwest Greenway Corridor of the Florida Greenways and Trails System.
Future amenities along the nature trail will include additional benches, picnic areas, kiosks, and environmental education signage, which NRC recently received a grant from the Florida Forest Service to help purchase.
Escambia County Natural Resources staff are continuing initiatives to protect and improve the nature trail, which is part of more than 112 acres of forested conservation lands at the Southwest Escambia Sports Complex. Conservation efforts include forestry mulching, annual invasive plant species monitoring and treatment, and plans for a prescribed burn later this year.
The Natural Resources Conservation Division of the Escambia County Natural Resources Department conducted over 67 acres of forestry mulching in fall 2023, which helps reduce overgrown vegetation and improves site safety. Through this process, small woody shrubs and invasive species are removed, leaving mature native trees to flourish. The unwanted vegetation is mulched and left onsite, improving soil health and preventing erosion. Forestry mulching reduces wildfire risks, improves forest health and increases area visibility.
The NRC division also conducts yearly invasive plant species monitoring and eradication treatment. Invasive plant species include cogon grass, Japanese climbing fern, and Chinese Tallow.
Future forest management plans for the conservation lands include a prescribed burn in fall 2025. Prescribed burns keep the understory open to allow grasses and other small plants, such as wiregrass and pitcher plants, to dominate the landscape. Ash keeps the soil fertile and encourages new plant growth in the spring. By reducing fuel loads and keeping the understory clear, land managers reduce the chances of a larger, more dangerous wildfire.
The Southwest Escambia Sports Complex is located at 2020 Bauer Road. The nature trail is open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset and can be accessed from several locations within the park. Please see the trail map for details.
To learn more about Escambia County Natural Resources Management, visit MyEscambia.com or follow @ECNaturalResources on Facebook.
Escambia County Natural Resources Management staff prepare to plant Sarracenia leucophylla, or White-Topped Pitcher Plants, along the nature trail at the Southwest Escambia Sports Complex on Friday, April 25, in honor of Earth Day.
Endangered White-Topped Pitcher Plants ready to be planted along the nature trail at the Southwest Escambia Sports Complex.
Escambia County Natural Resources Management staff plant Sarracenia leucophylla, or White-Topped Pitcher Plants, along the nature trail at the Southwest Escambia Sports Complex on Friday, April 25, in honor of Earth Day.
Part of the 1.3-mile nature trail at the Southwest Escambia Sports Complex.
Pitcher Plants grow along the nature trail at the Southwest Escambia Sports Complex.
Part of the 1.3-mile nature trail at the Southwest Escambia Sports Complex.
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