Learn about wildlife in pine flatwoods at P&P meeting on Saturday, January 10

A local wildlife and conservation biologist will speak at our meeting at the Okeeheelee Nature Center.

Dear Club Members, Guests and Visitors,

Tori Strange, a local wildlife and conservation biologist, will be the guest speaker at the Palm Beach Pack & Paddle Club’s meeting at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 10, at the Okeeheelee Nature Center, part of Okeeheelee Park, 7715 Forest Hill Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33413.

The meeting is free and open to everyone -- current and past club members, club visitors and guests and the public. Attendees are encouraged to arrive for socializing starting at 1:30 p.m.

Tori’s topic: “Wildlife in Our Pine Flatwoods”

Description: Tori will be discussing the resident wildlife communities of pine flatwoods in Southeast Florida. We will discover the key components of a healthy flatwoods system, meet some of the remarkable species that inhabit Palm Beach County’s protected remnants, and learn how these animals adapt to extreme weather. Tori’s talk will also highlight species of special concern and their conservation challenges.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

As a wildlife and conservation biologist, Tori Strange has experience conducting surveys for birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and associated vegetation throughout the country. Her graduate research examined the north-central highlands of Nicaragua.

Tori currently manages four preserves for Palm Beach County Environmental Resources Management (PBC ERM). Her responsibilities include monitoring for listed plants and animals, overseeing management activities and invasive species removal, habitat restoration, public outreach and application of prescribed fire.

The PBC County Commission created ERM in 1987 to establish, maintain, and implement programs for the protection, preservation, and enhancement of the land and water resources of the county. ERM now protects and manages more than 31,000 acres of environmentally sensitive lands. More than 30 of the natural areas have public use facilities and allow passive recreation.

MEETING REMINDER
--Who: Palm Beach Pack & Paddle Club
--What: January club meeting
--Speaker: Tori Strange
--When: Saturday, January 10, 2 p.m.
--Social time: Starts at 1:30 p.m.
--Where: Okeeheelee Nature Center, 7715 Forest Hill Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33413
--Directions: From Jog Road, take Forest Hill Boulevard 1.2 miles west to Eshleman Trail (the second Okeeheelee Park entrance). Turn right (north) and follow the signs and road 1.6 miles to the Nature Center, which is in the back of the park.
--Questions: Text or call 561-312-2765.

Before the meeting: Please bring produce to support Okeeheelee’s ‘Animal Ambassadors’

Please bring your extra produce to the party. Produce can be placed on the table in the back of the meeting room.

Here are the produce and specialty items that will be particularly helpful to the Nature Center:

--Apples (loved by the deer and Paisley, the opossum)

--Carrots (for the deer, opossum and insects)

--Celery (favorites of the deer)

--Sweet Potatoes (loved by the deer, opossum and insects)

--Unsalted Almonds (for the deer)

--Canned Cat Food (loved by Paisley)

--Unscented “Puppy Pads for Paisley”

--Plain Epsom Salt (used by Luigi, the diamondback terrapin)

--Wild Bird Seed with no corn or fillers (for the local birds at the bird feeders)

(Note: Please do not bring citrus or iceberg lettuce.)

Produce donations help to feed animals throughout the beautiful natural area at the park. And our club receives credit for our produce donations!

REMINDER: We also have a donation jar on the table. Any monetary donations will be used to purchase produce for the next monthly meeting.

The Nature Center gratefully thanks you for your generous donations at each meeting.

Looking ahead: Our events preview slide show for the next four weeks!

Near the end of the meeting, we will view Michael Barr’s slide show presentation of upcoming events and trips that will include comments from trip organizers!

We will learn about events and trips for the next four weeks – plus trips that you will need to plan for far in advance!

WHERE TO FIND A MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION:

NEW! You can now join or renew using our new Electronic Membership Form!

--ELECTRONIC MEMBERSHIP FORM:

Ready to join or renew for 2026?

Just click on our new Electronic Membership Form:

https://form.jotform.com/mbarrdragon2/pb-pnp-member-app-2026

--IN PERSON: Pick up a membership application at a club meeting or event.

QUESTIONS?

For questions about the Pack & Paddle Club’s October meeting, please call or text 561-312-2765.