William Bartram Scenic & Historic Highway

10/25/2026

🌕 Look Up, Bartram Neighbors—the Hunter’s Moon Is Almost Here!

Tomorrow, October 26, the October full moon will bring another reason to enjoy the evening sky along the William Bartram Scenic & Historic Highway.

Known as the Hunter’s Moon, it is traditionally the first full moon after the Harvest Moon. Near the horizon, it may glow orange or gold as its light passes through more of Earth’s atmosphere. ✨

Weather permitting, find a safe spot with a clear view of the eastern sky and watch for moonrise above the trees or along the St. Johns River.

Take a quiet moment to appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds our scenic corridor—even after sunset. 🌳🌙

📸 Catch a beautiful view? Share your moon photos in the comments and tell us where you were watching!

Explore the Beauty • Discover the History

10/25/2026

🦇 BAT WEEK: MEET THE SEMINOLE BAT! 🦇

This week, the William Bartram Scenic & Historic Highway is highlighting a different bat species each day that occurs in our northeast Florida region—and sharing what helps these nighttime neighbors thrive!

🌲 First up: the Seminole bat.
With rich, molasses-colored fur with frosty tips, caramel-colored ear muffs, and cinnamon-colored tails. This small insect-eating bat finds daytime shelter among pine foliage and Spanish moss.

These sweet bats🦇are found across the southeastern United States, often roosting alone, and most frequently in the branches of loblolly pine trees where their coloring, compact shape; and furry tail can mimic a pinecone so convincingly that they nearly disappear. These agile insect hunters emerge in the early evening, flying at tree-top level over water and clearings, using vision and echolocation to find moths, flying beetles, and other small insects. They usually catch their prey in midair, but sometimes pluck insects directly from leaves. Females typically give birth to three or four pups, which often start learning to fly at just three to four weeks of age.

🪲🦟 What attracts bats to an area? Food, water, and a safe place to rest!

🌼 Native plants support the insects bats eat.
🌳 Trees and Spanish moss provide natural shelter.
💧 Ponds and other open waterways offer drinking water and feeding opportunities.

Want to help? Preserve natural tree cover and Spanish moss where safely possible, and reduce unnecessary insecticide use. Seminole bats shelter in foliage, so protecting trees is especially valuable for this species.

Our local bats eat insects—you don’t need to put out fruit or feeders!

Have you spotted bats flying over your neighborhood at dusk? Tell us below! 🌙



Photo: Kathleen Smith, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

10/25/2026

🦇 Bat Week is here! October 24–31 🌙

Along the William Bartram Scenic & Historic Highway, nature’s wonders don’t disappear when the sun goes down!

Bats are an important part of our natural world, and Florida’s bats help by eating insects—including mosquitoes. Bat Week is a wonderful opportunity to learn about these often-misunderstood neighbors.

🌳 Protect trees and natural habitat.
💡 Reduce unnecessary outdoor lighting.
🦇 Give bats space—observe without touching or disturbing them.

As dusk settles over the St. Johns River, look up—you might spot a bat heading out for its evening meal!

Have you seen bats around your neighborhood? Share your sightings below!

10/22/2026

🌿 A Fun Family Adventure! Walk in the Footsteps of William Bartram! 🎨

Have you ever wondered what the St. Johns River looked like more than 250 years ago, when naturalist William Bartram explored its waters and documented the remarkable plants, wildlife, and landscapes he encountered? 🌳 Enjoy a leisurely guided nature walk through beautiful Alpine Groves Park.

✅ This is a fun, educational, and free event to enjoy with your children. 📚🎨🖌️

Join St. Johns Riverkeeper and the William Bartram Scenic & Historic Highway for a special Art & Nature Walk: Bartram’s Edition at beautiful Alpine Groves Park!

🍃 Saturday, November 7, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Alpine Groves Park
2060 State Road 13, St. Johns, FL

During this leisurely guided walk, we’ll explore the natural beauty 🦋 around us, learn about Bartram’s fascinating journey along the St. Johns River. 🐟 and discover how he recorded his observations through sketches and illustrations.

Then, just as Bartram did, we’ll take time to observe nature and create our own nature journals! 📔🌿🌱 Discovering local plants, wildlife, and history of William Bartram’s adventures.

🎨 No artistic experience necessary! Bring a notebook, pencil, or your favorite drawing supplies. Basic supplies will also be available. 📒✏️

💚 FREE EVENT — REGISTRATION REQUESTED!

Reserve your spot through St. Johns Riverkeeper at stjohnsriverkeeper.org

1- Look for Art & Nature Walk: Bartram’s Edition on their events calendar.
2- Register free for the Art & Nature Walk

Whether you love local history, wildlife, art, or simply spending a peaceful morning outdoors, this is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with the natural beauty that makes our community so special.

We hope you’ll join us!

🌿 Explore the Beauty. Discover the History. Preserve the Legacy.

10/08/2026

10/07/2026

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09/29/2026

Community Meeting

RE: TROUT RIVER CELL TOWER