Each month Trail Manager, Emily Galka, highlights flora and fauna that she observes in the Goethe State Forest that surrounds the Black Prong Resort. Goethe State Forest Species of the Month: Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus)
I was riding along on a trail when I saw what looked like a large rock in the distance. Upon closer inspection, I realized that the rock was actually a tortoise! I knew Florida was known for its Gopher Tortoises but I had never actually seen one in person before. It wasn’t in too much of a hurry so I was able to snap a pic and confirm its identity with the Seek app.
Gopher Tortoises are cool for many reasons. They are the only native tortoise species found east of the Mississippi and can live up to 75 years.
Gopher Tortoises are cool for many reasons. They are the only native tortoise species found east of the Mississippi and can live up to 75 years. They dig underground burrows that can span as far as 40 feet which makes them a keystone species, meaning they do something that is so impactful, it helps shape the community they live in. Their burrow provides shelter for up to 360 other species, which use it to escape the heat, a place to lay eggs or raise their young, and as a refuge during the vital fires that are necessary for the ecosystem.
Unfortunately due to humans and habitat loss, Gopher Tortoises are considered to be a threatened species with only an estimated 700,000 left in the wild. Since my original encounter, I’ve come across them on several more occasions- luckily they can call the Goethe Forest home. If you ever come across a Gopher Tortoise, the best thing to do is leave it alone. They are protected and it’s illegal to move them, but you should report their location to the FWC website so scientists can work to protect them and their environment.
Emily Galka (shown with her horse Lisa) is Black Prong’s Trail Riding Manager and resident naturalist.
Trail Riding team continues to grow!
Emily, our Trail Riding Manager, shares with us some exciting additions to the Trail Riding team. Welcome Hazel and Sarge!
Hazel
Hazel is an 8 year old blue roan Quarter Horse mare. Her previous home was out west working as a ranch horse. Emily tells us that she seems to love the trail riding life in comparison. “She is laid back enough that anyone can ride her. She will lead, but prefers to follow her friends.”
Sarge
Sarge is a 12 year old, bay roan Quarter Horse. He was a ranch horse out west with Hazel. Emily shared that “He’s an easy horse to ride but he loves to power walk and lead the group. He is brave and will lead the group through water and other obstacles.”
Both of our exciting new additions were acquired from PD Horsemanship, Paden Morris. We look forward to their new adventures at Black Prong!
