Friends of Chinsegut Wildlife and Environmental Area

The Friends group assists the Chinsegut Nature Center and the Chinsegut Wildlife Environmental Area through fundraising, partnerships and outreach. The Chinsegut Wildlife Environmental Area serves the public through public nature programs and festivals, and through restoration of the natural ecosystems. For more information on the Friends of Chinsegut please visit www.Friendsofchinsegut.org.

Chinsegut is unique among Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission properties: its primary function is education. Located on the Brooksville ridge in Hernando County, Chinsegut WEA consists of the 408-acre Chinsegut Nature Center and the 450-acre Big Pine Tract, the second largest contiguous tract of old-growth longleaf pine in Florida. Four major events are held at the Nature Center each year: Reptile/Amphibian Festival Day, Pioneer Day, Chinsegut Run and Fun Walk, and Chinsegut Bird and Wildlife Festival. Throughout the year, scores of other programs are offered for the general public, school children, and teachers.

Take a night walk to May's Prairie and listen for frogs, owls, flying squirrels, bats, and other nighttime wildlife. Learn the fundamentals of bird watching in Birding 101. Hike through the Big Pine Tract with a wildlife biologist and learn to read animal sign. Take an introductory archery workshop or help members of the Florida Native Plant Society and the Hernando Audubon Society remove exotic plants and improve the butterfly garden. Volunteer opportunities abound at Chinsegut WEA.

All gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law.