Hunting Milkweed: Locally, Across the US, and Beyond, with Scott Arnold and Katasha Gruver
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Scott Arnold and Katasha Gruver have been milkweed enthusiasts since moving to Wakulla County in 2015. Their journey began with a small plot of Asclepias perennis (aquatic milkweed) found on the highway next to their property, which a former USFWS ranger helped them identify.
Over the last decade, the couple has explored the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and nearby public lands, such as the Aucilla Wildlife Management Area and Apalachicola National Forest. They have documented ten different native species for the statewide Milkweed Atlas and located locally important populations, including one in Levy County that gained the attention of the Xerces Society.
As dedicated citizen scientists who love road trips, they often pull off the highway to document milkweed patches. While botanizing at 55 mph isn't ideal, they’ve found that trained eyes can spot these special plants almost anywhere. Scott, in particular, seems to have a sixth sense for the genus Asclepias, even discovering it unexpectedly during a trip to the Dominican Republic. For Scott and Katasha, milkweed hunting often leads to the discovery of other exciting wildlife and rare plants.
Come learn about the native milkweed in our area and how you can start your own milkweed hunting journey.
Over the last decade, the couple has explored the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and nearby public lands, such as the Aucilla Wildlife Management Area and Apalachicola National Forest. They have documented ten different native species for the statewide Milkweed Atlas and located locally important populations, including one in Levy County that gained the attention of the Xerces Society.
As dedicated citizen scientists who love road trips, they often pull off the highway to document milkweed patches. While botanizing at 55 mph isn't ideal, they’ve found that trained eyes can spot these special plants almost anywhere. Scott, in particular, seems to have a sixth sense for the genus Asclepias, even discovering it unexpectedly during a trip to the Dominican Republic. For Scott and Katasha, milkweed hunting often leads to the discovery of other exciting wildlife and rare plants.
Come learn about the native milkweed in our area and how you can start your own milkweed hunting journey.
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Where is it happening?
Wakulla Environmental Institute, Crawfordville, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherFriends of St. Marks Wildlife Refuge
