Hello from the SE

[Sheryl]

Stopping in from SE Florida, US. This is my first time on the forums at PRI. Hello to anyone reading. :handshake:

[Finchj]

SE FL? Whereabouts? I'm originally from Ft. Myers and could only imagine what would be possible along the SE coast, zone 10 is truly subtropical!

[Sheryl]

Hi Finchj,
I'm a little south of Miami more like zone 11, we barely get a frost in winter, humid subtropical. I feel very fortunate to grow what I do all year long! I'll be visiting Ft. Meyers this Winter, any suggestions for people or places to visit? Good to hear from you.

[Finchj]

11? That sounds good right about now! If you have not been, ECHO (http://www.echonet.org/) (Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization) is supposed to be a worthwhile stop. I've had friends visit them and they've all been very positive. I don't know anyone who is personally engaged in permaculture down in Ft. Myers, but the area does have some great places to visit.

I've always preferred the southwest over the Miami area for the Gulf. Lover's Key State Park rents out kayaks. Plenty of sights to see in Estero Bay while paddling around. I'd think the manatees are still hanging around this time of year, they always make for a sight!

Koreshan State Park is a trip too. Founded by an eccentric religious sect, the grounds have been kept relatively intact and it has some wonderful trails.

And of course, there is the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is always available too :)

I should probably stop now since I'm heading to Finland in a week... won't be seeing too many palm trees there.