88.3 F
The Villages
Thursday, May 9, 2024

Fenney Nature Trail partially closed after turtles lay eggs

Parts of the Fenney Nature Trails have been blocked off after turtles laid their eggs in the walkway. 

The eggs have reportedly been laid by Florida softshell turtles.

Portions of the Fenney Nature Trail have been closed due to turtles laying eggs
Portions of the Fenney Nature Trail have been closed due to turtles laying eggs.

Most breeding occurs from April to early August and females can lay up to four to five clutches per year. Eggs are laid near water in alligator nests or in a hole burrowed by a female in a soft, sandy area. Each clutch contains around 10-38 eggs which are usually incubated 60-90 days. To make their way out hatchlings crack egg-shells using their claws and egg tooth. They are fully developed at birth and are able to fend on their own.

Florida Softshell Turtle On The Boardwalk At Fenney Nature Trail
A Florida Softshell Turtle on the boardwalk at the Fenney Nature Trail

Females become reproductively mature anywhere from 5-8 years of age, while males are ready to mate when they are 2 years old.

Greenskeepers should take a trip over to Hacienda course

A Village of Osceola Hills reader was impressed with the conditions at Hacienda Hills Championship Golf Course. He is encouraging greens keepers at other courses to go over to Hacienda and take a few notes.

Buffalo Ridge makes perfect sense for location of Costco

In a Letter to the Editor, a Village of Summerhill resident contends that putting Costco at Buffalo Ridge Plaza makes perfect sense.

Villager offers simple solution for $1.7 million golf maintenance building

A Village of Winifred resident is offering a “very simple solution” with regard to the controversy over a proposed resident-funded $1.7 million maintenance facility for a contractor’s equipment at the Mira Mesa Executive Golf Course.

Give credit where credit is due

In a Letter to the Editor, a Village of St. James resident says he was thrilled with the condition of a golf course he recently played.

You cannot impose your views on others

A resident of the Village of Bridgeport at Lake Sumter wades into the Little White Cross dispute in a Letter to the Editor.