One of the less known parts of DuPuis is the Powerline Grade along the eastern perimeter. A one way trip is 13 miles long and can be traveled on foot, bike, horse, or car. As the name implies, the shellrock road parallels high tension power lines running south from the FPL Indiantown plant. The southern half of the road runs between a canal (with many resident alligators) and the adjacent Corbett WMA. You may also see otters, deer, birds and various Florida fauna. Bringing your camera is recommended. Happy caching!
The Florida softshell turtle (Apalone ferox) is a species of aquatic turtle. Despite its webbed feet, on land it is one of the fastest turtles. Softshell turtles spend almost all their time submerged, leaving only to bask in the sun, lay eggs, or occasionally move between bodies of water. They are distinctive for their flat leathery shells, long necks, and "snorkel" nose. Softshells often sit on the bottom of a pond or swamp and use their long necks to reach the surface to breathe.
Softshell turtles are carnivorous preying upon other aquatic animals like fish and frogs. Larger softshells may even eat juvenile waterfowl. Softshell turtles have strong jaws and will bite when they feel threatened. Combined with their long necks, this makes it very unsafe to pick up a softshell turtle.