Join us Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 10:00 AM for the first of our Spring Series “Nature’s Nomads” events, titled From Trail to Lens: Photographing Florida’s Scrub Jays, with Chris McCarty & Erinn Mullen.
Erinn will lead a guided hike through Jonathan Dickinson State Park’s scrub habitat in search of the iconic Florida Scrub-Jay, a species found nowhere else on Earth. Along the trail, participants will learn about scrub-jay behavior, habitat, and conservation while exploring one of Florida’s most unique ecosystems. This experience also includes an introductory course by Chris in birding photography, focused on ethical wildlife observation and practical techniques for photographing birds in the field. Designed for beginners, this program blends nature exploration, conservation learning, and creative skill-building in an immersive outdoor setting.
Directions: Participants should arrive at the main entrance to Jonathan Dickinson State Park, inform rangers that they are arriving for a Hobe Sound Nature Center event, and then they will be directed to the appropriate parking lot.
Christopher “Chris” McCarty is a career U.S. Army logistician with 20 years of service (2006–2026), specializing in planning, coordinating, and executing sustainment operations in complex, fast-paced environments. Outside of uniform, Chris has been a lifelong birder and naturalist. What started as time spent outdoors and watching birds grew into a steady commitment to learning habitats, seasons, and the wildlife that depends on them. That passion ultimately shaped his long-term direction: transitioning from military logistics into environmental science, with a focus on conservation, habitat management, and hands-on stewardship.
Erinn Mullen is a Park Services Specialist with a focus on Outreach and Special Event permitting. She began her career at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in 2010 as an AmeriCorps member and has worked in several positions within the park service over the years. Erinn began full-time as a Park Ranger in 2020 and then became a Park Services Specialist in 2021. Erinn truly loves the outdoors and loves sharing her knowledge with the park’s many diverse visitors.
Inspire your mind. Move your body. Fall in love with the outdoors—one week at a time.