Quarry Life

Exploring the wildlife, history, and hidden stories of The Quarry

Written by Brooke

Welcome to Quarry Life! I'm Brooke, and every morning I paddle my kayak across Stone Lake to see what's out there. Alligators, herons, ospreys, fossils from the old limestone quarry, stories about the Calusa people who lived here thousands of years ago. This column is about the wild, beautiful, surprising world right outside your door. Come explore with me!

What You Get Every Week

Wildlife observations from Stone Lake and beyond
The Quarry Lake system: Stone Lake, Heritage Lake, Boulder Lake
History of The Quarry: limestone mining, fossils, artifacts
Southwest Florida nature, the Everglades, and Calusa history
Seasonal changes, migrating birds, and conservation stories

Latest ColumnWednesday, April 1, 2026

Morning Magic on Stone Lake: Gators, Herons, and Ancient Seas

A clear morning paddle reveals the vibrant life and deep history hidden beneath The Quarry's waters.

A beautiful morning on Stone Lake brings close encounters with herons, ospreys, and alligators. But beneath the surface lies a deeper story: the ancient marine history of our limestone quarry, revealing a prehistoric world teeming with life.

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