The 30 Best Florida wildlife refuge in Orange Park, Florida

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Rob Bradley Conservation Park at Nelson Point, located at 670 Nelson Drive in Orange Park, Florida, is a 10-acre waterfront conservation park on Doctors Lake. Named after Senator Rob Bradley, who played a key role in securing funding to purchase and preserve the land, the park was acquired by Clay County in 2018 and officially opened in 2023. The park offers nature trails, observation areas, and a kayak launch, with ongoing improvements and additions planned. The history of the park's location dates back to native hunting and trading grounds, as well as British and American colonial periods when it was part of plantations and sawmills. Over the years, the land changed hands and uses, including a fish house that operated on Doctors Lake. In 1948, John Nelson purchased the property and lived there until his passing in 2016.

Newnans Lake Conservation Area, located at 8635 Northeast 69th Avenue in Gainesville, Florida, is a beautiful park and tourist attraction that is part of a larger group of publicly owned conservation lands in the Orange Creek Basin. This area includes Austin Cary Memorial State Forest, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Lochloosa Wildlife Conservation Area, Orange Creek Restoration Area, and other natural areas owned by the city of Gainesville. These lands protect a variety of upland and wetland natural communities, serving as important wildlife corridors and contributing to the protection and improvement of water quality in the Orange Creek and Ocklawaha River basins, and ultimately the St. Johns River. Newnans Lake Conservation Area features nearly 2 miles of shoreline along Newnans Lake, as well as parts of its major tributaries, Hatchet Creek and Little Hatchet Creek. The area includes a variety of wetlands, such as depression marshes, dome swamps, and the locally known Gum Root Swamp. Visitors can explore the property and enjoy the meandering creeks, as well as spot bald eagle nests and tall pine trees on the Hatchet Creek Tract.

Lake Norris Conservation Area is a stunning natural oasis located at 22437 Orange Blossom Lane in Eustis, Florida. This park is dedicated to preserving and protecting the local environment, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its picturesque lake, lush vegetation, and diverse wildlife, visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and picnicking in a peaceful and serene setting. Whether you are looking for a relaxing day in nature or an educational experience in conservation, Lake Norris Conservation Area is a must-visit destination in the United States.