Nature preservation in Florida

Spring Hammock Preserve is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located at 2985 Osprey Trail in Longwood, Florida, United States. This beautiful preserve offers visitors the chance to explore a diverse range of ecosystems, including lush forests, wetlands, and springs. With over 1,500 acres of pristine wilderness to discover, visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, picnicking, and more. The highlight of the preserve is the crystal-clear Spring Hammock, a natural spring that provides a serene and refreshing spot for relaxation. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape into nature or a fun day out with family and friends, Spring Hammock Preserve is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

Collins Preserve is a prestigious institution located at 5258 Collins Preserve Lane in Jacksonville, Florida. This renowned establishment offers a range of services and amenities for its members, including state-of-the-art facilities, luxurious accommodations, and exclusive access to a variety of recreational activities. With a focus on providing unparalleled experiences and exceptional hospitality, Collins Preserve is the perfect destination for those seeking a truly unique and unforgettable retreat.

Welcome to the Gladys Douglas Preserve, a cherished natural sanctuary located at 1900 Virginia Avenue, Dunedin, Florida. Spanning approximately 44 acres of environmentally sensitive lands, this preserve is a true treasure of Dunedin, offering an escape into nature's serene beauty. Adjacent to the preserve is the stunning 80-acre Jerry Lake and surrounding wetlands, making the entire area a remarkable 125 acres of preserved land. The Gladys Douglas Preserve is dedicated to protecting its unique ecosystem, including the last-known rosemary bald in Pinellas County and numerous endangered and threatened species. Our walking and nature trails are thoughtfully designed with educational signs that highlight the diverse plant and wildlife you may encounter during your visit. While the first phase of the preserve is now open, exciting future amenities are planned, including access to Jerry Lake, a pier, kayak launch, picnic pavilion, observation platform, and a nature museum.

Welcome to Brooker Creek Headwaters Nature Preserve, a serene escape nestled in the heart of Lutz, Florida. Located at 18102 Ramblewood Road, this 1121-acre preserve is a remarkable blend of natural beauty and tranquility, making it a must-visit tourist attraction for nature enthusiasts and explorers alike. Immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes that Brooker Creek has to offer, from the enchanting oak hammocks and towering pine woods to the expansive grassy meadows and intricate cypress swamps. These unique habitats provide a sanctuary for a variety of wildlife and plant species, offering visitors a chance to connect with nature in its purest form.

Morningside Nature Center, located at 3540 East University Avenue in Gainesville, Florida, is a premier nature park and tourist attraction. It is one of the last remaining examples of fire-dependent longleaf pine woodlands in the area, with over six miles of trails winding through various ecosystems such as sandhill, flatwoods, and cypress domes. Visitors can enjoy a spectacular wildflower display and observe a diverse array of wildlife. The Living History Farm at Morningside Nature Center offers a glimpse into the daily life of a Florida family living in the mid to late 1800s. On Living History days, visitors can experience chores and activities from 1870 as staff interpret bygone days.

Felts Audubon Preserve & The Manatee County Audubon Society Inc. is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 4600 24th Avenue East in Palmetto, Florida, United States. This institution is dedicated to preserving the natural habitats of birds and wildlife in the area. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, bird watching, and educational programs on conservation and environmental stewardship. The Manatee County Audubon Society Inc. also hosts events and activities for nature enthusiasts of all ages. Come explore the beauty of Florida's wildlife at this peaceful and educational destination.

Bell Creek Nature Preserve is a 477-acre park located in Riverview, Florida. It was acquired to protect natural plant communities, wildlife corridors, and provide recreational opportunities for visitors. The preserve features trails through diverse habitats, including mature trees, grassy areas, and signage indicating that it is only open during daylight hours. This institution also serves as an administrative office for the Conservation and Environmental Lands Management department. Visitors can purchase park and boat ramp passes at the administrative offices, with free or discounted passes available for eligible disabled veterans and active duty members. For more information on passes and eligibility requirements, visit the Conservation Parks and Boat Launch Passes page.

New Tampa Nature Park is a serene oasis located at 17001 Dona Michelle Drive in Tampa, Florida, United States. This park is a popular tourist attraction for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the lush greenery, winding trails, and scenic views that make this park a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. With opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking, New Tampa Nature Park offers a chance to connect with the natural beauty of Florida. Don't forget to check out the document preview area for more information on how to access and enjoy this wonderful park.

Aripeka Sandhills Preserve is a stunning park and tourist attraction located at 18000 Aripeka Road in Hudson, Florida, United States. This beautiful preserve is home to unique sandhill habitats, featuring rolling hills, pine forests, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore the miles of hiking trails, birdwatch, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The preserve offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, making it the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to relax in nature or immerse yourself in the local ecosystem, Aripeka Sandhills Preserve is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the Hudson area.

Audubon-Pennington Nature Park is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 1153 Alton Road in Port Charlotte, Florida, United States. This nature park offers visitors a peaceful and serene environment to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. With walking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views, Audubon-Pennington Nature Park is the perfect place to relax and unwind in the great outdoors. Visitors can also spot a variety of wildlife, including birds, turtles, and other native species. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a place to connect with nature, this park is a must-visit destination in Port Charlotte.

Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park is a stunning natural oasis located at 12301 Burnt Store Road in Punta Gorda, Florida. This expansive park spans over 45,387 acres and is home to more than 100 miles of pristine shoreline along Charlotte Harbor in Charlotte and Lee counties. As the third largest Florida State Park, it offers a diverse range of natural habitats including mangrove forests, marshes, scrub habitats, and pine flatwoods. Visitors to Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, paddling, and wildlife observation. The park is a haven for birdwatchers, with opportunities to spot wading birds, manatees, dolphins, and other wildlife along the shallow waters fringed by mangroves.

Wild Turkey Strand Preserve is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located at 11901 Rod and Gun Club Road in Fort Myers, Florida. This stunning preserve offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural world, with its lush forests, winding trails, and diverse wildlife. The highlight of the preserve is the opportunity to spot the elusive wild turkeys that call this area home. Whether you're an avid birdwatcher, nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Wild Turkey Strand Preserve is the perfect destination for a day of exploration and relaxation.

Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park North Cape Flats Trail is a stunning natural oasis located in Cape Coral, Florida. Covering an impressive 45,387 acres, this park is the third largest in the state of Florida and offers visitors a chance to explore over 100 miles of pristine shoreline along Charlotte Harbor. Visitors to the park can partake in a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, paddling, and wildlife observation. The park boasts diverse natural habitats including mangrove forests, marshes, scrublands, and pine flatwoods, making it a haven for a wide range of plant and animal species. Birdwatchers will especially enjoy the chance to spot wading birds, manatees, dolphins, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Chapel Trail Nature Preserve is a 450-acre passive park located at 19800 Sheridan Street in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Managed by the City of Pembroke Pines, this nature preserve was established in the 1990s and has since become home to a variety of wildlife including 120 species of birds, deer, marsh rabbits, alligators, snakes, turtles, largemouth bass, and insects. Visitors can explore the wetlands on a 1,650-foot long boardwalk, relax at the observation pavilion, and rent canoes on Saturdays. Please note that canoe rentals are currently suspended until further notice. This tranquil and scenic park is a popular tourist attraction for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Terra Ceia Preserve State Park is a scenic and diverse park located at 130 Terra Ceia Road in Terra Ceia, Florida. This 2,000-acre park features mangrove forests, freshwater and saltwater wetlands, and uplands communities. Visitors can explore the park's hiking trails, which are open from 8 a.m. until sunset, and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area. The park also offers a boat ramp that is open 24/7 at the end of Moccasin Wallow Road, as well as a hiking trail located at the very north end of Hightower Road. The park is in the process of habitat restoration, with the goal of returning agricultural land to its natural and ecologically diverse condition.

Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park is a stunning park located at 8312 Southwest 125th Avenue in Inglis, Florida, United States. Accessible only by boat, this park offers sweeping vistas and waterways that are popular among anglers and wildlife watchers. Bordering Florida's Gulf Coast between Cedar Key and Yankeetown, the park features extensive salt marshes and tidal creeks that provide rich habitat for saltwater fish, crabs, and shellfish. The horizon-to-horizon expanses of salt marsh are interspersed with dense tree islands of red cedar, cabbage palm, and live oak, creating a picturesque backdrop for boating, fishing, and wildlife observation. Visitors may spot sea turtles and manatees using the seagrass beds and other estuarine and marine communities in the preserve. The hydric hammock that borders the estuary is one of the last remaining remnants of the once vast Gulf Hammock, now protected as a reminder of Florida's expansive hardwood forests. The Waccasassa River offers a unique boating or paddling experience as it passes through the hydric hammock and the estuary before draining into the Gulf of Mexico.

Starkey Wilderness Preserve is a beautiful park located in New Port Richey, Florida. Spanning over 8,000 acres, this preserve is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore miles of hiking and biking trails, enjoy birdwatching, and immerse themselves in the serene natural surroundings. The preserve is home to a diverse range of wildlife and plant species, making it a perfect destination for those looking to reconnect with nature. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous outdoor experience, Starkey Wilderness Preserve offers something for everyone.

Lake Townsen Preserve is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located at 28011 Lake Lindsey Road in Brooksville, Florida, United States. This beautiful preserve offers visitors the chance to explore the natural beauty of Florida with its lush greenery, serene lake, and diverse wildlife. Whether you're looking to go for a hike, have a picnic, or simply relax in nature, Lake Townsen Preserve is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With its peaceful surroundings and stunning views, this hidden gem is a must-visit for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Potts Preserve is a stunning natural park and tourist attraction located at 2988 North Hooty Point in Inverness, Florida, United States. This serene sanctuary offers visitors the chance to explore lush forests, tranquil wetlands, and scenic hiking trails. With abundant wildlife and picturesque views, Potts Preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous outing, this hidden gem provides a unique and unforgettable experience for all who visit.

Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve is a 2,200 acre park located at 2469 Patrinostro Road in Plant City, Florida. This stunning preserve was acquired by Hillsborough County through the ELAPP and FCT programs, showcasing the beauty of long leaf pine forests, blackwater streams, hardwood hammocks, cypress domes, freshwater marshes, and wet prairies. Visitors can explore the diverse ecosystems through hiking trails, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing. This nature preserve is a must-visit tourist attraction for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Cockroach Bay Preserve State Park is a unique series of islands located in Ruskin, Florida, in the United States. Nestled in the southeast region of Tampa Bay, these islands are a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts. Accessible only by watercraft, the park offers two canoe/kayak paddling trails that wind through the surrounding aquatic preserve. Covering a total of 617 acres, with 500 acres being mangrove swamp, the park is a haven for anglers and bird-watchers. The lack of facilities on the islands adds to the sense of adventure, so visitors must come prepared and take all their belongings with them when they leave.

The Alafia River Corridor Nature Preserve - South is a sprawling 4,070 acre park located at 12098 South County Road 39 in Lithia, Florida. This nature preserve is a popular tourist attraction in eastern Hillsborough County, offering visitors the opportunity to explore a variety of habitats along the Alafia River. From the Bell Shoals Bridge to Jameson Road, visitors can discover diverse ecosystems and wildlife, including gopher tortoises, eastern indigo snakes, and American alligators. The preserve also features areas that were once mined for phosphate, adding a unique historical element to the natural beauty of the area. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful escape, the Alafia River Corridor Nature Preserve - South is a must-visit destination for outdoor adventure and conservation education.

Aldermans Ford Nature Preserve is a sprawling 985-acre park and tourist attraction located at 8911 Turkey Creek Road in Plant City, Florida, United States. This institution is a vital part of the South Hillsborough Wildlife Corridor, offering a connection to other publicly owned lands along the Alafia River. Visitors to the preserve can enjoy the serene beauty of nature while spotting a variety of wildlife species, such as Sherman’s fox squirrel, sandhill crane, and gopher tortoise. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Aldermans Ford Nature Preserve is the perfect destination to immerse yourself in the great outdoors.

The Nature Conservancy's Disney Wilderness Preserve is located at 2700 Scrub Jay Trail in Poinciana, Florida, United States. This park is home to over 1,000 species of plants and animals, making it an essential part of the Everglades ecosystem. The preserve contains 3,500 acres of restored wetlands that help filter out nutrients and replenish groundwater. Although the preserve is not affiliated with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, The Walt Disney Company provided funds for restoration and wildlife monitoring. The preserve stands as a testament to Walt Disney's love of nature and the power of cooperation and innovation.

Babcock Ranch Preserve - Footprints Trail is a picturesque park and popular tourist attraction located at 42371 Bermont Road in Punta Gorda, Florida, United States. This pristine preserve offers visitors the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Florida through a network of scenic trails, including the Footprints Trail. Hikers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape, diverse wildlife, and lush vegetation while immersing themselves in the tranquility of this preserved natural area. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, Babcock Ranch Preserve - Footprints Trail has something for everyone to enjoy in the great outdoors.

Frank Mann Preserve, located at 1699 Joel Boulevard in Lehigh Acres, Florida, is a park dedicated to the preservation of the local environment in honor of Commissioner Frank Mann. Commissioner Mann, a lifelong resident of Lee County, prioritized the protection of Southwest Florida's exceptional quality of life. The preserve, formerly known as GS-10, is partially open to the public for activities such as kayaking, canoeing, fishing, bird watching, and walking in designated areas. Managed by Lee County Parks & Recreation and Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District, the preserve is undergoing a regional hydrological restoration and water quality improvement project. The project aims to reconfigure a former mine lake into a filter marsh for stormwater treatment and flood control, with the potential to divert water into the Greenbriar Swamp. With a total of 624.91 acres and a cost of $3,873,300, the Frank Mann Preserve serves as a testament to Commissioner Mann's dedication to environmental conservation. Contact information for further inquiries is available through the assigned Land Stewardship Coordinator or the Lee County Property Appraisers office.

Peghorn Nature Park is a beautiful and serene park located at 2101 Peghorn Way in St. Cloud, Florida, United States. This park is a popular tourist attraction for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its lush greenery, winding trails, and peaceful atmosphere, Peghorn Nature Park offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and connect with the natural world. Whether you enjoy birdwatching, hiking, or simply taking in the sights and sounds of nature, this park has something for everyone. Come and explore the beauty of Peghorn Nature Park today!

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve North is a stunning natural oasis located at 11400 Luckett Road in Fort Myers, Florida. This park offers visitors the opportunity to explore a unique cypress swamp ecosystem, complete with boardwalks and trails that wind through the lush vegetation. The preserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, turtles, and alligators, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. Whether you're looking to relax in a peaceful setting or learn more about the local flora and fauna, Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve North is a must-visit tourist attraction in the Fort Myers area.

Preservation Park is a serene and picturesque park located at 100 Sweet Bay Lane in Royal Palm Beach, Florida. This beautiful institution is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the natural beauty of the surrounding area, providing a peaceful oasis for visitors to enjoy. With lush greenery, walking paths, and scenic views, Preservation Park is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and connect with nature. Whether you're looking for a peaceful spot to read a book, take a leisurely stroll, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the outdoors, Preservation Park is a must-visit destination in Royal Palm Beach.

The Mangrove Preserve in Homestead, Florida is a captivating park and tourist attraction that showcases the beauty and importance of mangrove forests. These watery mazes provide habitat for a variety of marine life, including tarpon and manatees. The preserve is home to one of the longest continuous stretches of mangroves on Florida's East coast. Mangroves are trees that thrive in salty environments, with some species able to block salt from their roots while others secrete excess salt through their leaves. The intricate root systems of mangroves help to keep the park's waters clean and clear by slowing water flow and allowing sediment to settle. These roots also provide shelter for marine organisms and breeding areas for birds such as brown pelicans.