They tied the knot on a beautiful March day at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve in St. Pete, Florida. The Main Trail is a great place for new visitors to start. Keep up with the Trail. Looping back around to the canopied water station, turn right. Bunnell. Be especially vigilant in areas where dangerous animals may be present, like any body of water, or any area of vegetation where snakes or other dangerous animals may live. Biscayne Bay. Geneva. As their yellow flowers fall to the ground, they are replaced by colorful red seedpods, then by yellow leaves in the spring. The forecast showed rain all week but the day of it was beautiful breezy weather! Massive projects were undertaken to remove sediment, invasive plant species, and help reduce groundwater pollution. Port Mayaca. Admission, Locations, Map & Parking Fees Address: 1101 Country Club Way South St. Petersburg, Strategically placed cold water stations around the park are a welcome relief on a hot day. Today its health is designated as Impared. In the 1940s a dam was installed on Salt Creek in hopes that a higher water level would help increase the number of fish. The fires help clear out dense underbrush and maintain a natural, healthy balance for all of its inhabitants. They also help maintain and improve the grounds, provide scholarships for youth campers, and host special events, among many other things. Steinhatchee. You can read more about the fight to protect Boyd Hill here and here. Brooker Creek Preserve is about 8,700 acres, making it thelargest natural area in Pinellas County. Spring Hill. A paved bike path makes a loop through the park and just inside the park entrance, there is a wild bird aviary. To view the preserves namesake, follow the Friends Trail to Brooker Creeks main channel. Dropping back down, make the next left to loop around the pond. 1400 19th St. N. St. Petersburg, FL 33713. The Boyd Hill Preserve is a natural wilderness area. The showy trees dropping their blossoms (or leaves, or seed pods, depending on the time of year) are goldenrain trees, one of the more colorful trees you see in Florida yards, a popular Asian ornamental. A toxic stew of invasive species, stagnant water and pollution from surrounding neighborhoods made the lake into a deadzone, and sediment began filling the lake. Fire is an important part of the Sand Scrub ecosystem. It also acts as a natural filter for groundwater runoff to trap pollutants and nutrients, before they can infiltrate and harm bodies of water. DMCA Policy for an up-close look of a sunning alligator. ST. PETERSBURG The City of St. Petersburgs Parks and Recreation Cocoa Beach. Longwood. As an Amazon Associate this site may earn from qualifying purchases. Dade City. Turn right on the Swamp Woodlands Trail for a loop through a floodplain forest off Lake Maggiore. The trail also skirts the willow marsh and lakeshore, where you'll see a large variety of water birds, before returning to the starting point. Everglades National Park. It spans 380 acres and consists of brackish water, which is a mixture of fresh and saltwater. Turn right at the junction to follow the loop. All Rights Reserved. Returning to the trail junction, take the second right onto the Main Trail (you should see a Main Trail sign). The staff at Boyd Hill give fascinating talks; try to catch one if you can. CENTRAL FLORIDA OVERVIEW East Coast Greenway. Turn right on the Lake Maggiore Trail. Trenton. They work together to care for the injured birds in the Birds of Prey program, and share costs for food, shelter, veterinary care, and other means of support. Florida Keys. Saturday, February 3, 2024 | 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.. 1101 Country Club Way South, St. Petersburg, FL 33705 Starke. Limpkin, Purple Gallinule and King Rail require a little more patience. By signing up for our newsletter, you accept to receive offers, inspiration, and other relevant material from KOMPAN. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is open , Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun. Those invasive species are still being removed today. FALL: In the oaks above the Visitors Center and along the first section of trails birders should expect to see a variety of migrant passerines during fall migration. Plan some time away from your busy schedule to take in the beauty of this St. Petersburg gem. The Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is open year-round. Sebring. New Smyrna Beach. Vero Beach. Brooksville. Venice, SOUTH FLORIDA Arcadia. Withlacoochee State Forest. It borders the shores of Lake Maggiore. The children love the new Robinia playground, with play towers, play houses, and an obstacle course which allows them to explore and play anything from hide and seek to obstacle races. The best areas to bird include the oaks over the parking lot, Visitors Center and picnic area. Like so many ambitious environmental modifications, the project was a disaster. Quincy. Notice the diversity of tropical plants along the Main Trail. The cabins have been renovated and will feature electric fans, LED lighting, new floors and furniture. Elephant ears and giant leather ferns compete for space in the tannic bog beneath the red maples and red bay. Tampa. The Preserve has roughly 6 miles of trails through a While researching this story, it occurred to me that many many adults living today were the same clueless kids who taunted, injured and killed the poor caged animals. More than 60 species of butterflies have been found including giant swallowtail, southern oak hairstreak and white peacock. The buildings feature interpretive and educational information. Everglades City. The preserve has recently been expanded. Moore Haven. Agricultural Education Building Oviedo. ADMISSION IS FREE! With nearly 180 acres in the heart of Largo, the Florida Botanical Gardens is a place for peaceful immersion. Coast to Coast Trail. You may also be caught by a summer storm, so consider bringing bug spray, an umbrella, and remain aware of the weather. Naturally, Lake Maggiore was a salt water tidal lake, connected to Tampa Bay through Salt Creek. The Pine Flatwoods are fascinating to wander through. Groups of 4 or more can request a special tram tour subject to staff and volunteer availability.Advance notice of 1-2 days is preferred. Copyright The Florida Guidebook. The site was created and named after its first superintendent, Boyd Hill, who created and managed the park in the mid 1950s. The Organic Robinia playground fits perfectly into the wild nature of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve and is often used as part of environmental education programs for children. Location: St. Petersburg Length: 3 mile loop Trailhead: 27.725417, -82.649867 Address: 1101 Country Club Way S, St. Petersburg, FL 33705 Type: linear, loop Fees: $3 adult, $1.50 ages 3-16. Banana trees flank the trail as you approach a bridge leading to a grassy island on the lake. In its natural state the water level fluctuated dramatically with tides, and sometimes went dry during extreme low tides. In a healthy sand scrub ecosystem the sandy soil is tilled and cultivated by resident wildlife, including insects and burrowing animals like pocket gophers and gopher tortoises. Frostproof. [2] Facilities include a playground and picnic areas. 1,641 were here. The trail curves away from the lake and through a patch of ginger; a stone canal hides off several feet to the right. Ormond Beach. As you walk under the tall slash pines, you cross the Field Mouse Trail again. Cinnamon ferns and giant leather ferns rise beneath the elderberries. A free bird walk, co-sponsored by St. Petersburg Audubon. Ebro. Within 200 feet, you come to the Pine Flatwoods Trail. When fully open, the northern section of Boyd Hill Preserve will have campsites and cabins. Winter Springs. All levels welcome. The preserve supports more than 60 species of reptiles and amphibians, including gopher tortoise, Florida box turtle, and eastern indigo snake; young alligators hiding in the lake shallows are a delight for the whole family. Micanopy. Panama City Beach. Blackwater River State Forest. But, it may also be more muddy, and there may be more insects. Marshland accumulates and absorbs flood waters during periods of heavy rain. Ocala. Miami. The playgrounds natural materials invite children to learn about nature and how to preserve it, all while having fun and enjoying themselves. Kayak and canoe rentals available. Port St. Lucie. The swamp environment of Boyd Hill is noticeably cooler than other areas in the park because they are low-lying, and thanks to several other factors. Nature Center Classroom Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. March through October and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. November through February. For more information on our processing of your personal data, please see our Privacy Policy: https://www.kompan.com/privacy-policy-and-security, C. F. Tietgens Boulevard 32C Petersburg, FL 33705. Destin. There are wild animals, some of which are dangerous. Orange Park. This city-owned and award-winning park contains 245 acres of hammocks, mixed hardwoods, pinelands and scrub. Once a zoo in St. Petersburg, Boyd Hill Park has 3 miles of trails looping through a mosaic of natural habitats and tropical landscapes along Lake Maggiore. Home to a small group of permanently injured birds, a small aviary between the Education Center and trails affords close encounters with hawks, owls and a bald eagle. The South entrance features an extensive nature education center, hiking trails and the Birds of Prey program. March 09, 2023. Bird Watching. Mims. Key Biscayne. Daytona Beach. Kids under the age of three are free. Contact the preserve for additional prices for commercial and nonprofit use. Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center, named for a meandering stream that bisects the property, spans some 8,700 acres of pine flatwoods and freshwater swamps. A recognized site on the Trail of Florida Indian Heritage, Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center on Weedon Island showcases close to 2,000 years of history. Lake Maggiore supports only the smallest, most versatile of fish, algae, and larvae. Like marshes, swamps help regulate and filter groundwater runoff and flooding events. Most of the trails are paved, and virtually all of them are wheelchair-accessible. Tallahassee. Cocoa Beach. WebBoyd Hill Nature Preserve is a 245-acre protected area in St. Petersburg, Florida, Pinellas County, Florida. Many people imagine swamps as areas of stagnant green water, but healthy swamp land actually transfers and filters groundwater continually. When fully open, there will be six camping cabins available for rent. Davie. Youve passed several benches already, but now you come to a canopied water station, one of several in the park, where you can grab a drink from a giant water jug. Nature Center Meeting Rooom Osteen. The bays and lagoons that once drew Native Americans now attract thousands of visitors each year. Monticello. Largo. The health ofLake Maggiore has suffered as a result of man-made pollution and destructive modifications. Join Ron Smith the first Saturday of the month at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. - See 589 traveller reviews, 204 candid photos, and great deals for St. Petersburg, FL, at Tripadvisor. Annual trail passes are available for purchase (in person only, at the Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center). Big Cypress National Preserve. Pay your admission fee and ask for a loaner field guide and trail map before setting off on the extensive trail system. Lake Butler.Lake City. Work sessions, team building events and just taking a quiet break from the business of the day are easily accommodated under the towering pines of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Tangled greenbrier, air potatoes, and philodendron make this a jungle-like setting. INSIDER TIPS: If youre available on the first Saturday of any month its worth your time to join the birders for the monthly bird walk. The forest shop, with its play counter and sand activities, invites children to come together for hours of fun and creativity. Located 20 miles north of Clearwater, Booker Creek is home to dozens of threatened and endangered species and is a favorite field trip for school-age students who take advantage of the preserve's state-of-the-art environmental center. A free birding walk leaves the library at 8am on the first Saturday of each month. Bikers share the trail on the designated bike path. It previously measured 245 acres of land area, but was recently expanded and now includes 300 acres. Lake Wales. Leesburg. 5220 Odense S Stay to the right at the junction. Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. Be warned that elements of the story are disturbing. Saturdays, 7:00am-6:00pm And that's just fine with the paddling guides from nearby Sweetwater Kayaks; they know that the quieter you travel, the more birds you'll see. The shade under the canopied bench is the only shade along this particular trail. The preserve is located on the shores of Lake Maggiore (Florida) in south St. Petersburg. It is operated by St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation and includes the Boyd Hill Environmental Center, a bird-of-prey aviary, and more than three miles of trails through a variety of ecosystems. [2] Facilities include a playground and picnic areas. St. Petersburg Parks and Rec Jobs and Volunteer, Tomalin Campground, Pioneer Settlement Area, Nature Education Center and Hiking Trails, Migrating butterflies fill the pollinators garden, Migrating birds fill the trees and waterways, Alligators bellow and be are active during mating season, which lasts from April to June. Chiefland. Sorry, we do not allow dogs at the preserve unless it is a service animal. Youll surely hear Limpkins calling from March-May. Check out this news coverage for more information on the opening of Boyd Hills Tomalin Campground. There are currently about six miles of trails at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Eppling's sculptures are a fixture in St. Petersburg. Tunneling through mangrove forests and palm hammocks to overlooks on Tampa Bay, the trails of Weedon Island Preserve offer unique perspectives for birders while interpreting one of Floridas ancient settlements. Sundays, Tuesdays-Fridays, 9:00am-6:00pm. A long time resident of St. Petersburg, Paul used recycled metal and scrap metal for his sculptures. The 245-acre, award-winning property features 6 miles of trails and boardwalks through a variety of habitats including hardwood hammocks, sand pine scrub, pine flatwoods, willow marsh, swamp woodlands and lake shore. There are several fresh water coolers along the trails set up each morning to keep visitors refreshed. Information on children's day camps is availablehere. WebBoyd Hill Nature Preserve. The Friends of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve and the St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department present the annual Natural History Speaker Series (NHSS), a program that offers fascinating presentations on the natural and cultural history of Florida Fisheating Creek. Really, anybody who loves nature will be impressed by a visit to Boyd Hill. Amelia Island. Gainesville. The address is: 1101 Country Club Way SSt. SUMMER: Resident species include Tufted Titmouse, a few Carolina Chickadees, Carolina Wren, Great Horned Owl, Eastern Screech-Owl, Boat-tailed Grackle, Red-winged Blackbird and Pileated Woodpecker to name just a few. WebBoyd Hill Nature Preserve is a 400 acre preserve in St. Petersburg. Along with early Boyd Hills misguided zoo horror show, other destructive actions were taken at natures expense. Otters are one of my favorite wild animals to see in the preserve! DeFuniak Springs. To compete with the neighboring Sunken Gardens attraction to the north, invasive plants were introduced to make the site feel more exotic. ! in 5 reviews. The swamp environment of Boyd Hill is noticeably cooler than other areas in the park because they are low-lying, and thanks to several other factors. The shade, evaporative cooling and dense, lush vegetation which all help cool the area. The Pine Flatwoods are fascinating to wander through. Olustee. As the sun goes down, you're bound to hear the barred owls calling. Chipley. Post photos of your adventures, ask questions and learn about upcoming #WalkingClub stories in Sarahs Walking Club group on Facebook! The mission of the Friends of Boyd Hill Continuing down the Main Trail, you come to the Willow Marsh Trail. Ellaville. Location. A good viewing spot is from Lake Maggiore Island and also from outside the park along the lakes eastern shoreline. Preserve Shelters No pets. A PDF map of the Boyd Hill Facility and Trail Map can be accessed at the link below. When theyre taken in by the Boyd Hill Preserve they receive a loving home for life, and excellent care. Soon, there will be even more to see! Before Salt Creek was dammed large saltwater fish were reportedly found inside the lake. Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. Visitors can comfortably explore the swamps of Boyd Hill Preserve via several well-maintained, raised walkways, while enjoying shade from tall Red Maple and Bald Cypress trees. Spots must be reserved in-person. Prices do not include extended hours. Sopchoppy. Dade City. WebRaptor Fest. Key Largo. Previously these cabins were only open to organized group camping. Wewahitchka NORTH FLORIDA Alachua. Coast to Coast Trail. Recently there have been Common Goldeneye, Canvasback, American Wigeon, Redhead and Ruddy Ducks. Ocala. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Palm Coast. Osprey's Roost Boca Raton. Orlando. The City of St. Petersburg owns, operates and manages Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Most birders look for uncommon ducks resting and feeding on Lake Maggiore. DeBary. Floridas Sand Scrub ecosystem is characterized by dry, sandy soil. Charlotte Harbor. All rights reserved. WebThe Garden offers five unique outdoor venues for creating an unforgettable event. Immokalee. Prices do not include extended hours. Jacksonville. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is an escape from the city life This St. Pete nature preserve recently went through some upgrades that include new campgrounds. Originally created as We Love Boyd Hill Nature Preserve the online community has broadened to include all of St. Petes beautiful parks. Veer right, then right again. That building will be available for rentals. Sanford. If you or someone in your party prefers a tram instead of walking, there are daily tram tours. 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