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. The preserve is generally more green and lush during the latter part of the summer rainy season. Boynton Beach. Biscayne Bay. Walk beneath the pines of the Flatwoods Trail and youre also likely to spot woodpeckers. Eagles, hawks, owls and other birds of prey use the exposed, scrub area to hunt. Passing another water station, you walk through the pine forest. The 45-foot-tall observation tower at Weedon Island Preserve give a whole new perspective to the park! The differences are explained below. It is situated along the southern Use good judgement, follow signs and instructions from staff members and take every precaution to ensure your own safety. A public campground is scheduled to open in November, 2020, although Covid-19 may cause delays. Kayak and canoe rentals available. The best areas to bird include the oaks over the parking lot, Visitors Center and picnic area. Payment cannot be taken over the phone. Recently there have been Common Goldeneye, Canvasback, American Wigeon, Redhead and Ruddy Ducks. The City of St. Petersburg coordinates a variety of volunteer opportunities at the Preserve, includinganimal care, land management, gardening, and more. Copyright The Florida Guidebook. Notice the diversity of tropical plants along the Main Trail. Today its health is designated as Impared. Steinhatchee. A free bird walk, co-sponsored by St. Petersburg Audubon. Crawfordville. WebWe are do-gooders who love Boyd Hill Nature Preserve and Floridas wild places. In 2014 and 2015 dedicated defenders of the preserve successfully fought an ill-advised development plan. The rich variety of activities in the obstacle course help children improve important physical skill, such as balance and cross-coordination skills. Pay your admission fee and ask for a loaner field guide and trail map before setting off on the extensive trail system. Shortly after, the City of St. Petersburg gave enhanced protection to the site with full Preserve status to ensure the site will be protected in the future. There are usually cold water stations placed along the trails, but when I last visited they were not present due to Covid-19 health precautions. Whether youre seeking an intimate ceremony location, hosting a wedding reception, celebrating Orange Park. Swamp land remains wet and submerged for most of the year. Looping back around to the canopied water station, turn right. Extra fee for tram tour Restroom: Flush toilets Land Manager: City of St Petersburg Phone: 727-893-7326. Join a guided hike or plan a paddle to discover these retreats and their native species, then head inside to learn more at the preserves education centers. The north section of the preserve is currently being expanded. November 1-February 29. The series is held from September to April on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 PM. Pickerelweed shows off its slim purple blooms. Turn right onto the Gator Loop, paralleling the lake. Fort Walton Beach. http://www.stpeteparksrec.org/pdfs/parks/BoydHillNaturePreserve_TrailMap.pdf. Polarized sunglasses and camera lenses can help see through any glare on the water surface. Okeechobee. Its called the Boyd Hill Field of Screams. Although Brooker Creek lies in the middle of one of area's fastest-growing suburban locales, officials have taken great care to preserve its natural integrity, and as a result, it's not uncommon to see white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bobcat and even otters. The Preserve, formerly known as Lake Maggiore Park, was renamed in 1958 after a park superintendent whose dream was to bring together the people of an urban community and nature-in-the-raw without disturbing the balance of either. Titusville . WebExciting activities include nature hikes, games, and animal and plant studies. Orlando. 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. Charlotte Harbor. Everglades City. But Boyd Hill is home to more than just birdsit's a stunning example of biodiversity. 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. As their yellow flowers fall to the ground, they are replaced by colorful red seedpods, then by yellow leaves in the spring. Soon, there will be even more to see! Redland. Blackwater River State Forest. If you look closely, youll notice dark and charred bark on many of the pine trees. The Florida Guidebook is supported by our readers. Eppling's sculptures are a fixture in St. Petersburg. WebThe preserve is located on the shores of Lake Maggiore (Florida) in south St. Petersburg. It is located at 1101 Country Club Way South. Clewiston. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is a 245-acre protected area in St. Petersburg, Florida, Pinellas County, Florida. There's no better place to wind down at the end of the day. Jacksonville. Northeast Everglades Natural Area. Ocala. Leesburg. Wewahitchka NORTH FLORIDA Alachua. They partner with the City of St. Petersburg to supply volunteers and support for the preserve. Sebastian. 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. At the next trail junction, go straight. DMCA Policy In a recent trip, I walked over a wood bridge into. It also acts as a natural filter for groundwater runoff to trap pollutants and nutrients, before they can infiltrate and harm bodies of water. Ocala National Forest. The Friends of Boyd Hill and the City of St. Petersburg jointly host a regular expert speaker series. Continuing down the Main Trail, you come to the Willow Marsh Trail. Boca Raton. Webboyd hill nature preserve This city-owned and award-winning park contains 245 acres of hammocks, mixed hardwoods, pinelands and scrub. Sebring. Pahokee. Ocklawaha. The cabins have been renovated and will feature electric fans, LED lighting, new floors and furniture. Post photos of your adventures, ask questions and learn about upcoming #WalkingClub stories in Sarahs Walking Club group on Facebook! Walt Disney World. Turn right on the Lake Maggiore Trail. St. Petersburg. Bonifay. Our definitive guidebook to planning backpacking trips on the Florida National Scenic Trail, now in its fourth edition. 12 sites will be opened in phase one, and an additional 12 will be opened in phase two. Just outside the Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center, visitors will find the Birds of Prey Aviary, where permanently injured raptors are housed and cared for. CENTRAL FLORIDA OVERVIEW East Coast Greenway. WebFree. High Springs. Beneath the tree cover there is a collection of underbrush plants and understory. South Walton. MEETING LOCATION: Go through the Education Center to meet the group behind the building. Keep up with the Trail. Kids under the age of three are free. After a morning paddle, you'll be looking to cool off on the trails of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, located on the shores of St. Petersburg's Lake Maggiore. There are two sections to the park; north and south. Be on the lookout for native and migrating birds, reptiles, mammals, and more. In 1940 St. Petersburg developers wanted to modify the lake to ensure a more consistent water level. Stuart. There are five sculptures at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve byPaul Eppling. Coral Gables. Cross Florida Greenway. Trails lead you through 300 acres of protected land. Turn right at the junction, then right again onto the main trail. You get to hit a lot of the cool areas. Silver Springs. "Boyd Hill Nature Preserve - St. Petersburg, Florida", Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Boyd_Hill_Nature_Preserve&oldid=1109832397, Protected areas of Pinellas County, Florida, Tourist attractions in St. Petersburg, Florida, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 12 September 2022, at 03:07. Bird and butterfly checklists can be picked up at the center, including a special one just for kids. Like marshes, swamps help regulate and filter groundwater runoff and flooding events. In Floridas most densely populated county, youll find Boyd Hill Nature Preserve with 245 acres of pristine Florida wilderness. June 11, 2021. 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. There are almost two miles of handicap-accessible boardwalks and pavement available for visitors to Weedon Island Preserve. Tampa. Previously these cabins were only open to organized group camping. 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. Weedon Island Preserve Cultural & Natural History Center, Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center. It is closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. This preserve is definitely worth visiting! Originally created as We Love Boyd Hill Nature Preserve the online community has broadened to include all of St. Petes beautiful parks. Talbot Islands. Sorry, we do not allow dogs at the preserve unless it is a service animal. While youre inside, check out the displays. Theres always something to hear and see during the hot and humid summer months. Within its borders, most of Floridas major terrestrial ecosystems are represented, except for a marine or beach environment. The preserve is used for school field trips and hosts environmental education programs. Each spring at least a few lucky birders glimpse a northbound Swallow-tailed Kite soaring over the park in March/April. Estero. Turn right, and take a moment to grab a cup of water at the water station. Macclenny. Like much of Floridas history, the backstory of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is fascinating, and also deeply disturbing. The mission of the Friends of Boyd Hill Spinner plates and Springers can help children from a young age train balance and spatial awareness. Withlacoochee State Trail. 5220 Odense S The City of St. Petersburg owns, operates and manages Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Dunnellon. Naples. It also features an indoor and outdoor bar as well as a 33500-gallon aquarium. New Port Richey. GDPR FAQ | Privacy Policy, The Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement. Social distancing should be practiced. Islamorada. Sources: USF Water Atlas and the Native Fish Lab. Turn right onto 26 Ave. S - head east to 31st Street S. To compete with the neighboring Sunken Gardens attraction to the north, invasive plants were introduced to make the site feel more exotic. It is operated by St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation and includes the Boyd Hill Coast to Coast Trail. The lack of tree shade may seem inhospitable to humans on a hot, sunny day, but its a crucial aspect of the scrub landscape. WebIt was there that young Boyd met Minnie Buchanan, who would later be-come his wife. Bicycles are permitted, but not on the wooden boardwalks. Branford. Working to You may withdraw your consent at any time and unsubscribe from the newsletter. It will have two rooms available for event rental. Basinger. Lush philodendron climbs the oak trees; an umbrella tree spreads its broad leaves. They also help maintain and improve the grounds, provide scholarships for youth campers, and host special events, among many other things. It ended up causing environmental damage because of several reasons, and decimating the fish population. 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. Its hoped that the expanded access will help kindle a love and appreciation for Boyd Hill, and help provide access to natural experiences. In 1927, an attempt to widen the channel between the lake and Tampa Bay led to vast amounts of salt water flooding the lake, killing the fish and ruining the natural ecosystem. (727) 893-7326. It used to be called Salt Lake. It is beloved by locals who know about it, and it provides a fantastic adventure for wildlife lovers and nature newbies. Marianna. Invasive grasses and excessive sedimentation, Groundwater pollution and urban runoff contamination, Excessive nutrients caused imbalances and low oxygen levels, Due to the natural damage, only small fish can survive in the lake. At 0.4 mile, a spur trail off to the left leads to a picturesque old stone bridge tucked away in a garden grotto. The Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is located south of Saint Petersburg. WebThe Boyd Hill Nature Preserve offers a natural, picturesque setting with a variety of options for individuals, groups and businesses looking for a unique location for an event, meeting The site was created and named after its first superintendent, Boyd Hill, who created and managed the park in the mid 1950s. Its the remnant of what was once a beach environment. In the 1940s a dam was installed on Salt Creek in hopes that a higher water level would help increase the number of fish. Winter Springs. They have wildlife and nature checklists so you can make sure you notice and experience as much as possible. Ormond Beach. Marshland accumulates and absorbs flood waters during periods of heavy rain. The flatwoods and scrub have a beauty all their ownyou'll find box turtles and gopher tortoise here, as well as 90 different butterfly species. Like so many ambitious environmental modifications, the project was a disaster. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - A slice of nature is just 15 minutes from downtown St. Pete but it seems like it could be much further away. Check out this news coverage for more information on the opening of Boyd Hills Tomalin Campground. Look out over the lake for Barn and Northern Rough-winged Swallows and the occasional Black Tern, especially in late August and early September. Contact the preserve for additional prices for commercial and nonprofit use. Two to three miles of new trails are being added. Each of the parks habitats is showcased along small loop trails like these, branching off the main trail. Sanibel Island. - See 589 traveller reviews, 204 candid photos, and great deals for St. Petersburg, FL, at Tripadvisor. 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. 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. This is provided by the City of St. Petersburg. 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. Notice the banyan tree on the right, with its many trunk-like roots dangling from its branches to the ground. New Smyrna Beach. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve spans more than 400 acres and can be found south of downtown St. Pete. Published on 03/23/21: Colt and I finally checked out Boyd Hill Nature Preserve this weekend and we loved it.What an incredible area just 10 minutes from downtown St. Pete! Wildlife is generally most active early in the morning and later in the evening, around sunrise and sunset. Lakeland. WebIn Floridas most densely populated county, youll find Boyd Hill Nature Preserve with 245 acres of pristine Florida wilderness. 1101 Country Club Way S., St Petersburg, 33705 Youve walked 2.1 miles. Its located south of downtown Saint Petersburg, and sits on the shore of Lake Maggiore.