Starke. Ding Darling NWR. Before Salt Creek was dammed large saltwater fish were reportedly found inside the lake. Bushnell. Suwannee Springs. Tampa. As an Amazon Associate this site may earn from qualifying purchases. Fort Myers. Strategically placed cold water stations around the park are a welcome relief on a hot day. 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 There are two entrances to the park. Fire is vital for this ecosystem because it clears away underbrush and helps rejuvenate soil and activate natural processes for many plants, trees, animals and wildlife. Sopchoppy. Turn right, crossing the Field Mouse Trail as you enter the scrubby flatwoods. All of these birds have been injured, or otherwise deemed unfit for survival in the wild. Florida Keys. The health ofLake Maggiore has suffered as a result of man-made pollution and destructive modifications. Saturday, February 3, 2024 | 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.. 1101 Country Club Way South, St. Petersburg, FL 33705 Ponce De Leon. Because of the abundant trees and plant life, Hammock environments have a shady canopy and earthy, nutrient-rich soil. Crescent City. When fully open, there will be six camping cabins available for rent. You can see downtown St. Petersburg across the lake, but its unlikely youll see an alligator. Oviedo. Withlacoochee State Trail. Lake Placid. Ebro. - See 589 traveller reviews, 204 candid photos, and great deals for St. Petersburg, FL, at Tripadvisor. Bristol. 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. Because of the overlap of several key loop trails, there are many different ways you can hike the trails. Those invasive species are still being removed today. 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 lake comprises a large portion of Boyd Hills perimeter border. If youre lucky you may see them hunting for fish, or playing rambunctiously. At the north end of the preserve, a historical pioneer settlement exhibit shows what life was like earlier in Floridas pioneer settlement period. Lake Wales. aviary which had hawks, owls, a turkey vulture and a five year-old bald eagle. WebBoyd Hill is a great half day escape. 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. The Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is open year-round. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Brooksville. Williston, MULTI-REGION Big Cypress Swamp. The popular RaporFest event is held in February. There are eight miles of trails for a day visit too. Redland. The preserve is no less inviting on foot. Tampa. 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. Most birders look for uncommon ducks resting and feeding on Lake Maggiore. Its hoped that the expanded access will help kindle a love and appreciation for Boyd Hill, and help provide access to natural experiences. The South entrance features an extensive nature education center, hiking trails and the Birds of Prey program. It is not a palm tree, but is related to the banana tree and bird-of-paradise, as evidenced by its large, hanging blossom. Florida Trail Brooksville. Talbot Islands. Floridas pine ecosystems, especially the native LongLeaf Pine, are dependent on natural, annual fire events. Trenton. Trail Fun Run is on the SECOND SATURDAY of every month from 9 - 10 a.m. at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way South. Orange Park. Turn right on the Swamp Woodlands Trail for a loop through a floodplain forest off Lake Maggiore. Basinger. 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. Turn right on the Lake Maggiore Trail. Boyd Hill Park originally began its life as a zoo and botanical garden for the city of St. Petersburg. The multicolored blooms of lantana spill out over the trails edge. This city-owned and award-winning park contains 245 acres of hammocks, mixed hardwoods, pinelands and scrub. Naturalists, scientists and experts deliver talks on fascinating natural history topics. 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. Kissimmee. A public campground is scheduled to open in November, 2020, although Covid-19 may cause delays. You can spend hours walking around in the quiet atmosphere, just observing wildlife and their natural surroundings. DeBary. MEETING LOCATION: Go through the Education Center to meet the group behind the building. That's why Sarah Phinney started a Walking Club to highlight some hidden, and some not so hidden, trails and parks across Tampa Bay. Clermont. Its the remnant of what was once a beach environment. As the Gator Loop turns away from the lake at 1 mile, turn right onto the unpaved pathway into the woods along the lake, through a long green tunnel of oaks. Commonly reported fall migrants include Prairie, Yellow, Chestnut-sided, Yellow-throated, Prothonotary and Hooded Warblers as well as American Redstart, Acadian Flycatcher, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Veery, Swainsons and Gray-cheeked Thrushes, Summer Tanager and Red-eyed Vireo. Keep an eye to the sky for hawks, swallows and Nanday Parakeets. In the Birds of Prey aviary exhibit you can see a variety of species. Micanopy. The buildings feature interpretive and educational information. The City of St. Petersburg is building a new welcome center, Hammock Hall. Join Ron Smith the first Saturday of the month at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. If you want to read more about the history of the Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, check out these well-written articles from The Catalyst and the Friends of Boyd Hill. A manned kiosk is on the right. The playgrounds natural materials invite children to learn about nature and how to preserve it, all while having fun and enjoying themselves. Sundays, Tuesdays-Fridays, 9:00am-6:00pm. There are almost two miles of handicap-accessible boardwalks and pavement available for visitors to Weedon Island Preserve. Take a walk on the wild side right near the city by exploring the Weedon Island, Boyd Hill and Brooker Creek Preserves. Baldwin. Biscayne National Park. Returning to the cool shade of the oak hammock, the trail veers right, ending at the ticket kiosk. This event is presented by the team of running coaches at St. Sarasota. It will also feature a campground, primitive campsites for tent camping and cabins, which will be open to the public for the first time. Lake Butler.Lake City. St. Pete officials hope to have the trails and camping area open to the public by April 15. Farout Guides Comprehensive logistics and offline maps for the Florida National Scenic Trail (1,500 miles), the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail (108 miles), and the ECT Florida Connector (92 miles). Keystone Heights. Frostproof. Everglades National Park. The obstacle course also helps children train social-emotional skills, such as cooperation and turn-taking. Year-round, common birds like Green Heron, Osprey, Common Gallinule, Eastern Screech-Owl and Downy Woodpecker are easy to find. Moore Haven. They also help maintain and improve the grounds, provide scholarships for youth campers, and host special events, among many other things. At the next trail junction, go straight. Osceola National Forest. It is situated along the southern Carrabelle. Milton. Social distancing should be practiced. The City of St. Petersburgs Parks and Recreation Department has completed new enhancement projects at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, including the opening of the new Terry Tomalin Campground, a 12-site primitive public camping area. Many people imagine swamps as areas of stagnant green water, but healthy swamp land actually transfers and filters groundwater continually. Each of the parks habitats is showcased along small loop trails like these, branching off the main trail. B&W, 356 pages. Jacksonville. Theres always something to hear and see during the hot and humid summer months. Trails lead you through 300 acres of protected land. There are five sculptures at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve byPaul Eppling. WebWe are do-gooders who love Boyd Hill Nature Preserve and Floridas wild places. Pay your admission fee and ask for a loaner field guide and trail map before setting off on the extensive trail system. Theres a functioning replica of a historical blacksmith shop and sawmill, among others. They have wildlife and nature checklists so you can make sure you notice and experience as much as possible. Merritt Island. The trail curves away from the lake and through a patch of ginger; a stone canal hides off several feet to the right. Also, walking the shoreline trail can be productive. A free bird walk, co-sponsored by St. Petersburg Audubon, occurs the first Saturday of each month and starts by the main entrance at 8 AM. Bikers share the trail on the designated bike path. The one-mile Boy Scout Loop takes you through pine flatwoods and maritime hammocks; then two miles of boardwalk trails carry you over tidal flats and mangrove tangles and deliver you near the preserves Cultural and Natural History Center. Mount Dora. Canaveral National Seashore. Niceville. Okeechobee. Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. March 09, 2023. Children (ages 3-16) cost $1.50. The address is: 1101 Country Club Way S. St. Petersburg, The preserve is used for school field trips and hosts environmental education programs. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Sign up for Sarah's Walking Club Newsletters. Chiefland. Some are replicas and some original, which were moved from downtown St. Petersburg. There are many metal statues built by the late Paul Eppling. In the middle of this pristine wilderness, where alligators and birds roam free, youll find a wooden Robinia playground. In its natural state the water level fluctuated dramatically with tides, and sometimes went dry during extreme low tides. It is just under a mile (0.82) and connects to boardwalks and other trails if youd like to extend your walk. Cocoa Beach. The campers will have access to the trails at night. Cloud. June 11, 2021. A paved bike path makes a loop through the park and just inside the park entrance, there is a wild bird aviary. Full data charts and maps. The address is: 1101 Country Club Way SSt. The event was cancelled in 2020 due to Covid-19 precautions, but hopefully itll be back next year. (727) 893-7326 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. Our definitive guidebook to planning backpacking trips on the Florida National Scenic Trail, now in its fourth edition. The site was created and named after its first superintendent, Boyd Hill, who created and managed the park in the mid 1950s. De Leon Springs. March 1-October 31 Prices do not include extended hours. WebBoyd Hill Nature Preserve St. Petersburg. Looping back around to the canopied water station, turn right. Walking Club: Exploring Boyd Hill Nature Preserve in St. Pete More: https://www.abcactionnews.com/community/walking-club/walking-club-exploring-boyd-hill-nature-preserve-in-st-pete. Northeast Everglades Natural Area. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is a 245-acre protected area in St. Petersburg, Florida, Pinellas County, Florida. 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. Jensen Beach. Flagler Beach. WINTER: Besides the usual wintering flocks of Yellow-rumped and Palm Warblers birders should listen and watch for Gray Catbirds, Pine Warblers and the occasional Hermit Thrush. Alligators, from large adults to tiny hatchlings and babies, can often be seen on the banks of Lake Maggiore. WebBoyd Hill Nature Preserve. Most Florida locals prefer to enjoy the outdoors during the cooler months of fall, winter and spring. What days are Boyd Hill Nature Preserve open? , Vultures, Falcons, Hawks, swing by and see the rest!. WebExciting activities include nature hikes, games, and animal and plant studies. A free birding walk leaves the library at 8am on the first Saturday of each month. Wewahitchka NORTH FLORIDA Alachua. A good viewing spot is from Lake Maggiore Island and also from outside the park along the lakes eastern shoreline. 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. The Florida Guidebook is supported by our readers. During some winters the park hosts Merlin and Broad-winged Hawk. All trails are accessible. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. (727) 893-7326. Gainesville. Port Mayaca. Panama City Beach. You get to hit a lot of the cool areas. Olustee. 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. Today its health is designated as Impared. Each spring at least a few lucky birders glimpse a northbound Swallow-tailed Kite soaring over the park in March/April. 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. The fires help clear out dense underbrush and maintain a natural, healthy balance for all of its inhabitants. Its located south of downtown Saint Petersburg, and sits on the shore of Lake Maggiore. Leesburg. This 245-acre preserve has six miles of nature trails and boardwalks that will give you a glimpse of how the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area, and most of Florida, must have looked when the Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto first gazed upon its shores. There are two sections to the park; north and south. The camp site will be opened in phases. It has since evolved over the decades into a mosaic of natural habitats and wild tropical landscapes along the shores of Lake Maggiore. Herons snap up the small fish. Dont be surprised if, upon exiting the building, a long-legged great white heron strides across your pathyoure in its territory now. Orlando. Lake Okeechobee. 1400 19th St. N. St. Petersburg, FL 33713. Mosquitoes are also most active at dawn and dusk. The 245-acre, award-winning property features 6 miles of trails and boardwalks through a Its called Hammock Hall. Sources: USF Water Atlas and the Native Fish Lab. Like so many ambitious environmental modifications, the project was a disaster. South Walton. WebFriends of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve - Become a member Membership benefits include: Discounts on trail passes Discounts on children's camps (Family memberships only) Access to members-only events Discounts at the gift shop during selected times of the year Satisfaction of supporting a special place Please complete the application below. Monticello. Prices do not include extended hours. Marianna. Clearwater Beach. Recently there have been Common Goldeneye, Canvasback, American Wigeon, Redhead and Ruddy Ducks. Deltona. Naturally, Lake Maggiore was a salt water tidal lake, connected to Tampa Bay through Salt Creek. Check out iNaturalist to see what other nature lovers have found in the area. Downtown St. Pete's newest museum showcases brillianthandcrafted art. Today, few other places allow you to get out into the wild in such close proximity to a major city as Weedon Island Preserve, located just 20 minutes north of downtown St. Petersburg. Estero. Over time work has been done to help improve the health of the lake. Agricultural Education Building 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. Homestead. Florida summers are very hot, but the preserve stays cooler than you might expect, especially in the shaded areas around Lake Maggiore. The Friends of Boyd Hill is a non-profit organization. Sundays, Tuesdays-Fridays, 9:00am-7:00pm WebEvent Information for Conserving Gopher Tortoises at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve at Hammock Hall in St. Petersburg, US on Thursday, March 09, 2023 - UpcomingEvents.com Otters are one of my favorite wild animals to see in the preserve! Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. As you walk under the tall slash pines, you cross the Field Mouse Trail again. These stories are a dark reminder of how cruel and callous humans can be to animals, nature and wildlife. Crystal River. Use good judgement, follow signs and instructions from staff members and take every precaution to ensure your own safety. Limpkins are found here year round, Least Bitterns in spring and summer and Nanday Parakeets are resident. Miami. Turn right at the junction, then right again onto the main trail. Overseas Heritage Trail. Big Cypress Seminole Reservation. It costs $3 for adults to get in. The City of St. Petersburgs Parks and Recreation Department has completed new enhancement projects at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, including the opening of the new Terry Tomalin Campground, a 12-site primitive public camping area. There will also be a new facility near the grounds. Sebastian. ! in 5 reviews. High Springs. Palatka-Lake Butler Trail. Prices do not include extended hours and additional services. Bird Watching. Full hike descriptions and maps, full color. The differences are explained below. Keep up with the Trail. In Floridas most densely populated county, youll find Boyd Hill Nature Preserve with 245 acres of pristine Florida wilderness. Placid Wax Myrtle Pond sits off to the left. Sebring. GDPR FAQ | Privacy Policy, The Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement. Bird with the author! Softshell turtles, primarily vegetarians, roam the lakes bottom. There is often more wildlife activity during the spring. This protects surrounding areas, especially the neighborhoods surrounding Boyd Hill Preserve. Continuing down the Main Trail, you come to the Willow Marsh Trail. With subsequent pesticide and herbicide runoff from surrounding lawns, the lake has never recovered. The north section of the preserve is currently being expanded. SPRING: By late February there can usually be heard one of the summer-nesting Chuck-wills-widows calling from within the pine flatwoods, a sure sign of spring. Crestview. 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. While youre inside, check out the displays. Depending on when you visit, the parks opening hours may change. 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. There are wild animals, some of which are dangerous. Working to Stay on the main path; a shortcut off to the right leads to the Bike Trail. 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 2008. As you ascend a small rise, you come to a bizarre piece of artan oversized armadillo made up of old car parts. 2023 Visit St. Pete/Clearwater. WebThe preserve is located on the shores of Lake Maggiore (Florida) in south St. Petersburg. Bicycles are permitted, but not on the wooden boardwalks. A PDF map of the Boyd Hill Facility and Trail Map can be accessed at the link below. It is beloved by locals who know about it, and it provides a fantastic adventure for wildlife lovers and nature newbies. Contact the preserve for additional prices for commercial and nonprofit use. Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center, Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day. Check out this news coverage for more information on the opening of Boyd Hills Tomalin Campground. In a recent trip, I walked over a wood bridge into Lake Maggiore for an up-close look of a sunning alligator. in 4 reviews, I enjoyed the birds of prey aviary which had hawks, owls, a turkey vulture and a five year-old bald eagle. in 6 reviews, American Eagle, 3 different kinds of Owl, Vultures, Falcons, Hawks, swing by and see the rest! Gopher tortoise feeds off of ground-level vegetation, which only grows with ample sunlight. It previously measured 245 acres of land area, but was recently expanded and now includes 300 acres. Green Cove Springs. Playground and covered picnic pavilion outside the preserve trail gates. Ocala. Saturdays, 7:00am-7:00pm Longwood. You may also be caught by a summer storm, so consider bringing bug spray, an umbrella, and remain aware of the weather. Lake Mary. 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. Boyd Hill is home to many of Floridas natural wildlife species. Its a vital natural habitat for native wildlife, and a natural treasure for residents within Pinellas County, which is among the most densely populated counties in Florida. Lakeport. You can read more about the fight to protect Boyd Hill here and here. At Weedon Island a sign marks the "Prayer of the Woods," which has been used in Portugueseforest reservations for more than 1,000 years. It will have two rooms available for event rental. 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.