They also wanted to stock freshwater sport fish inside the lake. Starke. Lakeland. If you seek peace and quiet, consider visiting during the week while school is in session. Its the remnant of what was once a beach environment. Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Cedar Key. The North entrance includes a historical Pioneer Settlement Area and will be the site of the Tomalin Campground, which will provide urban camping inside the Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. The water level inside the lake would fluctuate, and would sometimes drain completely during extreme low tides, which created a muddy, smelly bog. But Boyd Hill is home to more than just birdsit's a stunning example of biodiversity. A Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Wedding. They also help maintain and improve the grounds, provide scholarships for youth campers, and host special events, among many other things. 1101 Country Club Way S., St Petersburg, 33705. Over 20 species of wood-warbler have been recorded during spring and fall migration including Kentucky, Cerulean, Blackburnian, Bay-breasted and Wilsons. In 2014 and 2015 dedicated defenders of the preserve successfully fought an ill-advised development plan. Salt Springs. Webboyd hill nature preserve This city-owned and award-winning park contains 245 acres of hammocks, mixed hardwoods, pinelands and scrub. 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 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. An overlook off on the right looks out over the marsh, with a glimpse of the open waters of the lake beyond. 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. Kissimmee. Before Salt Creek was dammed large saltwater fish were reportedly found inside the lake. The 245-acre, award-winning property features 6 miles of trails and boardwalks through a Fernandina Beach. There is often more wildlife activity during the spring. Merritt Island NWR. Located right on the shore of Lake Maggiore, visitors will find paths that wind through different habitats. Port St. Joe. $19.95 + tax & shipping. With subsequent pesticide and herbicide runoff from surrounding lawns, the lake has never recovered. 1101 Country Club Way S., St Petersburg, 33705. We are do-gooders who love Boyd Hill Nature Preserve and Floridas wild places. We are serious about service, but with a laid-back style. The mission of the Friends of Boyd Hill is to protect, support and promote the Preserve and its programs through volunteer service; financial support; and environmental education/advocacy. Apalachicola National Forest. St. Pete officials hope to have the trails and camping area open to the public by April 15. Where can I find the best art attractions? 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. B&W, 356 pages. But paddlers needn't worry about boat trafficthe preserve is a no-combustion motor zone, which means the only way in or out is through arm power. Boyd Hill Park originally began its life as a zoo and botanical garden for the city of St. Petersburg. Prices do not include extended hours. Moore Haven. Theres a functioning replica of a historical blacksmith shop and sawmill, among others. When fully open, the northern section of Boyd Hill Preserve will have campsites and cabins. The differences are explained below. It costs $3 for adults to get in. Tarpon Springs. Working to It is situated along the southern edge of Lake Maggiore (pronounced Ma-gory) adding to its attraction for migrants on the move. Gopher tortoise feeds off of ground-level vegetation, which only grows with ample sunlight. Agricultural Education Building 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. St. Petersburg. 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. Weedon Island Preserve Cultural & Natural History Center, Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center. The forecast showed rain all week but the day of it was beautiful breezy weather! We offer various camps, programs, guided hikes, tram tours, live wildlife encounters and more. Ask the Cross Florida Greenway. Trails are well marked, and there are guideposts along the way. 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. Please call the facility for additional details. 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. Find, research and contact wedding professionals on The Knot, featuring reviews and info on The preserve is used for school field trips and hosts environmental education programs. If you prefer a lively family atmosphere, weekends and school vacations are usually busier with families. Adults: $3Children aged 3-16: $1.50Children under 3: Free. Christmas. Dropping back down, make the next left to loop around the pond. 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. Chuluota. Florida Trail Brooksville. As you walk under the tall slash pines, you cross the Field Mouse Trail again. Rarities such as Long-tailed Duck, Groove-billed Ani, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Nashville Warbler and Lark Sparrow have also been recorded. WebBoyd Hill Nature Preserve is a 245-acre protected area in St. Petersburg, Florida, Pinellas County, Florida. It stays wet and saturated during most conditions. Sanibel Island. Contact the preserve for additional prices for commercial and nonprofit use. Orlando. Brandon. Bicycles are permitted, but not on the wooden boardwalks. The Friends of Boyd Hill is a non-profit organization. Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center, Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day. The shade under the canopied bench is the only shade along this particular trail. This is provided by the City of St. Petersburg. 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. Gulf Islands National Seashore. Cross Florida Greenway. After you walk through the gate, make a hard right onto the Main Trail, into the forest. New Smyrna Beach. Fort Lauderdale. Sorry, we do not allow dogs at the preserve unless it is a service animal. Green Cove Springs. MEETING LOCATION: Go through the Education Center to meet the group behind the building. 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. It stays open one hour later into the evening in the spring and summer. Saint Pete Beach city centre is less than 1.6 km away. A PDF map of the Boyd Hill Facility and Trail Map can be accessed at the link below. Returning to the Main Trail, you reach a four-way junction. It is situated along the southern The north section of the preserve is currently being expanded. 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. The fires help clear out dense underbrush and maintain a natural, healthy balance for all of its inhabitants. Dog banana, a type of pawpaw, shows off its fuzzy green fruits. The South entrance features an extensive nature education center, hiking trails and the Birds of Prey program. Coast to Coast Trail. It also acts as a natural filter for groundwater runoff to trap pollutants and nutrients, before they can infiltrate and harm bodies of water. The highlight for many Weedon Island visitors, however, isnt on the ground at all. At that time the park was not a nature preserve dedicated to the protection of Floridas pristine nature and wildlife. The broad fan-shaped tree is a travelers palm, a native of Madagascar. Sanford. Pensacola. 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. Lakeport. Your e-mail address will be registered in our database, from which newsletters are sent. They depart at 10:00 am & 1:00 pm.The preserve is closed on Mondays. Most of the trails are paved, and virtually all of them are wheelchair-accessible. Melbourne. 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. Freshwater fish were introduced, and the native saltwater fish were killed off. DMCA Policy It also features an indoor and outdoor bar as well as a 33500-gallon aquarium. Park reviews written by Ron Smith, author of The Birds of Pinellas County and A Birder's Guide to Pinellas County. With nearly 180 acres in the heart of Largo, the Florida Botanical Gardens is a place for peaceful immersion. Tampa. Big Cypress National 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 The forest shop, with its play counter and sand activities, invites children to come together for hours of fun and creativity. Withlacoochee State Trail. Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail. This city-owned and award-winning park contains 245 acres of hammocks, mixed hardwoods, pinelands and scrub. Marshes also help protect natural grass areas, which stabilize soil and prevent erosion. All rights Reserved. Copyright The Florida Guidebook. Contact the preserve for additional prices for commercial and nonprofit use. As their yellow flowers fall to the ground, they are replaced by colorful red seedpods, then by yellow leaves in the spring. Carrabelle. An Armadillo sculpture by the late Paul Eppling. The 45-foot-tall observation tower at Weedon Island Preserve give a whole new perspective to the park! They partner with the City of St. Petersburg to supply volunteers and support for the preserve. Chipley. Saturdays, 7:00am-6:00pm Orange Park. Merritt Island. The trail loops through a desert-like oak scrub, where myrtle oak and Chapman oak grow only three feet tall. Milton. , or the St. Petersburg jobs page. 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. It has since come to include natural habitats and tropical landscapes along the shores of Lake Maggiore. Ocala. Children should be kept under immediate adult supervision and within arms reach at all times. A Hammock ecosystem is a forested area which sits higher than swamps or marshland. Some are replicas and some original, which were moved from downtown St. Petersburg. Another armadillo stands guard at the trail junction as you rejoin the Gator Loop. WebWhen. Many of us are looking for ways to remain active while also staying a safe distance away from others. There are almost two miles of handicap-accessible boardwalks and pavement available for visitors to Weedon Island Preserve. Sopchoppy. Stay on the main path; a shortcut off to the right leads to the Bike Trail. Ponce De Leon. Big Cypress Seminole Reservation. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve in St. Pete is an oasis for folks in southern Pinellas County. Hobe Sound. From the outer Main Trail, there are five side trails (mostly loops) showcasing specific habitats: the Swamp Woodlands Trail, Willow Marsh Trail, Lake Maggiore Trail, Scrub Island Trail, and Pine Flatwoods Trail. Information on upcoming classes and programs is availablehere. Palm Bay. The shade, evaporative cooling and dense, lush vegetation which all help cool the area. Soon, there will be even more to see! Keep turning right until you return to the Main Trail. Trails lead you through 300 acres of protected land. Floridas Sand Scrub ecosystem is characterized by dry, sandy soil. Eppling's sculptures are a fixture in St. Petersburg. Sebring. A good viewing spot is from Lake Maggiore Island and also from outside the park along the lakes eastern shoreline. Palm Beach. Whether youre seeking an intimate ceremony location, hosting a wedding reception, celebrating Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. [1] The preserve is located on the shores of Lake Maggiore in south St. Petersburg. Everglades National Park. Along with early Boyd Hills misguided zoo horror show, other destructive actions were taken at natures expense. You must have a mask to enter the facility. Continuing down the Main Trail, you come to the Willow Marsh Trail. Canaveral National Seashore. There are eight miles of trails for a day visit too. If you look closely, youll notice dark and charred bark on many of the pine trees. Ocala National Forest. Key West. Within 200 feet, you come to the Pine Flatwoods Trail. You can see downtown St. Petersburg across the lake, but its unlikely youll see an alligator. DeFuniak Springs. Some come to see the viceroy butterflies, whose orange wings seem to light up in the sun as they dance across the willow marsh. Barbara Stalbird - Natural and Cultural Areas Manager, City of St. Petersburg. 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 dam blocked the natural water cycle of the lake. You can hike a multitude of trails through the 3,700-acre wilderness. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is open , Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun. Wildlife is generally most active early in the morning and later in the evening, around sunrise and sunset. More information can be found on the Friends of Boyd Hill site. The City of St. Petersburg coordinates a variety of volunteer opportunities at the Preserve, includinganimal care, land management, gardening, and more. Plan some time away from your busy schedule to take in the beauty of this St. Petersburg gem. Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. WebBoyd Hill Nature Preserve is a 400 acre preserve in St. Petersburg. Clearwater Beach. Passing under some palm trees with exceptionally long fronds, the trail rejoins the Gator Loop. Brinson and Jess are married! Fire is an important part of the Sand Scrub ecosystem. Nature Center Meeting Rooom Contact the preserve for additional prices for commercial and nonprofit use. The lake comprises a large portion of Boyd Hills perimeter border. Swamp land remains wet and submerged for most of the year. Quincy. 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. A picnic area is also available for use, outside the park gates. The Preserve has roughly 6 miles of trails through a variety of natural habitats that is used for environmental education programs and school field trips. Downtown St. Pete's newest museum showcases brillianthandcrafted art. The obstacle course also helps children train social-emotional skills, such as cooperation and turn-taking. Dowling Park. West Palm Beach, White Trail, Palm Bluff Conservation Area. 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. Sanford. Juno Beach. Open 9-dusk other days. They have wildlife and nature checklists so you can make sure you notice and experience as much as possible. RumFish Beach Resort by TradeWinds is 17.7 km away from the iconic Dali Museum and 11.3 km from Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Enjoy the immersion into each habitat on the side trails, and the amusing giant armadillos along Wax Myrtle Pond. Turn right on the Lake Maggiore Trail. [3], Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}274359N 823929W / 27.733N 82.658W / 27.733; -82.658. Otters are one of my favorite wild animals to see in the preserve! As an Amazon Associate this site may earn from qualifying purchases. Melbourne Beach. Lake Placid. The event raises more than $10,000 and attracts over 5,000 visitors along with dozens of local vendors and environmental organizations. Homestead. 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. Be on the lookout for native and migrating birds, reptiles, mammals, and more. The City of St. Petersburg is building a new welcome center, Hammock Hall. Many people imagine swamps as areas of stagnant green water, but healthy swamp land actually transfers and filters groundwater continually. Crystal River. Jupiter. Flagler Beach. The Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is located south of Saint Petersburg. Banana trees flank the trail as you approach a bridge leading to a grassy island on the lake. Bikers share the trail on the designated bike path. Visitors must enter the Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center to pay for admission. 2015 Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, Inc. All Rights Reserved. At the north end of the preserve, a historical pioneer settlement exhibit shows what life was like earlier in Floridas pioneer settlement period. Amelia Island. Join Ron Smith the first Saturday of the month at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Islamorada. Timucuan Preserve. The aim is to 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. Deltona. Our definitive guidebook to planning backpacking trips on the Florida National Scenic Trail, now in its fourth edition. Blackwater River State Forest. Other measurements of the lakes health are barely in the fair category, and straddle the border with the worst, red-line poor designation. Okeechobee. You dont have to wander far from the cityscapes of St. Pete/Clearwater to immerse yourself in nature. Its a refreshing natural retreat within minutes of downtown St. Petersburg. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Sign up for Sarah's Walking Club Newsletters. 12 sites will be opened in phase one, and an additional 12 will be opened in phase two. $24.95 + tax & shipping. Brooksville. Among other things, it attracts many waterfowl and migrating bird species. Preserve Shelters Destin. Notice the banyan tree on the right, with its many trunk-like roots dangling from its branches to the ground. Post photos of your adventures, ask questions and learn about upcoming #WalkingClub stories in Sarahs Walking Club group on Facebook! LaBelle. One of Floridas oldest roadside attractions, Sunken Gardens is now a county park showing off more than a centurys worth of botanical bounty in St. Petersburg, With its highlight an observation tower providing you a sweeping view of Boca Ciega Bay, Boca Ciega Millenium Park is a popular family-friendly getaway in Pinellas County, Category: Biking, Central Florida, City Parks, Day Hikes, Hikes, Loop Hikes, Nature Centers, Nature Trails, Parks, TrailsTag: Accessible, Best Family Hikes, Birding, Boardwalks, Botanical, Family-Friendly, Lakefront, Picnic, Playgrounds, St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay. Palatka-Lake Butler Trail. Fort Pierce. Doo's Amazing Tours: Nature Preserve Winner! They can often be seen in the marsh and swamp areas around the raised boardwalks. Looping back around to the canopied water station, turn right. Boynton Beach. South Walton. Biscayne Bay. Hamock Hall 5220 Odense S Lush philodendron climbs the oak trees; an umbrella tree spreads its broad leaves. Cocoa Beach. There are two sections to the park; north and south. There are two entrances to the park. Returning to the cool shade of the oak hammock, the trail veers right, ending at the ticket kiosk. ADMISSION IS FREE! As the sun goes down, you're bound to hear the barred owls calling. Strategically placed cold water stations around the park are a welcome relief on a hot day. The trail reaches a boardwalk that loops through the swamp. Inverness. Look out over the lake for Barn and Northern Rough-winged Swallows and the occasional Black Tern, especially in late August and early September. Talbot Islands. 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. GDPR FAQ | Privacy Policy, The Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement. Floridas pine ecosystems, especially the native LongLeaf Pine, are dependent on natural, annual fire events. Freeport. Spring Hill. Contact the preserve for additional prices for commercial and nonprofit use. Lakeland. One of the parks more interesting inhabitants lives in this forest, the southern flying squirrel. The Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is open year-round. Crescent City. WebExciting activities include nature hikes, games, and animal and plant studies. Miami. The Friends of Boyd Hill and the City of St. Petersburg jointly host a regular expert speaker series. Also, check the cattails along the lakes edge carefully for Least Bittern, they are very common just well-camouflaged. Ormond Beach. Tangled greenbrier, air potatoes, and philodendron make this a jungle-like setting. Its hoped that the expanded access will help kindle a love and appreciation for Boyd Hill, and help provide access to natural experiences. Well also have some guided programming, like night hikes and campfire programming, said Graham. In the Birds of Prey aviary exhibit you can see a variety of species. https://www.florida-guidebook.com/boyd-hill-nature-preserve Navarre Beach . Wakulla. Polarized sunglasses and camera lenses can help see through any glare on the water surface. Turn right, walking under a stand of slash pines decorated in vines. Within its borders, most of Floridas major terrestrial ecosystems are represented, except for a marine or beach environment. The speaker series is free and open to the public; all are welcome. Limpkin, Purple Gallinule and King Rail require a little more patience. 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. Boyd Hill is home to many of Floridas natural wildlife species. Madison. Bonifay. Palatka. The preserve has recently been expanded. Turn right at the junction, then right again onto the main trail. Frostproof. Biscayne National Park. It is operated by St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation and includes the Boyd Hill Orlando. Because of the abundant trees and plant life, Hammock environments have a shady canopy and earthy, nutrient-rich soil. Monticello. June 11, 2021. 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! The camp site will be opened in phases. (727) 893-7326. Turn right, and take a moment to grab a cup of water at the water station. WebRaptor Fest. DeBary. WebBoyd Hill Nature Preserve 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. - See 589 traveller reviews, 204 candid photos, and great deals for St. Petersburg, FL, at Tripadvisor. [1] The preserve is located on the shores of Lake Maggiore (Florida) in south St. Petersburg. Graham says it should be open by the end of April. Cocoa Beach. Walt Disney World. Clermont. In its natural state the water level fluctuated dramatically with tides, and sometimes went dry during extreme low tides. We have a 100 person capacity banquet room and then also a 50 person capacity banquet room.. Brooker Creek Preserve is about 8,700 acres, making it thelargest natural area in Pinellas County. Most birders look for uncommon ducks resting and feeding on Lake Maggiore. South Bay, SOUTHEAST FLORIDA Big Pine Key. Most trails are ADA accessible. 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