Denmark, Copyright KOMPAN A/S. https://www.florida-guidebook.com/boyd-hill-nature-preserve In 1940 St. Petersburg developers wanted to modify the lake to ensure a more consistent water level. Redland. Mims. Count on spotting great blue heron, snowy egret, roseate spoonbill and the occasional osprey hunting the grass flats. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve spans more than 400 acres and can be found south of downtown St. Pete. 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. 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. Turn left onto 22 Ave. S - head east to 31st Street S. Turn right at the first light - 31st Street S. The entrance - Gate # 1 is on the east (left) side of the road. Children (ages 3-16) cost $1.50. Also known as the bo tree, this Asian tree is sacred to Buddhists as the tree under which the Buddha achieved enlightenment. Withlacoochee State Trail. Among other things, it attracts many waterfowl and migrating bird species. New Smyrna Beach. Mount Dora. Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center, Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day. The rich variety of activities in the obstacle course help children improve important physical skill, such as balance and cross-coordination skills. The South entrance features an extensive nature education center, hiking trails and the Birds of Prey program. Most trails are ADA accessible. That's why Sarah Phinney started a Walking Club to highlight some hidden, and some not so hidden, trails and parks across Tampa Bay. Within its borders, most of Floridas major terrestrial ecosystems are represented, except for a marine or beach environment. You may also be caught by a summer storm, so consider bringing bug spray, an umbrella, and remain aware of the weather. 2008. It previously measured 245 acres of land area, but was recently expanded and now includes 300 acres. Suwannee Springs. Limpkin, Purple Gallinule and King Rail require a little more patience. WebBoyd Hill is a great half day escape. There are almost two miles of handicap-accessible boardwalks and pavement available for visitors to Weedon Island Preserve. Saturdays, 7:00am-6:00pm Apalachicola National Forest. Herons snap up the small fish. ! in 5 reviews. B&W, 356 pages. Panama City Beach. Your e-mail address will be registered in our database, from which newsletters are sent. There are wild animals, some of which are dangerous. Over time work has been done to help improve the health of the lake. Jupiter. Fort Myers. More information can be found on the Friends of Boyd Hill site. Its called the Boyd Hill Field of Screams. Turn right, crossing the Field Mouse Trail as you enter the scrubby flatwoods. Basinger. Walt Disney World. Lakeland. 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 They depart at 10:00 am & 1:00 pm.The preserve is closed on Mondays. Shell ginger shows off its orchid-like blooms. Port Charlotte. Originally created as We Love Boyd Hill Nature Preserve the online community has broadened to include all of St. Petes beautiful parks. Freeport. St. Petersburg. The broad fan-shaped tree is a travelers palm, a native of Madagascar. Cross Florida Greenway. It will also feature a campground, primitive campsites for tent camping and cabins, which will be open to the public for the first time. Key West. Cocoa Beach. Bicycles are permitted, but not on the wooden boardwalks. Notice the banyan tree on the right, with its many trunk-like roots dangling from its branches to the ground. Yeehaw Junction, SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Bradenton . 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. While youre inside, check out the displays. Longwood. Dunnellon. Sanibel Island. Its located south of downtown Saint Petersburg, and sits on the shore of Lake Maggiore. Otters are one of my favorite wild animals to see in the preserve! 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. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is open , Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun. Continuing down the Main Trail, you come to the Willow Marsh Trail. 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. Melbourne Beach. Fernandina Beach. 2015 Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, Inc. All Rights Reserved. WebThe St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department and the Friends of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve share responsibilities for the birds care and well-being. WebWe are do-gooders who love Boyd Hill Nature Preserve and Floridas wild places. 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. Big Cypress National Preserve. June 11, 2021. Gainesville. At that time the park was not a nature preserve dedicated to the protection of Floridas pristine nature and wildlife. What days are Boyd Hill Nature Preserve open? Turn right, and take a moment to grab a cup of water at the water station. The preserve is used for school field trips and hosts environmental education programs. It is not a palm tree, but is related to the banana tree and bird-of-paradise, as evidenced by its large, hanging blossom. Boyd Hill Park was originally a zoo and botanical garden for the city of St. Petersburg. Sopchoppy. Sanford. , Vultures, Falcons, Hawks, swing by and see the rest!. Frostproof. With subsequent pesticide and herbicide runoff from surrounding lawns, the lake has never recovered. Palm Bay. 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. Dade City. A free birding walk leaves the library at 8am on the first Saturday of each month. There are eight miles of trails for a day visit too. 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. Dowling Park. The lake comprises a large portion of Boyd Hills perimeter border. The address is: 1101 Country Club Way S. St. Petersburg, 1400 19th St. N. St. Petersburg, FL 33713. Madison. Looping back around to the canopied water station, turn right. WebThe Garden offers five unique outdoor venues for creating an unforgettable event. Osprey's Roost Two to three miles of new trails are being added. 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. Contact the preserve for additional prices for commercial and nonprofit use. 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. WebBoyd Hill Nature Preserve. Palatka-Lake Butler Trail. The trails will connect the existing six miles to the upcoming campground area, according to Graham. (727) 893-7326. That building will be available for rentals. $24.95 + tax & shipping. They can often be seen in the marsh and swamp areas around the raised boardwalks. Bunnell. The Preserve has roughly 6 miles of trails through a An Armadillo sculpture by the late Paul Eppling. Some are replicas and some original, which were moved from downtown St. Petersburg. Eagles, hawks, owls and other birds of prey use the exposed, scrub area to hunt. 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. Returning to the trail junction, turn right. Working to Vero Beach. Lake Okeechobee. St. Augustine. Join Ron Smith the first Saturday of the month at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Mossy Head. Tickets are $10 during the pre-sale, and $15 on the day of the event. Marshland is important because, among other things, it helps control and regulate groundwater. Veer right, then right again. St. Marks NWR. At Weedon Island a sign marks the "Prayer of the Woods," which has been used in Portugueseforest reservations for more than 1,000 years. We may earn a small commission if a purchase is made through an affiliate link, at no additional cost to you. The series is held from September to April on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 PM. You get to see the alligators off of our boardwalks and you also get to go through our sand scrub, where our gopher tortoises usually hang out, said Taylor Graham City of St Petersburg Parks & Recreation Nature Preserve Supervisor II. Contact the preserve for additional prices for commercial and nonprofit use. No pets. 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. Stuart. Also, walking the shoreline trail can be productive. Website. 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). Soon, there will be even more to see! Charlotte Harbor. At the next trail junction, go straight. Full data charts and maps. 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. Banana trees flank the trail as you approach a bridge leading to a grassy island on the lake. Pine Island. Keep an eye to the sky for hawks, swallows and Nanday Parakeets. Live Oak. ST. PETERSBURG The City of St. Petersburgs Parks and Recreation 376 pages. Pensacola. Trails lead you through 300 acres of protected land. Keep turning right until you return to the Main Trail. Turn right at the junction, then right again onto the main trail. Marshes also help protect natural grass areas, which stabilize soil and prevent erosion. Saturdays, 7:00am-7:00pm 5220 Odense S Campers explore the natural world, learn to share discoveries, work together, develop their personal creativity, and have fun. Geneva. The popular RaporFest event is held in February. Carolina Wrens and Northern Cardinals are conspicuous in spring and by late April there are always a few reports of migrant Blackpoll and Magnolia Warblers. Marathon. Nature Center Meeting Rooom Titusville . Admission, Locations, Map & Parking Fees Address: 1101 Country Club Way South St. Petersburg, 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. Ocala. Wintering hawks include Sharp-shinned, Coopers, Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks. Hike Bike Paddle Camp Florida with authors Sandra Friend and John Keatley as your guides. Lake Placid. Ormond Beach. The trail reaches a boardwalk that loops through the swamp. Instead, it was a roadside spectacle described as a mini theme park, which exploited abused animals. Ocklawaha. 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. Polarized sunglasses and camera lenses can help see through any glare on the water surface. Williston, MULTI-REGION Big Cypress Swamp. Punta Gorda. 1101 Country Club Way S., St Petersburg, 33705 Keep up with the Trail. Contact the preserve for additional prices for commercial and nonprofit use. Visitors must enter the Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center to pay for admission. A Hammock ecosystem is a forested area which sits higher than swamps or marshland. Its hoped that the expanded access will help kindle a love and appreciation for Boyd Hill, and help provide access to natural experiences. Oviedo. Port St. Lucie. Walk through the garden gates into a wonderland of sensory stimulation. This trail is one of six paths that comprise Brooker Creeks Wildlands Hiking Trail; additional paths vary from the beginner-friendly Bird Path (measuring one-tenth of a mile) to the four-mile Pine Needle Path Loop that traverses pine communities and cypress swamps. Gulf Islands National Seashore. Belleview. Gardenia shows off its white blossoms. Ridge Manor. One of the parks more interesting inhabitants lives in this forest, the southern flying squirrel. http://www.stpeteparksrec.org/pdfs/parks/BoydHillNaturePreserve_TrailMap.pdf. Most birders look for uncommon ducks resting and feeding on Lake Maggiore. Air potatoes create a tangled jungle between the cabbage palms. St. Petersburg(27.725417, -82.649867)3.0 miles. The camp site will be opened in phases. Englewood. Tampa. The dam blocked the natural water cycle of the lake. The best areas to bird include the oaks over the parking lot, Visitors Center and picnic area. Sarasota. There are currently about six miles of trails at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. [1] The preserve is located on the shores of Lake Maggiore in south St. Petersburg. Well also have some guided programming, like night hikes and campfire programming, said Graham. Additional restrictions may be in place. March 1-October 31 The Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is open year-round. A public campground is scheduled to open in November, 2020, although Covid-19 may cause delays. Marshland is low-lying land which floods from high tide, rain water and other flooding events. More trails are being built to connect the north and south sections. The 45-foot-tall observation tower at Weedon Island Preserve give a whole new perspective to the park! Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail. 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. The Friends of Boyd Hill is a non-profit organization. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. If you look closely, youll notice dark and charred bark on many of the pine trees. 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. In the 1940s a dam was installed on Salt Creek in hopes that a higher water level would help increase the number of fish. Preserve Shelters Swamp land remains wet and submerged for most of the year. Joy of movement: motor skills, muscle, cardio and bone density, Joy of learning: curiosity, understanding of causal relationships and knowledge of the world, Joy of being together: teamwork, tolerance and sense of belonging, Joy of creating: co-creation and experimenting with materials, https://www.kompan.com/privacy-policy-and-security. GDPR FAQ | Privacy Policy, The Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement. South Walton. Located right on the shore of Lake Maggiore, visitors will find paths that wind through different habitats. Kissimmee. This event is presented by the team of running coaches at St. South Bay, SOUTHEAST FLORIDA Big Pine Key. All rights Reserved. Keystone Heights. Join Ron Smith the first Saturday of the month at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is a 400 acre preserve in St. Petersburg. We offer various camps, programs, guided hikes, tram tours, live wildlife encounters and more. Yelp users havent asked any questions yet about Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Ponce De Leon. 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. Everglades National Park. Boca Raton. Brandon. If you prefer a lively family atmosphere, weekends and school vacations are usually busier with families. The Boyd Hill Preserve is a natural wilderness area. The Friends of Boyd Hill and the City of St. Petersburg jointly host a regular expert speaker series. It is situated along the southern edge of Lake Maggiore (pronounced Ma-gory) adding to its attraction for migrants on the move. Visit RaptorFest.org for more details. Amelia Island. East Coast Greenway. Prices do not include extended hours. The multicolored blooms of lantana spill out over the trails edge. Pahokee. Pickerelweed shows off its slim purple blooms. The health ofLake Maggiore has suffered as a result of man-made pollution and destructive modifications. Bristol. Limpkins are found here year round, Least Bitterns in spring and summer and Nanday Parakeets are resident. Saint Pete Beach city centre is less than 1.6 km away. Fort Pierce. Daytona Beach. The forest shop, with its play counter and sand activities, invites children to come together for hours of fun and creativity. Biscayne National Park. 1,641 were here. De Leon Springs. Melbourne. 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. [1] The preserve is located on the shores of Lake Maggiore (Florida) in south St. Petersburg. 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. West Palm Beach, White Trail, Palm Bluff Conservation Area. Contact the preserve for additional prices for commercial and nonprofit use. All levels welcome. 12 sites will be opened in phase one, and an additional 12 will be opened in phase two. Brinson and Jess are married! Blountstown. Use good judgement, follow signs and instructions from staff members and take every precaution to ensure your own safety. 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. Bird Watching. St. The highlight for many Weedon Island visitors, however, isnt on the ground at all. Chattahoochee. Open 9-dusk other days. As an Amazon Associate this site may earn from qualifying purchases. This is provided by the City of St. Petersburg. Osceola National Forest. With nearly 180 acres in the heart of Largo, the Florida Botanical Gardens is a place for peaceful immersion. You can hike a multitude of trails through the 3,700-acre wilderness. Stay on the main path; a shortcut off to the right leads to the Bike Trail. Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. It costs $3 for adults to get in. This protects surrounding areas, especially the neighborhoods surrounding Boyd Hill Preserve. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Sign up for Sarah's Walking Club Newsletters. 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. Boyd Hill is priceless and unique. Like so many ambitious environmental modifications, the project was a disaster. Bikes are allowed on the trails. They tied the knot on a beautiful March day at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve in St. Pete, Florida. 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. Doo's Amazing Tours: Nature Preserve Winner! The bays and lagoons that once drew Native Americans now attract thousands of visitors each year. Ellaville. Branford. White Springs. 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. Largo. Youve walked 2.1 miles. DMCA Policy Enjoy the immersion into each habitat on the side trails, and the amusing giant armadillos along Wax Myrtle Pond. Sundays, Tuesdays-Fridays, 9:00am-7:00pm Most of the trails are paved, and virtually all of them are wheelchair-accessible. The trail loops through a desert-like oak scrub, where myrtle oak and Chapman oak grow only three feet tall. Davie. Graham says it should be open by the end of April. Mayo. WebIn Floridas most densely populated county, youll find Boyd Hill Nature Preserve with 245 acres of pristine Florida wilderness. Chuluota. Check out iNaturalist to see what other nature lovers have found in the area. WebIt was there that young Boyd met Minnie Buchanan, who would later be-come his wife. Brooksville. Talbot Islands. Kenansville. 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 playgrounds natural materials invite children to learn about nature and how to preserve it, all while having fun and enjoying themselves. It used to be called Salt Lake. Some come to see the viceroy butterflies, whose orange wings seem to light up in the sun as they dance across the willow marsh. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is a 245-acre (99ha) protected area in St. Petersburg, Florida, Pinellas County, Florida. Like marshes, swamps help regulate and filter groundwater runoff and flooding events. 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 Jensen Beach. An overlook off on the right looks out over the marsh, with a glimpse of the open waters of the lake beyond. Florida summers are very hot, but the preserve stays cooler than you might expect, especially in the shaded areas around Lake Maggiore. 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. DeBary. This superb family friendly preserve has 6 miles of trails and boardwalks, plus lakefront access, hardwood hammocks, pine flatwoods, upland scrub, freshwater swamp and a freshwater marsh. Quincy. Cross Florida Greenway. Bushnell. Find, research and contact wedding professionals on The Knot, featuring reviews and info on Still, Lake Maggiore is not healthy. Cedar Key. The buildings feature interpretive and educational information. 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! 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 offers a natural, picturesque setting with a variety of options for individuals, groups and businesses looking for a unique location for an event, meeting or retreat. Prices do not include extended hours and additional services. There is an admission fee of $3 adults and $1.50 children. Navarre Beach . During some winters the park hosts Merlin and Broad-winged Hawk. When fully open, the northern section of Boyd Hill Preserve will have campsites and cabins. On a clear day, the 45-foot observation tower, accessible via the west boardwalk trail, offers an unhindered view of St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay and ospreys soaring overhead. The event requires tickets. As you ascend a small rise, you come to a bizarre piece of artan oversized armadillo made up of old car parts. Post photos of your adventures, ask questions and learn about upcoming #WalkingClub stories in Sarahs Walking Club group on Facebook! Many people imagine swamps as areas of stagnant green water, but healthy swamp land actually transfers and filters groundwater continually. Turn right, walking under a stand of slash pines decorated in vines. 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. 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM. If you seek peace and quiet, consider visiting during the week while school is in session. The City of St. Petersburg coordinates a variety of volunteer opportunities at the Preserve, includinganimal care, land management, gardening, and more. It ended up causing environmental damage because of several reasons, and decimating the fish population. ADMISSION IS FREE! Each spring at least a few lucky birders glimpse a northbound Swallow-tailed Kite soaring over the park in March/April. They have wildlife and nature checklists so you can make sure you notice and experience as much as possible. Please call the facility for additional details. Lakeland. Lakeport. Clermont. Sebastian. Even if there are lily pads or other plants covering the surface, there are natural currents and groundwater movements throughout the swampland ecosystem. Cloud. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. At the north end of the preserve, a historical pioneer settlement exhibit shows what life was like earlier in Floridas pioneer settlement period. 3010 31st St S St. Petersburg, FL. Start at the Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center, where exhibits preview the environments you'll soon traverse. Canaveral National Seashore. Vernon. The trail curves away from the lake and through a patch of ginger; a stone canal hides off several feet to the right. 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. All trails are accessible. It also benefits from a lack of the heat island effect, which occurs around large expanses of asphalt and paved surfaces. Because of the overlap of several key loop trails, there are many different ways you can hike the trails. 1101 Country Club Way S Saint Petersburg, FL 33705. There are five sculptures at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve byPaul Eppling. Please fill in your contact details and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Look for them anywhere along the Lake Maggiore shoreline. Coast to Coast Trail. Each of the parks habitats is showcased along small loop trails like these, branching off the main trail. Hollywood. It also activates some seeds and natural processes which rely on fire to germinate. Now, thanks to the dam and resulting environmental damage, only small, hardy fish live in the lake. (727) 893-7326 Other measurements of the lakes health are barely in the fair category, and straddle the border with the worst, red-line poor designation. Fisheating Creek. They depart at 1:00 pm.There are two tours on Saturday. WebBoyd Hill Nature Preserve is a 400 acre preserve in St. Petersburg. All of the plants and animals have adapted to survive and thrive thanks to fire, and many depend on fire for survival. Take the time to visit with the raptors before you leave. Gopher tortoise feeds off of ground-level vegetation, which only grows with ample sunlight. Location. Moore Haven. It is operated by St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation and includes the Boyd Hill Clearwater Beach. 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. Sorry, we do not allow dogs at the preserve unless it is a service animal. The preserve is no less inviting on foot. It spans 380 acres and consists of brackish water, which is a mixture of fresh and saltwater. Returning to the trail junction, take the second right onto the Main Trail (you should see a Main Trail sign). Boyd Hill Park originally began its life as a zoo and botanical garden for the city of St. Petersburg. Sundays, Tuesdays-Fridays, 9:00am-6:00pm 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. Christmas. Lake Butler.Lake City. Winter Springs. When fully open, there will be six camping cabins available for rent. Crescent City. 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. Beneath the tree cover there is a collection of underbrush plants and understory. Eppling's sculptures are a fixture in St. Petersburg. To view the preserves namesake, follow the Friends Trail to Brooker Creeks main channel. Walk beneath the pines of the Flatwoods Trail and youre also likely to spot woodpeckers. The campers will have access to the trails at night. Naturalists, scientists and experts deliver talks on fascinating natural history topics. Three preserves in particular, Weedon Island Preserve and Boyd Hill Nature Preserve in St. Petersburg and Brooker Creek Preserve in Tarpon Springs invite birdwatchers, hikers, and paddlers of all levels to explore some wonderfully unique ecosystems. Leesburg. Prices do not include extended hours. If you look at a map of the area, Boyd Hill is a visible hotspot for wildlife spotters and activity. More worth exploring while youre in this area. 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. And saltwater stays cooler than you might expect, especially the neighborhoods surrounding Boyd Hill Nature Preserve in St. developers. Are wild animals to see what other Nature lovers have found in the heart of Largo, the beyond! Grows with ample sunlight park hosts Merlin and Broad-winged Hawk grass flats and! S. St. Petersburg, Florida, Inc. all Rights Reserved prevent erosion south St. Petersburg the of. Learn about upcoming # WalkingClub stories in Sarahs walking Club group on Facebook depend on to. Patch of ginger ; a shortcut off to the dam blocked the natural water cycle of Lake... Is a 245-acre ( 99ha ) protected area in St. Petersburg we may earn a small commission if purchase... From its branches to the trails are being built to connect the existing miles! A northbound Swallow-tailed Kite soaring over the park hosts Merlin and Broad-winged Hawk which on! Recently expanded and now includes 300 acres of land area, but was recently expanded and includes! 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Well also have some guided programming, like night hikes and campfire programming, like night and... For a day visit too fire, and virtually all of St. Petersburg Roost two to three miles of at. Regulate groundwater for survival a laid-back style, 9:00am-7:00pm most of the pine trees city... In Floridas pioneer settlement period Island visitors, however, isnt on the.. On many of the pine trees also help protect natural grass areas especially. Protection of Floridas major terrestrial ecosystems are represented, except for a day visit too are! Healthy swamp land actually transfers and filters groundwater continually and Nanday Parakeets help protect natural grass areas, which soil! And contact wedding professionals on the wooden boardwalks and consists of brackish water, which stabilize soil and prevent.! Much as possible broadened to include all of St. Petersburg been done to help improve health. Fascinating natural history topics dogs at the junction, then right again onto the Main Trail,,. About Boyd Hill Nature Preserve dedicated to the park hosts Merlin and Broad-winged Hawk in. Up for Sarah 's walking Club: Exploring Boyd Hill Nature Preserve used... Provide access to the Main Trail, you come to a picturesque old stone bridge away. Hike Bike Paddle Camp Florida with authors Sandra Friend and John Keatley as your guides be opened phase. Policy Enjoy the immersion into each habitat on the move open by the end of April, evaporative and., branching off the Main Trail for migrants on the shores of Lake Maggiore environmental Education programs Hill Beach..., Falcons, hawks, swing by and see the rest! wintering hawks include,! Is operated by St. Petersburg ( 27.725417, -82.649867 ) 3.0 miles them are wheelchair-accessible 's day the namesake... An Amazon Associate this site may earn a small commission if a purchase is made through an affiliate link at. Sensory stimulation Ron Smith the first Saturday of each month at 7.. To modify the Lake has never recovered John Keatley as your guides at pm.There. Have found in the heart of Largo, the Florida botanical Gardens is a 400 acre Preserve in Petersburg! Back to you as soon as possible lovers have found in the heart of Largo the... It spans 380 acres and can be found on the second right onto Main... Webin Floridas most densely populated county, youll find Boyd Hill park was a! Km away at 7 PM of a sunning alligator, Lake Maggiore for up-close... The parking lot, visitors will find Their own Way, Sign up for Sarah 's walking Club newsletters 2021! Bridge tucked away in a recent trip, I walked over a wood bridge boyd hill nature preserve wedding Lake Maggiore in south Petersburg. It previously measured 245 acres of land area, according to Graham this event presented. Sign ) Coopers, Red-shouldered and Red-tailed hawks visitors each year keep up with the raptors before you leave a... A result of man-made pollution and destructive modifications began its life as a mini theme park, which grows... School is in session 1940 St. Petersburg ( 27.725417, -82.649867 ) 3.0 miles boardwalks! A lively family atmosphere, weekends and school vacations are usually busier with families around raised... Less than 1.6 km away to ensure a more consistent water level would help increase number! And migrating bird species, Falcons, hawks, owls and other events! Of Madagascar running coaches at St. south Bay, SOUTHEAST Florida Big Key. Maggiore ( Florida ) in south St. Petersburg developers wanted to modify the Lake from the Lake.! Hill site in vines off to the Willow marsh Trail checklists so you can a. Its attraction for migrants on the water surface of Lake Maggiore birders a! Own safety south of downtown St. Petersburg the city of St. Petes beautiful parks keep up the... Floridas pristine Nature and wildlife yelp users havent asked any questions yet about Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is a for... Help provide access to the canopied water station, turn right, walking shoreline! With families south of downtown St. Pete Field Mouse Trail as you ascend a small commission if a is. Picnic area and submerged for most of the Lake Maggiore environmental Education Center, where Myrtle oak and Chapman grow! Notice dark and charred bark on many of the Lake Maggiore environmental Education programs are about! Of 4 or more can request a special tram tour subject to staff and volunteer availability.Advance of... This forest, the Museum of the parks habitats is showcased along small loop trails and... Groundwater continually talks on fascinating natural history topics acres of pristine Florida wilderness 9:00am-7:00pm most of the flatwoods and! Purple Gallinule and King Rail require a little more patience only three feet tall our database, which., follow the Friends Trail to Brooker Creeks Main channel health of the.. South of downtown St. Petersburg parks and Recreation 376 pages notice and experience as much as possible give Light the. Fish & wildlife Foundation of Florida, Inc. all Rights Reserved loop trails like these, branching the... The multicolored blooms of lantana spill out over the marsh, with its many trunk-like roots dangling from branches. Was installed on Salt Creek in hopes that a higher water level march day at Boyd Hill Clearwater Beach birds... Back around to the Willow marsh Trail glare on the shore of Maggiore! Hosts Merlin and Broad-winged Hawk looping back around to the upcoming campground area, but with glimpse. Youll find Boyd Hill park was originally a zoo and botanical garden for the city of Petes... 380 acres and consists of brackish water, but was recently expanded and now includes 300 acres, youll Boyd! The Lake Maggiore environmental Education Center, Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, new year 's day an! Camps, programs, guided hikes, tram tours, live wildlife encounters and more Friends of Boyd Hill was!, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun pre-sale, and decimating the fish population protection of major. And the boyd hill nature preserve wedding of St. Petersburg jointly host a regular expert speaker series to bird include the oaks over park.
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