Coast to Coast Trail. Visitors must enter the Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center to pay for admission. Check the St. Petersburg Parks and Rec Jobs and Volunteer Page for other information. 1101 Country Club Way S., St Petersburg, 33705. Charlotte Harbor. Bunnell. 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. Naples. 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. 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 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. 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. Look out over the lake for Barn and Northern Rough-winged Swallows and the occasional Black Tern, especially in late August and early September. "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. Most birders look for uncommon ducks resting and feeding on Lake Maggiore. Daytona Beach. A manned kiosk is on the right. The differences are explained below. Monticello. It is just under a mile (0.82) and connects to boardwalks and other trails if youd like to extend your walk. Now, thanks to the dam and resulting environmental damage, only small, hardy fish live in the lake. Shell ginger shows off its orchid-like blooms. Lake Okeechobee. Many people imagine swamps as areas of stagnant green water, but healthy swamp land actually transfers and filters groundwater continually. Canaveral National Seashore. All Rights Reserved. In less than two miles, this trail incorporates a footbridge and an observation tower to help you spot lichens, a restored swamp and perhaps an alligator. Be on the lookout for native and migrating birds, reptiles, mammals, and more. It ended up causing environmental damage because of several reasons, and decimating the fish population. Ridge Manor. 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 Niceville. Longwood. 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. 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. 2015 Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, Inc. All Rights Reserved. As you walk through the entrance gate, notice the tropical trees flanking the entrance. Home to a small group of permanently injured birds, a small aviary between the Education Center and trails affords close encounters with hawks, owls and a bald eagle. Urn-shaped pink blossoms dangle from shiny lyonia. Children should be kept under immediate adult supervision and within arms reach at all times. Ponce De Leon. WebBoyd Hill Nature Preserve. St. Petersburg. Marshes also help protect natural grass areas, which stabilize soil and prevent erosion. Its a refreshing natural retreat within minutes of downtown St. Petersburg. It is located at 1101 Country Club Way South. Trenton. Here you can view exhibits on the islands prehistoric inhabitants. Denmark, Copyright KOMPAN A/S. Macclenny. 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. From its earliest days, people have clamored to work and volunteer in Boyd Hill Preserve because its such a lovely, peaceful natural environment. Turn right at the junction to follow the loop. Plan some time away from your busy schedule to take in the beauty of this St. Petersburg gem. It is situated along the southern More worth exploring while youre in this area. 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. There are 11 historical buildings on the property. Timucuan Preserve. WebIn Floridas most densely populated county, youll find Boyd Hill Nature Preserve with 245 acres of pristine Florida wilderness. Contact the preserve for additional prices for commercial and nonprofit use. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve spans more than 400 acres and can be found south of downtown St. Pete. 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. Sanford. WebLearn more about vineyard & winery wedding venues in Berkeley on The Knot. 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. The staff at Boyd Hill give fascinating talks; try to catch one if you can. Jensen Beach. 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. WebThe Garden offers five unique outdoor venues for creating an unforgettable event. It also features an indoor and outdoor bar as well as a 33500-gallon aquarium. 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. We have a 100 person capacity banquet room and then also a 50 person capacity banquet room.. Like much of Floridas history, the backstory of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is fascinating, and also deeply disturbing. Those invasive species are still being removed today. Mount Dora. Small bald cypresses grow along the waters edge. There's no better place to wind down at the end of the day. Its hoped that the expanded access will help kindle a love and appreciation for Boyd Hill, and help provide access to natural experiences. Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. Milton. The buildings feature interpretive and educational information. It is not a palm tree, but is related to the banana tree and bird-of-paradise, as evidenced by its large, hanging blossom. Placid Wax Myrtle Pond sits off to the left. Ocean to Lake Greenway. Its located south of downtown Saint Petersburg, and sits on the shore of Lake Maggiore. Instead, it was a roadside spectacle described as a mini theme park, which exploited abused animals. 1101 Country Club Way S., St Petersburg, 33705 Take a walk on the wild side right near the city by exploring the Weedon Island, Boyd Hill and Brooker Creek Preserves. ST. PETERSBURG The City of St. Petersburgs Parks and Recreation - See 589 traveller reviews, 204 candid photos, and great deals for St. Petersburg, FL, at Tripadvisor. Please call the facility for additional details. Brinson and Jess are married! Weeki Wachee. 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. Turn right on the Swamp Woodlands Trail for a loop through a floodplain forest off Lake Maggiore. 12 sites will be opened in phase one, and an additional 12 will be opened in phase two. Soon, there will be even more to see! Also, check the cattails along the lakes edge carefully for Least Bittern, they are very common just well-camouflaged. They depart at 10:00 am & 1:00 pm.The preserve is closed on Mondays. Apalachicola National Forest. Perry. All levels welcome. There are several fresh water coolers along the trails set up each morning to keep visitors refreshed. Turn right onto the Gator Loop, paralleling the lake. The Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is located south of Saint Petersburg. The shade under the canopied bench is the only shade along this particular trail. Continuing down the Main Trail, you come to the Willow Marsh Trail. Ocklawaha. Hike Bike Paddle Camp Florida with authors Sandra Friend and John Keatley as your guides. Be warned that elements of the story are disturbing. Elephant ears and giant leather ferns compete for space in the tannic bog beneath the red maples and red bay. WebBoyd Hill Nature Preserve St. Petersburg. Air potatoes create a tangled jungle between the cabbage palms. Where can I find the best art attractions? In Floridas most densely populated county, youll find Boyd Hill Nature Preserve with 245 acres of pristine Florida wilderness. Strategically placed cold water stations around the park are a welcome relief on a hot day. Moore Haven. The site was created and named after its first superintendent, Boyd Hill, who created and managed the park in the mid 1950s. Kissimmee. The water level inside the lake would fluctuate, and would sometimes drain completely during extreme low tides, which created a muddy, smelly bog. Ocala. Sundays, Tuesdays-Fridays, 9:00am-6:00pm. Key Biscayne. 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. The Friends of Boyd Hill and the City of St. Petersburg jointly host a regular expert speaker series. Titusville . The young couple married in 1925 and came to Florida that same year. Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center, named for a meandering stream that bisects the property, spans some 8,700 acres of pine flatwoods and freshwater swamps. It used to be called Salt Lake. That's why Sarah Phinney started a Walking Club to highlight some hidden, and some not so hidden, trails and parks across Tampa Bay. It also acts as a natural filter for groundwater runoff to trap pollutants and nutrients, before they can infiltrate and harm bodies of water. 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. Alligators, from large adults to tiny hatchlings and babies, can often be seen on the banks of Lake Maggiore. Veer right, then right again. Contact the preserve for additional prices for commercial and nonprofit use. Clewiston. Many of us are looking for ways to remain active while also staying a safe distance away from others. Tickets are $10 during the pre-sale, and $15 on the day of the event. 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. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. 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. Turn right, following the boardwalk across a sea of tall cattails and Virginia willows. Bird Watching. Fort Myers. When theyre taken in by the Boyd Hill Preserve they receive a loving home for life, and excellent care. After you walk through the gate, make a hard right onto the Main Trail, into the forest. Navarre Beach . Long brake fern grows from the trunk of a cabbage palm. You can read more about the fight to protect Boyd Hill here and here. 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. Begin your hike in a hardwood hammock, then continue on through the sand pine scrub and pine flatwoods.