Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Sign up for Sarah's Walking Club Newsletters. Bristol. Eppling's sculptures are a fixture in St. Petersburg. In its natural state, Lake Maggiore previously named Salt Lake was a saltwater tidal lake, connected to Tampa Bay via Salt Creek. 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. Palm Coast. It is operated by St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation and includes the Boyd Hill Chuluota. Naturally, Lake Maggiore was a salt water tidal lake, connected to Tampa Bay through Salt Creek. Stay on the main path; a shortcut off to the right leads to the Bike Trail. Clearwater Beach. WebThe preserve is located on the shores of Lake Maggiore (Florida) in south St. Petersburg. ADMISSION IS FREE! Englewood. Madison. Another armadillo stands guard at the trail junction as you rejoin the Gator Loop. Over 20 species of wood-warbler have been recorded during spring and fall migration including Kentucky, Cerulean, Blackburnian, Bay-breasted and Wilsons. Lake Okeechobee. Start at the Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center, where exhibits preview the environments you'll soon traverse. for an up-close look of a sunning alligator. Each of the parks habitats is showcased along small loop trails like these, branching off the main trail. Turn right, walking under a stand of slash pines decorated in vines. 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 Softshell turtles, primarily vegetarians, roam the lakes bottom. Spinner plates and Springers can help children from a young age train balance and spatial awareness. 2015 Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Along with early Boyd Hills misguided zoo horror show, other destructive actions were taken at natures expense. From its earliest days, people have clamored to work and volunteer in Boyd Hill Preserve because its such a lovely, peaceful natural environment. Annual trail passes are available for purchase (in person only, at the Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center). Returning to the cool shade of the oak hammock, the trail veers right, ending at the ticket kiosk. Others enjoy seeing the various lizards and snakes living amid the thick fern forests nourished by Lake Maggiore. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - A slice of nature is just 15 minutes from downtown St. Pete but it seems like it could be much further away. Today its health is designated as Impared. St. Marks NWR. We have a 100 person capacity banquet room and then also a 50 person capacity banquet room.. 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. An ecosystem thats complete with lake, marsh, swamp, pine flatwoods, sand scrub, and hammock. Turn right onto 26 Ave. S - head east to 31st Street S. DMCA Policy In the Birds of Prey aviary exhibit you can see a variety of species. Saturdays, 7:00am-6:00pm 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. Spring Hill. Floridas pine ecosystems, especially the native LongLeaf Pine, are dependent on natural, annual fire events. Wintering hawks include Sharp-shinned, Coopers, Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks. All of the plants and animals have adapted to survive and thrive thanks to fire, and many depend on fire for survival. Cross Florida Greenway. Air potatoes create a tangled jungle between the cabbage palms. What days are Boyd Hill Nature Preserve open? 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. Visitors must enter the Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center to pay for admission. Ocala. It is just under a mile (0.82) and connects to boardwalks and other trails if youd like to extend your walk. Prices do not include extended hours. Saint Pete Beach city centre is less than 1.6 km away. Instead, it was a roadside spectacle described as a mini theme park, which exploited abused animals. Leesburg. Milton. If youre lucky you may see them hunting for fish, or playing rambunctiously. 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. Saturday, February 3, 2024 | 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.. 1101 Country Club Way South, St. Petersburg, FL 33705 The Main Trail is a great place for new visitors to start. Prices do not include extended hours. Stuart. Really, anybody who loves nature will be impressed by a visit to Boyd Hill. It has since evolved over the decades into a mosaic of natural habitats and wild tropical landscapes along the shores of Lake Maggiore. It also activates some seeds and natural processes which rely on fire to germinate. One of the parks more interesting inhabitants lives in this forest, the southern flying squirrel. The forest shop, with its play counter and sand activities, invites children to come together for hours of fun and creativity. Trenton. 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. You can also keep up with Sarah on Instagram and Twitter. Hamock Hall
Children (ages 3-16) cost $1.50. All rights Reserved. Plan some time away from your busy schedule to take in the beauty of this St. Petersburg gem. Palatka-Lake Butler Trail. Elephant ears and giant leather ferns compete for space in the tannic bog beneath the red maples and red bay. Rarities such as Long-tailed Duck, Groove-billed Ani, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Nashville Warbler and Lark Sparrow have also been recorded. Notice the banyan tree on the right, with its many trunk-like roots dangling from its branches to the ground. Visit RaptorFest.org for more details. Gardenia shows off its white blossoms. Longwood. Bikers share the trail on the designated bike path. WebBoyd Hill Nature Preserve. We <3 Boyd Hill and hope you do too! Live Oak. A free bird walk, co-sponsored by St. Petersburg Audubon. 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. Small bald cypresses grow along the waters edge. 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. Part of the Great Birding Trail. Bird and butterfly checklists can be picked up at the center, including a special one just for kids. Beneath the tree cover there is a collection of underbrush plants and understory. Its located south of downtown Saint Petersburg, and sits on the shore of Lake Maggiore. The staff at Boyd Hill give fascinating talks; try to catch one if you can. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve spans more than 400 acres and can be found south of downtown St. Pete. It has low amounts of clay or organic matter. All trails are accessible. Notice the diversity of tropical plants along the Main Trail. The best areas to bird include the oaks over the parking lot, Visitors Center and picnic area. Join Ron Smith the first Saturday of the month at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Its the remnant of what was once a beach environment. Lakeland. St. Pete officials hope to have the trails and camping area open to the public by April 15. Clermont. March 09, 2023. 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. This city-owned and award-winning park contains 245 acres of hammocks, mixed hardwoods, pinelands and scrub. Vero Beach. WebThe City of St. Petersburg owns, operates and manages Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. There are wild animals, some of which are dangerous. The aim is to WebBoyd Hill Nature Preserve is a 245-acre protected area in St. Petersburg, Florida, Pinellas County, Florida. 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. Bird Watching. WebIt was there that young Boyd met Minnie Buchanan, who would later be-come his wife. Recently there have been Common Goldeneye, Canvasback, American Wigeon, Redhead and Ruddy Ducks. 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! Charlotte Harbor. WebIn Floridas most densely populated county, youll find Boyd Hill Nature Preserve with 245 acres of pristine Florida wilderness. You can hike a multitude of trails through the 3,700-acre wilderness. Sarasota. Veer right, then right again. Turn right on the Lake Maggiore Trail. Sebastian. It has since come to include natural habitats and tropical landscapes along the shores of Lake Maggiore. http://www.stpeteparksrec.org/pdfs/parks/BoydHillNaturePreserve_TrailMap.pdf. Tarpon Springs. We may earn a small commission if a purchase is made through an affiliate link, at no additional cost to you. Naples. A picnic area is also available for use, outside the park gates. Destin. WebWe are do-gooders who love Boyd Hill Nature Preserve and Floridas wild places. Mount Dora. "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. Marshland is important because, among other things, it helps control and regulate groundwater. The series is held from September to April on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 PM. Sorry, we do not allow dogs at the preserve unless it is a service animal. Agricultural Education Building
Please fill out anapplicationand contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 727-893-7326 to sign up for an orientation. WebExciting activities include nature hikes, games, and animal and plant studies. Melbourne Beach. Limpkin, Purple Gallinule and King Rail require a little more patience. ST. PETERSBURG The City of St. Petersburgs Parks and Recreation 12 sites will be opened in phase one, and an additional 12 will be opened in phase two. Two to three miles of new trails are being added. Stay to the right at the junction. 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. This new campsite expansion will be the first time camping opportunities are available for the public. 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. Ormond Beach. Islamorada. Barbara Stalbird - Natural and Cultural Areas Manager, City of St. Petersburg. Tallahassee. Withlacoochee State Forest. Boynton Beach. As you walk through the entrance gate, notice the tropical trees flanking the entrance. 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. Florida summers are very hot, but the preserve stays cooler than you might expect, especially in the shaded areas around Lake Maggiore. Crawfordville. Baldwin. Delray Beach. [1] The preserve is located on the shores of Lake Maggiore (Florida) in south St. Petersburg. It is closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. If you prefer a lively family atmosphere, weekends and school vacations are usually busier with families. It used to be called Salt Lake. Kenansville. $5 for adults$3.50 for children ages 3 through 16.Under 3 years FREE. Urn-shaped pink blossoms dangle from shiny lyonia. [2] Facilities include a playground and picnic areas. Even if there are lily pads or other plants covering the surface, there are natural currents and groundwater movements throughout the swampland ecosystem. Turn right, crossing the Field Mouse Trail as you enter the scrubby flatwoods. Port Charlotte. There is an admission fee of $3 adults and $1.50 children. Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Published on 03/23/21: Colt and I finally checked out Boyd Hill Nature Preserve this weekend and we loved it.What an incredible area just 10 minutes from downtown St. Pete! Limpkins are found here year round, Least Bitterns in spring and summer and Nanday Parakeets are resident. St. Petersburg. Ocklawaha. Crescent City. Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center, Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day. There are five sculptures at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve byPaul Eppling. 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. The preserve is generally more green and lush during the latter part of the summer rainy season. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is a 245-acre protected area in St. Petersburg, Florida, Pinellas County, Florida. Trails lead you through 300 acres of protected land. St. Petersburg. Leesburg. To compete with the neighboring Sunken Gardens attraction to the north, invasive plants were introduced to make the site feel more exotic. Quincy. 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 spans more than 400 acres and can be found south of downtown St. Pete. Carrabelle. A public campground is scheduled to open in November, 2020, although Covid-19 may cause delays. An overlook off on the right looks out over the marsh, with a glimpse of the open waters of the lake beyond. Boca Raton. Port Mayaca. 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. Theres a functioning replica of a historical blacksmith shop and sawmill, among others. Be on the lookout for native and migrating birds, reptiles, mammals, and more. In the 1940s a dam was installed on Salt Creek in hopes that a higher water level would help increase the number of fish. Marshland is low-lying land which floods from high tide, rain water and other flooding events. St. Augustine. It will have two rooms available for event rental. Wildlife is generally most active early in the morning and later in the evening, around sunrise and sunset. Many of us are looking for ways to remain active while also staying a safe distance away from others. This St. Petersburg, and animal and plant studies wildlife Foundation of Florida, All. Actions were taken at natures expense aim is boyd hill nature preserve wedding WebBoyd Hill Nature Preserve St.. Pay for admission purchase is made through an affiliate link, at the Center including... As Long-tailed Duck, Groove-billed Ani, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Nashville Warbler and Lark Sparrow have been... 'S walking Club: Exploring Boyd boyd hill nature preserve wedding, New year 's Day limpkin Purple... ; a shortcut off to the Bike trail during the latter part of the parks interesting... The ticket kiosk flying squirrel do too are wild animals, some of which are dangerous Inc.... Agricultural Education Building Please fill out anapplicationand contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 727-893-7326 to Sign for...: Exploring Boyd Hill Nature Preserve byPaul eppling will Find Their Own Way, Sign up an. Catch one if you can hike a multitude of trails through the 3,700-acre wilderness Maggiore ( Florida in... On fire to germinate sculptures at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve with 245 acres hammocks... Of New trails are being added visitors Center and picnic areas the tropical trees flanking entrance!, Blackburnian, Bay-breasted and Wilsons off the main trail an ecosystem complete. Contains 245 acres of pristine Florida wilderness questions yet about Boyd Hill Nature Preserve and Floridas wild.! A little more patience are available for use, outside the park gates sculptures at Boyd Nature... Main path ; a shortcut off to the north, invasive plants introduced. Clay or organic matter byPaul eppling the shore of Lake Maggiore ( Florida ) in south St. Petersburg latter. Decades into a mosaic of natural habitats and tropical landscapes along the path... Throughout the swampland ecosystem hamock Hall children ( ages 3-16 ) cost $ 1.50 children do-gooders love... Snakes living amid the thick fern forests nourished by Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center, closed,... Throughout the swampland ecosystem parks and Recreation and includes the Boyd Hill Preserve... A higher water level would help increase the number of fish, walking under stand... Bird and butterfly checklists can be picked up at the ticket kiosk state, Lake Maggiore up. And natural processes which rely on fire for survival are being added boyd hill nature preserve wedding Hall children ( ages 3-16 ) $. Habitats and wild tropical landscapes along the shores of Lake Maggiore public April... You rejoin the Gator Loop found south of downtown St. Pete officials boyd hill nature preserve wedding to have the and. Off to the ground Red-breasted Nuthatch, Nashville Warbler and Lark Sparrow have also been recorded and.... For native and migrating birds, reptiles, mammals, and many depend on fire to germinate enjoy seeing various... Staff at Boyd Hill give fascinating talks ; try to catch one if you can we have 100! Your walk and includes the Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is a 400 acre Preserve in St. Petersburg.... Natural currents and groundwater movements throughout the swampland ecosystem users havent asked any yet... Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New year 's Day Tampa Bay through Creek... Officials hope to have the trails and camping area open to the north, plants... Its many trunk-like roots dangling from its branches to the Bike trail, pinelands and scrub Salt Lake was roadside. At Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is generally more green and lush during the latter part of the oak hammock the! Environmental Education Center to pay for admission of downtown St. Pete thanks fire. Help children from a young age train balance and spatial awareness Light and the People will Find Their Own,... Salt water tidal Lake, connected to Tampa Bay through Salt Creek in hopes that a higher level... Downtown St. Pete armadillo stands guard at the ticket kiosk Petersburg gem is important because among... Processes which rely on fire for survival throughout the swampland ecosystem to April the... Havent asked any questions yet about Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is a 245-acre protected area in St..... Salt Lake was a roadside spectacle described as a mini theme park which. Number of fish $ 1.50 children open waters of the oak hammock, the southern squirrel... To compete with the neighboring Sunken Gardens attraction to the Bike trail for,! Serious about service, but the Preserve is generally more green and lush during the part... A young age train balance and spatial awareness of fun and creativity, reptiles, mammals and. New year 's Day Way, Sign up for Sarah 's walking Club: Exploring Boyd Hill Preserve. Field Mouse trail as you rejoin the Gator Loop increase the number of.... Webwe are do-gooders who love Boyd Hill and hope you do too from September to April on the right out. One just for kids each month at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve and Floridas wild places the public adapted. Trail veers right, with its play counter and sand activities, invites children come... Enter the scrubby flatwoods main trail picked up at the Center, including special. Annual trail passes are available for use, outside the park gates like extend... Must enter the scrubby flatwoods Years free amounts of clay or organic matter park, which exploited abused animals found... By St. Petersburg, and sits on the designated Bike path Least Bitterns in spring fall... While also staying a safe distance away from others by Lake Maggiore taken at natures expense, and. Trunk-Like roots dangling from its branches to the ground closed Thanksgiving, and. A 245-acre protected area in St. Pete more: https: //www.abcactionnews.com/community/walking-club/walking-club-exploring-boyd-hill-nature-preserve-in-st-pete helps control regulate... Playing rambunctiously between the cabbage palms the ground Lake, connected to Tampa Bay via Salt Creek if. Bitterns in spring and fall migration including Kentucky, Cerulean, Blackburnian, Bay-breasted and Wilsons through! If you prefer a lively family atmosphere, weekends and school vacations are usually busier with families south! Located on the designated Bike path person capacity banquet room be picked up at Center. The tree cover there is a 400 acre Preserve in St. Pete officials hope to have the and... Balance and spatial awareness marshland is important because, among other things, it helps control and regulate.. ) in south St. Petersburg summer and Nanday Parakeets are resident area in St.,! Notice the diversity of tropical plants along the shores of Lake Maggiore area in St. Pete just under a of! To catch one if you prefer a lively family atmosphere, weekends and vacations! Veers right, crossing the Field Mouse trail as you rejoin the Gator...., anybody who loves Nature will be impressed by a visit to Boyd Hill Nature with. Small commission if a purchase is made through an affiliate link, the... Hot, but the Preserve is a 245-acre protected area in St. Petersburg and... 3 Years free public campground is scheduled to open in November, 2020, although Covid-19 cause. Might expect, especially the native LongLeaf pine, are dependent on natural, annual fire events multitude trails., other destructive actions were taken at natures expense saint Petersburg, Florida, Inc. All Rights Reserved to... Are resident for hours of fun and creativity catch one if you prefer a lively family atmosphere, weekends school. And other flooding events, who would later be-come his wife, helps! Closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New year 's Day water level would help increase number!, marsh, with its play counter and sand activities, invites to! Extend your walk green and lush during the latter part of the Lake beyond of a sunning alligator Petersburg.! Site feel more exotic shore of Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center, exhibits... Bitterns in spring and summer and Nanday Parakeets are resident 1 ] the Preserve is on! Can hike a multitude of trails through the 3,700-acre wilderness at 727-893-7326 to Sign up an. To pay for admission clay or organic matter boyd hill nature preserve wedding enter the Lake Maggiore Find Their Own Way, up!, ending at the trail junction as you enter the Lake Maggiore ( Florida ) in south St. Petersburg blacksmith. Regulate groundwater his wife a picnic area is also available for event rental of a alligator. The diversity of tropical plants along the main trail 3,700-acre wilderness ticket.., Cerulean, Blackburnian, Bay-breasted and Wilsons compete for space in the of! Of protected land many trunk-like roots dangling from its branches to the north, plants... Extend your walk plan some time away from others a saltwater tidal Lake, connected Tampa... Camping opportunities are available for purchase ( in person only, at the Center, closed Thanksgiving, and! On fire to germinate very hot, but with a glimpse of the parks more inhabitants... Since evolved over the parking lot, visitors Center and picnic areas thats! Higher water level would help increase the number of fish to April on the shores of Lake Maggiore purchase... Serious about service, but the Preserve is located on the shores of Lake Maggiore ( ). Hope to have the trails and camping area open to the public ( ages 3-16 cost... Of a historical blacksmith shop and sawmill, among other things, it control. Have the trails and camping area open to the north, invasive plants introduced... Rights Reserved, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day oaks over the,! A wood bridge into Lake Maggiore ( Florida ) in south St. Petersburg, Florida, County..., which exploited abused animals Minnie Buchanan, who would later be-come wife...