LEAFS Preserve

SUMMARY

Size: 208 acres
Years conserved: 1990-2006

Generously donated by the Longleaf Ecology and Forestry Society in 2022.

ABOUT THE PRESERVE

The Longleaf Ecology and Forestry Society, LEAFS, was founded as a non-profit society in 1993 by John and Mary Lou Winn. The primary objective of the LEAFS Preserve was environmental education with a specific goal of demonstrating to small landowners the viability of low cost, low impact ecologically around longleaf pine management. In 2022, the land was donated to Alachua Conservation Trust for the continuation of protection and management.

The 208-acre preserve holds special significance for conservation due to its high-quality mesic flatwoods that cover the majority of the preserve. Management of the property has included extensive prescribed fire, timber management and longleaf pine plantings. The preserve provides high-quality wildlife habitat, conserves water and soil resources, and provides public recreational opportunities.

Prior to Mr. and Mrs. Winn’s ownership, the property had seen varied usage. Accounts from John Winn describe the CR1471 tract (South) of LEAFS as being used primarily for turpentine operations and the cutting of timber over decades of time beginning around 1910. The Lake Alto tract (North) was much more impacted by past land use, with most of the land being cleared for pasture. Cattle were grazed on the property into the 1970’s and, at one time, the property was planted in corn.

Following the planting of corn, a portion of the property was planted in slash pine and some of these trees still exist there today. Other past uses on and adjacent to the preserve include the historic Lake Alto-Santa Fe Canal, which was constructed from 1877 to 1897. The canal was utilized to transport agricultural products, mail, supplies, and tourists. It was abandoned as a primary means of transportation by the early 1900s.

Learn more about the Longleaf Ecology and Forestry Society here.

TRAILHEAD LOCATIONS

Lake Alto (North) Trailhead Address: 17800 NE 134th Place, Waldo, FL 32694

C.R. 1471 (South) Trailhead Address: GPS Coordinates 29.76520, -82.13634 (Google Maps)

LEAFS Preserve is located in northeastern Alachua County, Florida, on County Road 1471.  The nearest town is Waldo, midway between Starke and Gainesville.  The turnoff onto County Road 1471 from U. S. Highway 301 is about 2 1/2 miles southeast of Waldo.

GENERAL RULES & GUIDELINES

• Preserves are open from sunrise to sunset.

• Dogs are welcome as long as they remain on a leash.

• Trails are unpaved and in some places can be muddy, uneven, or wet.

• Drones are not permitted without permission from ACT.

• Motorized vehicles are prohibited.

TRAIL MAP