Serenola Forest Preserve

SUMMARY

Size: 124 acres
Year conserved: 2018
Partner organizations: Alachua County and the Florida Communities Trust

ABOUT THE PRESERVE

On December 6, 2018, Alachua Conservation Trust in partnership with Alachua County closed on the 124- acre Serenola Forest. Alachua County through the Alachua County Forever program used money generated by the 1/2-cent sales tax from Wild Spaces Public Places to purchase 103 acres. ACT purchased the remaining 7.7 acres with funding from supporters like you, private foundations, and charitable grants. The preserve was also expanded in 2022.

Serenola Forest is home to threatened plant and wildlife species and connects the woodland hammock to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. Thus offering larger wildlife much needed room to roam and protection. Saving Serenola Forest not only benefits natural space, but also people who love to hike, bike, view wildlife, and gather together with the people they care about.

The preserve neighbors Oak Hammock at the University of Florida and Idylwild Elementary School. Please respect the neighborhood and private properties by always staying on the trails and taking home whatever you bring with you (i.e., trash).

TRAILHEAD ADDRESS

Address: The main trailhead is located along SW 21st Street near the intersection at SW 48th Avenue in Gainesville, FL at GPS coordinates 29.608553, -82.349032 (Google Map)

GENERAL RULES & GUIDELINES

• Preserve is 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

Click on the map image to download the full preserve guide.