Serenola Forest Preserve is located in the Idylwild neighborhood in southwest Gainesville, and it is in these same woods where the locally infamous Idylwild Cowgirls galloped their ponies from one mischief to another five decades ago.
Join Alachua Audubon and ACT for a joint outing at this preserve - First, a bird walk led by Sue and Darrell Hartman and Debbie Segal, followed by a short book presentation by author Debbie Segal about the gang of Idylwild Cowgirls.
WHAT TO WEAR & BRING
Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. Bring water, snacks, bug spray, sunscreen, and a hat. If you have them, please feel free to bring your own binoculars and/or spotting scopes. Face masks are encouraged.
WHEN
Saturday, April 9th
8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
WHERE
Serenola Preserve
4706-4798 SW 20th Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32608 or 29°36'30.8"N 82°20'56.5"W
ABOUT THE PRESERVE
On December 6, 2018, Alachua Conservation Trust in partnership with Alachua County closed on the 111- 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.
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). Learn more about this preserve here.
ACCESS INFO
Trails are unpaved, and in some places can be muddy, uneven, or wet.
Parking is available at Idlywild Elementary School on weekends. There are two street parking spots available by the main trail head during the weekday, but trail access is primarily by foot or bike.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact Alachua Conservation Trust by phone at (352) 373-1078 or email at info@alachuaconservationtrust.org for more information.
Banner image by Alison Blakeslee.
