Join ACT for a pancake breakfast at the cabin on Tuscawilla Prairie. This event is free and open to the public - the only thing you need to bring is your appetite. Please consider donating to support ACT’s work to provide more conservation and maple syrup to our community. This event is first come, first serve. Pancakes and coffee will be available while supplies last.

We will have vegan and gluten free options!

WHEN

Saturday, April 12th, 2025

9:00 am - 11:30 am

WHERE

Tuscawilla Cabin

211 SE Tuscawilla Rd.

Micanopy, FL 32667
Click here for directions and a map.

ABOUT THE PRESERVE

Tuscawilla Preserve includes a prairie and adjacent uplands with small creeks and mesic forests. Lake Tuscawilla contains open water during periods of high to moderate water levels and can be almost completely dry during prolonged droughts. This hydrologic variation is the limiting factor for much of the vegetation and defines the extent of the forest rim. The hardwood hammocks that surround the prairie are dominated by live oak, southern magnolia, hickories, and cabbage palms.

The wetlands consist of many small pools which are a favorite spot for wading birds, such as herons, egrets, ibises, and storks. Sandhill cranes visit the site every fall and several reside there on a full time basis. Raptors also use the area, as they nest and perch in the surrounding forest and forage across the open savanna. Reptiles and amphibians are common, including breeding populations of alligators, snakes, turtles, and frogs. Mammals include the entire suite of North Florida creatures such as deer, bobcat, raccoons, and otters.

Tuscawilla is the Seminole name of this area from the time of Chief Micanopy. Adjacent to the north of Tuscawilla Preserve is the Native American Heritage Preserve, purchased by the Town of Micanopy with funds provided by Florida Communities Trust. Within a few miles are many other documented archeological sites, such as King Payne's Village. William Bartram visited the site on more than one occasion on his trek through North Florida in the 1760s. Lake Tuscwilla’s recent history includes its use for cattle grazing and other agricultural pursuits.

ACCESS INFO

• Public trails (approximately 1.5 miles) and picnic facilities are available.

• Parking is available at the Micanopy Native American Preserve Park (across the street from the trailhead).

• The preserve closes at dark.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact Alachua Conservation Trust by phone: (352) 373-1078 or email: info@alachuaconservationtrust.org