RSVP encouraged but not required.
WHAT TO BRING
Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. Bring water, snacks, bug spray, sunscreen, and hat.
WHEN
Friday, May 26th, 2023
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
WHERE
Little Orange Creek Nature Park
ABOUT THE PRESERVE
Little Orange Creek Preserve & Nature Park is a partnership between Alachua Conservation Trust, Alachua County, Friends of Little Orange Creek, Putnam Land Conservancy, Conservation Florida (formerly Conservation Trust for Florida), and the City of Hawthorne to protect an extensive tract of undeveloped lands near Hawthorne, Florida. Alachua Conservation Trust is leading the management and acquisition for this project.
Little Orange Creek Preserve & Nature Park now covers nearly 2,900 acres of the upper Little Orange Creek watershed, and protects a patchwork of diverse wetlands that feed into and form Fowlers Prairie, including the pinelands and hammock that surround it. Large parts of Little Orange Creek Preserve are basin swamp with a mix of cypress, tupelo, and red maple. The uplands were historically a mix of sandhill and flatwoods that were steadily converted to planted pine many years ago.
The rich variety of habitats supports a wonderful diversity of plants and animals. Bears regularly travel through the area, and have been photographed numerous times using trail cameras. Other large mammals include deer, coyotes, bobcats, and otters. The freshwater marshes and swamps provide excellent habitat for many species of wading birds and other wetland dependent species.
Located to the south of the preserve, across Highway 20, the Nature Park includes a nature center, playground, covered pavilion, and an outdoor fitness equipment station. During the school year, students are invited to Little Orange Creek Nature Park as part of the Creekside Environmental Ed for Kids Program to learn about the basics of wetland and wildlife ecology.
ACCESS INFO
Little Orange Creek Preserve provides public trails for hiking and bicycling.
The trails are unpaved, and in some places can be muddy, uneven, or wet.
Dogs are welcome.
The preserve closes at dark.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact Alachua Conservation Trust by phone at (352) 373-1078 or email at info@alachuaconservationtrust.org for more information.
