Savage / Christmas Creek Preserve

Part of Orange County’s Green PLACE conservation lands program, this site was purchased in 1999 to protect the Floridan aquifer and habitat within the St. Johns River basin. It also provides superb wildlife viewing opportunities, with numerous habitat types (strand swamp, freshwater marsh, hardwood hammock and pasture). Florida Sandhill Cranes nest here and other year-round residents include Bald Eagle, Wild Turkey, Barred Owl, Great Horned Owl, Cooper’s Hawk, Common Ground-Dove, Red-headed Woodpecker, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Eastern Towhee, and Bachman’s Sparrow. Look for songbirds during spring and fall migration such as American Redstart and Red-eyed Vireo, and in winter for American Robin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Savannah Sparrow. Sherman’s Fox Squirrel, Gray Fox and Gopher Tortoise occur here as well, and butterflies such as Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Gulf Fritillary and Zebra Heliconian. Trails may be flooded at times, so bring appropriate footwear. Take plenty of water, and sun and bug protection.