Tibet-Butler Preserve

With pine flatwoods, oak hammocks and scrub, plus a bayhead swamp, a great view of Lake Tibet-Butler, a butterfly garden and over 3 miles of hiking trails to explore, this county property is a birder’s and wildlife viewer’s delight. The Vera Carter Environmental Center provides a quick orientation to the area; grab a trail guide/map and bird checklist here to plan your route. NOTE: trails can be flooded during the summer months so call ahead for an update on current conditions or check at this website. Hike to the Osprey Overlook Pavilion on the waterfront for wading bird species like Wood Stork, White Ibis and Anhinga. Or, walk the Pine Circle Trail, Tarflower Loop and Fallen Log Crossing for songbird migrants and woodpeckers. Sandhill Crane, Painted Bunting, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Yellow-throated Vireo and Solitary Sandpiper have all been recorded. Watch overhead for Swallow-tailed Kites in spring and summer. The butterfly garden attracts a whole range of species such as Zebra Longwing, Gulf Fritillary and several species of swallowtail. Kids will enjoy the live Gopher Tortoise exhibit and pollinator garden, and the preserve’s Vera Carter Environmental Center offers a variety of educational programs for youth and families to learn about nature and hiking trails.