On the eastern shore of Lake Monroe (and bordering the St. Johns River) is a spot you don't want to overlook. Most of the habitat here is wetlands (including freshwater marsh, wet prairie, hydric hammock, cypress swamp and bay swamp), which serve as a regionally important Florida Black Bear corridor. Miles of trails provide a great all-day birding experience.
Named for the two branches of the Econlockhatchee River which flow through the site, this state forest has 160 plus bird species and 20 miles of hiking trails on two recommended parcels. The Demetree Tract off Snowhill Rd. has a parking area surrounded by improved pasture, and a visitor center with maps and information.
Another component of Seminole County's innovative natural lands program, this site provides a pleasant hiking and birding experience on 1.5 miles of multi-use trails through hardwoods, oak scrub, sand pine scrub and flatwoods.
Named for the two branches of the Econlockhatchee River which flow through the site, this state forest has 160 plus bird species and 20 miles of hiking trails on two recommended parcels. Here, where the floodplain opens, you'll have a view of the river and its waders, shorebirds and ducks in fall and winter. The walk to the river is unremarkable, so you might scope the river from the boat launch at the SR 46 bridge.
Although this property is largely composed of freshwater wetlands, a 1.4-mile hiking/biking/horseback trail on slightly higher topography provides a different experience than the surrounding marshes. The best birding here is in spring and fall. Start by picking up a map at the entrance kiosk (or download one from the St. Johns River Water Management District website).
An important water resource for Seminole County, Lake Jesup is undergoing a number of restoration projects to improve water quality, flood protection and ecosystem protection. The East Lake Jesup Tract consists primarily of hardwood/sabal palm hammock, with some freshwater marsh along the lake's shoreline. A 1.4-mile loop trail leads through the hammock to an observation tower with a view of the marsh and lake.
Part of Seminole County's Natural Lands program, this property lies on the north shore of the lake adjacent to Lake Jesup Park. This site is low-lying, and may flood due to seasonal fluctuations in Lake Jesup's water levels. Thus, trails may be underwater at times, so be prepared to get your feet wet, especially in the summer rainy season.
Six miles of multi-use trails, as well as views of Lake Proctor await you at this Seminole County Natural Lands Program site. The property, which has flatwoods, sandhills, oak hammocks and a hardwood swamp, serves as an important recharge area for the Geneva Bubble (a local aquifer). At the entrance, pick up a brochure complete with descriptions and locations of habitats and a map.
Depending on how much time you have, you can bird here for several hours or several days. The park encompasses nearly 18,000 acres, and borders 6 miles of the St. Johns River and 4 miles of the Wekiva River and Blackwater Creek.
With its lush floodplain forest of hardwoods, ferns, and sabal palms, a visit to this property nestled between the Wekiva and Little Wekiva Rivers feels like you're stepping back in time thousands of years. This site is accessed through a subdivision with limited parking.
Wekiwa Springs State Park is famous for its spring run, but this site also includes some excellent habitats for birding and butterfly watching (freshwater swamp, sandhills, flatwoods, scrub, hammocks, lakes and ponds). The trail from the main spring to Sand Lake runs through six different plant communities, and during spring and fall migration, the park hosts 34 warbler species.
On the eastern shore of Lake Monroe (and bordering the St. Johns River) is a spot you don’t want to overlook. Most of the habitat here is wetlands (including freshwater marsh, wet prairie, hydric hammock, cypress swamp and bay swamp), which serve as a regionally important Florida Black Bear corridor. Miles of trails provide a great all-day birding experience.
Named for the two branches of the Econlockhatchee River which flow through the site, this state forest has 160 plus bird species and 20 miles of hiking trails on two recommended parcels. The Demetree Tract off Snowhill Rd. has a parking area surrounded by improved pasture, and a visitor center with maps and information.
Another component of Seminole County’s innovative natural lands program, this site provides a pleasant hiking and birding experience on 1.5 miles of multi-use trails through hardwoods, oak scrub, sand pine scrub and flatwoods.
Named for the two branches of the Econlockhatchee River which flow through the site, this state forest has 160 plus bird species and 20 miles of hiking trails on two recommended parcels. Here, where the floodplain opens, you’ll have a view of the river and its waders, shorebirds and ducks in fall and winter. The walk to the river is unremarkable, so you might scope the river from the boat launch at the SR 46 bridge.
Although this property is largely composed of freshwater wetlands, a 1.4-mile hiking/biking/horseback trail on slightly higher topography provides a different experience than the surrounding marshes. The best birding here is in spring and fall. Start by picking up a map at the entrance kiosk (or download one from the St. Johns River Water Management District website).
An important water resource for Seminole County, Lake Jesup is undergoing a number of restoration projects to improve water quality, flood protection and ecosystem protection. The East Lake Jesup Tract consists primarily of hardwood/sabal palm hammock, with some freshwater marsh along the lake’s shoreline. A 1.4-mile loop trail leads through the hammock to an observation tower with a view of the marsh and lake.
Part of Seminole County’s Natural Lands program, this property lies on the north shore of the lake adjacent to Lake Jesup Park. This site is low-lying, and may flood due to seasonal fluctuations in Lake Jesup’s water levels. Thus, trails may be underwater at times, so be prepared to get your feet wet, especially in the summer rainy season.
Six miles of multi-use trails, as well as views of Lake Proctor await you at this Seminole County Natural Lands Program site. The property, which has flatwoods, sandhills, oak hammocks and a hardwood swamp, serves as an important recharge area for the Geneva Bubble (a local aquifer). At the entrance, pick up a brochure complete with descriptions and locations of habitats and a map.
Depending on how much time you have, you can bird here for several hours or several days. The park encompasses nearly 18,000 acres, and borders 6 miles of the St. Johns River and 4 miles of the Wekiva River and Blackwater Creek.
With its lush floodplain forest of hardwoods, ferns, and sabal palms, a visit to this property nestled between the Wekiva and Little Wekiva Rivers feels like you’re stepping back in time thousands of years. This site is accessed through a subdivision with limited parking.
Wekiwa Springs State Park is famous for its spring run, but this site also includes some excellent habitats for birding and butterfly watching (freshwater swamp, sandhills, flatwoods, scrub, hammocks, lakes and ponds). The trail from the main spring to Sand Lake runs through six different plant communities, and during spring and fall migration, the park hosts 34 warbler species.
The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail is a network of more than 500 premier wildlife viewing sites across the state. When you want to know where to go in Florida to see native birds, butterflies and more, head for the Trail.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Russell Office Park
1875 Orange Ave. East
Tallahassee, FL 32311