Join ACT at Tuscawilla Preserve for a guided bird walk. Masks are encouraged to be worn at all times during this event.
WHAT TO WEAR & BRING
Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. Bring water, snacks, bug spray, sunscreen, and a hat. If you have them, please feel free to bring your own binoculars and/or spotting scopes. Face masks are encouraged.
WHEN
Thursday, March 24th
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
WHERE
Tuscawilla Preserve
GPS coordinates: 29°30'08.4"N 82°16'11.2"W
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. Learn more about this preserve here.
ACCESS INFO
Trails are unpaved, and in some places can be muddy, uneven, or wet.
Parking is available at the Micanopy Native American Preserve Park (across the street from the trailhead).
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact Alachua Conservation Trust by phone at (352) 373-1078 or email at info@alachuaconservationtrust.org for more information.
