Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Paynes Prairie is unique in many ways. Nowhere else in Florida can visitors experience wild-roaming bison and horses. Nearly 300 species of birds also frequent the park along with alligators, deer and many other animals. The park’s eight trails, including the 16-mile paved Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, allows one to explore the park’s interior and observe wildlife,

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Newnans Lake State Forest

Newnans Lake State Forest contains over 1,000 acres of natural lands just east of Gainesville in Alachua County. This property has been in state ownership since 1921 when 3,000 acres were acquired to establish a residential farm community for Floridians with developmental disabilities. Over the years, parts of the 3,000 acre property were transferred to

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Morningside Nature Center

8 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily (Oct.–April); 8 a.m.–8 p.m. daily (May–Sept.) 416 acres Please note, as part of Nature Operations’ land management practices, when prescribed burns take place, the park may be closed. Please check this website or call 352-334-3326 for updates. Dogs are not allowed at Morningside Nature Center, on the Living History

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Mill Creek Preserve

1,230-acre preserve with 5 miles of unpaved trails. Property is unique for its mix of southernmost extent of Applachian hardwood forest, small waterfall and pine flatwoods. American Beech trees can be observed here in their southernmost extent. Mill Creek Preserve was purchased in 2002 by Alachua County with funding from the Alachua County Forever Bond and a

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Micanopy Native American Heritage Preserve

Centuries after the last residents left the village along it, Lake Tuscawilla is now an open prairie. But this village site is sacred ground. Founded in 1821, the town of Micanopy is the oldest inland settlement in Florida, but this Alachua Tradition village site is centuries older. The purpose of this preserve is to protect

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Longleaf Flatwoods Reserve

The property is a diverse area of intact natural communities. The uplands are comprised mainly of wet and mesic flatwoods and sandhill. Several small wetlands drain to the southwest into a larger basin swamp, which drains to the River Styx, then drains to Orange Lake. The St. Johns River Water Management District and Alachua County

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Lochloosa Creek Phifer Flatwoods

Lochloosa Park has nearly 450 feet of undeveloped shoreline, with a boardwalk and gazebo for wildlife viewing.  New shoreline preservation overlooks will be put in place so that park visitors can take advantage of the wildlife viewing opportunities and fisherman can get closer to the lake without disturbing the shoreline habitats. Large alligators are abundant.

Loblolly Woods Nature Park

Trails and boardwalks provide shady routes for walking, biking, or jogging on this portion of the Hogtown Creek Greenway, considered one of the best birding spots in the county. Follow the trail connecting NW Eighth Ave. to NW 34th St. past the picturesque confluence of Hogtown and Possum Creeks, or explore the ¼-mile boardwalk between

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Lake Alto

​Lake Alto Park currently offers a boat launch and connects to hiking trails in Lake  Alto Preserve. Planned upgrades include replacing the boat ramps and dock and adding shoreline preservation observation areas for wildlife viewing.  Installation of restrooms, a play area, updates to the gazebo, and ADA compliant connectivity to all amenities are also scheduled.

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Kanapaha Veteran’s Memorial Park

Veteran's Memorial Park offers activities for everyone.  Sports facilities include a baskeball court, softball fields, soccer fields, and roller hockey facilities.  There are also 2 play areas, a fitness trail, and nature trails to explore.  Be sure to visit the veteran's memorial and police memorial while at the park. Two large (10-12 picnic tables) pavilions

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