Learn and Explore with Nature Preserves in Jacksonville

We all know about the creatures that live in our backyards, but we don’t usually stop to think about where they fall on the food chain or what part they play in the local ecosystem. Preserved lands across the Jacksonville area are rich with culture, history, and wildlife. All these nature preserves in Jacksonville will not only get you outdoors this spring season but will also expose you to things you may have never heard about.

Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve

Tucked away in one of the last unaltered wetlands on the coast of the Atlantic, the Timucuan Preserve is a place for those wanting to explore local nature and learn about the history of the land. The story behind what was once the first French colony in the United States is an interesting one—you can enjoy the tales of liberation and culture as you stroll across the property. The park also offers rare sightings of some native wildlife such as bobcats, bald eagles, and white-tailed deer.

Tree Hill Nature Center

Promoting environmental responsibility through educational community activities, Tree Hill Nature Center is committed to showing their visitors how beautiful nature can be. Their hands-on educational programs offer something for the whole family, keeping the kids engaged while giving you a chance to enjoy nature and maybe learn something new. If you’re looking for something fun to do this spring, the center is hosting a Butterfly Festival on April 27th that you might want to check out.

Julington Durbin Creek Nature Preserve

If you want to get more involved with nature, this preserve might be the one for you. While kicking back and watching the local wildlife is still an option, this nature preserve encourages all activities—from hiking and fishing to biking and horseback riding. Since the preserve is located on a peninsula formed between the Julington and Durban creeks, it offers the opportunity to see manatees that seasonally pass through the waterways.

Cradle Creek Preserve

The newest addition to Jacksonville Beach’s growing list of parks, the Cradle Creek Preserve is a 45-acre property that provides a variety of plant and animal life for you to observe and learn about. Having several natural communities within the preserve, this location is the prime spot to get the unique view of various species living in tandem with one another. Form swamplands to forests, this land gives you ample opportunity to explore.









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