It's always exciting to discover a new natural area. On July 27, Boca Raton opened Gopher Tortoise Preserve. The city has partnered with the Institute for Regional Conservation and local volunteers to restore and manage the scrub habitat found within this 11.27-acre preserve.
The preserve next to the railroad tracks protects one of Florida's rarest ecosystems, sand pine scrub. This ancient, dry habitat developed on white and yellow sand dunes left behind by prehistoric oceans. A canopy of sand pine trees shades a dense understory of dwarf oaks, saw palmetto, and Florida rosemary, creating ideal conditions for an variety of native wildlife. Species that call this unique ecosystem home include the threatened gopher tortoise, eastern indigo snake, sand skink, numerous butterflies, small mammals, and birds of prey such as hawks.
Visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk along a 900 foot ADA accessible boardwalk and an additional quarter mile walking trail that winds through the native sand landscape. Come for a stroll, birdwatching, or just to take a moment to appreciate one of Florida's increasingly rare natural habitats.
The preserve offers six free parking spaces at the entrance, including one ADA accessible space. Although small, Gopher Tortoise Preserve provides a safe haven for wildlife and place for everyone to learn about one of South Florida's most distinctive ecosystems while supporting ongoing conservation efforts. read more