This 11.2-acre preserve was purchased in 2002 through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program, protecting important cultural resources and providing a small refuge for gopher tortoises and other imperiled species.

While exploring the preserve’s network of trails, visitors will be surrounded by scrubby flatwoods, which help conceal a small shell midden on site. Visitors can also observe gopher tortoises, grey squirrels, bald eagles and an assortment of song birds and native plants including coontie, all three types of scrub oaks and an assortment of wildflowers.

The preserve has a short loop trail, which leads to the preserve’s north and east boundaries. Trails are unpaved but accessible for most visitors. Water, sun block, a rain jacket, insect repellant and sturdy shoes are recommended for walking. Trails are very sandy and offer little shade, conditions can be less than desirable during hot, dry periods.

• The preserve has limited parking and a walk-thru gate near the entrance.

• There is also a bike rack located near the entrance.

Hours are:

7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m., April through October
7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., November through March

For more information about the Bayonne Parcel, call 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.