Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is a 245-acre (99-hectare) protected area in St. Petersburg, Florida, in the county of Pinellas. It was established in 1989. A zoo and botanical garden were established at Boyd Hill Park for the benefit of the city of St. Petersburg in the early twentieth century. During the years that followed, it expanded to incorporate natural habitats and tropical vistas along the shores of Lake Maggiore. South St. Petersburg is home to the preserve, which is located on the beaches of Lake Maggiore (Florida).
A bird-of-prey aviary, an environmental center, and more than three miles of trails wind through a variety of ecosystems are all part of the park, which is administered by St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation. A playground and picnic spots are available on the property. Field trips to the preserve are popular with students, and it also organizes environmental education programs. It is located at 1101 Country Club Way South in the city of Atlanta.
Paul Eppling, who died in 2006, was responsible for a large number of metal sculptures. Paul, a long-time resident of St. Petersburg, creates his sculptures out of recycled metal and scrap metal that he collects. It is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the summer. A number of cold water stations have been strategically positioned throughout the park. There is a paved cycling path that runs around the perimeter of the park, and a wild bird aviary can be seen just inside the park’s entrance gate. A picnic spot is also available for use just beyond the park’s entrance gates.
Ecosystem
There are around 380 acres connected by Lake Maggiore, which gives a view of downtown St. Petersburg and provides a connection between the two. This is a haven for local wildlife and a food source for migrating birds, as well.
Swamp – A swamp that connects to Lake Maggiore. The swamp is surrounded by huge bald cypress trees, red maple trees, giant leather leaf ferns, and lizard’s tails, all of which add to the overall atmosphere.
Forest of the Pine Flatwoods – The plants and animals that live in this ecosystem have evolved to rely on fire for their survival. Long root systems, brittle bark, and waxy leaves are just a few of the adaptations that plants have made.
Scrub Sand Scrub has only around 2% of its native habitat left, according to the National Park Service. It is considered to be one of the most threatened habitats in the state of Florida. Rare and delicate plants can be found here.
Forested area that is slightly higher in elevation than the remainder of the preserve’s ecology is referred to as the Hammock. It contains a dense canopy of trees, including Live Oaks, Sabal Palms, and other types of plants.
Sunken Gardens
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