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Life On The Prairie Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is a nature lover’s dream. With miles of trails and an abundance of wildlife, the park is well worth the 40-minute drive north. // B Y K A R I N F A B R YCUSHENBERY
“P
aynes Prairie Preserve State Park is biologically, geologically and historically unique,” says Alex Cronin with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s press office. “This park became Florida’s first state preserve in 1971 and is now designated as a National Natural Landmark.” The park is home to more than 420 vertebrates and is also part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Throughout the prairie visitors will find observation platforms and wildlife viewing areas. The park features 20 distinct biological communities that support a huge variety of wildlife, livestock and birds. Visitors may even come across wild bison and horses. “Exhibits and an audio-visual program at the visitor center explain the area’s natural and cultural history,” says Alex. “A 50-foothigh observation tower near the visitor center provides a panoramic view of the preserve. This tower provides a great opportunity to search for the roaming groups of bison and horses. Some 14
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of the animals commonly seen also include sandhill cranes, bald eagles, alligators, otters, deer, bobcats and snakes.” Alex points out that well-known naturalist and artist William Bartram wrote about his visit to the prairie in 1774, calling it the “Great Alachua Savannah.” A popular part of Paynes Prairie, Lake Wauberg provides visitors with access to a boat ramp for fishing and canoeing. Electric boat motors are allowed, but gasoline powered boats are not. Lake Wauberg spans approximately 300 acres, and the public boat ramp is located on the east side of the lake. There are no canoes
for rent, so plan ahead. “One of the main draws at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is the variety and expanse of the park’s trail system,” says Alex. “Eight trails provide opportunities for hiking, horseback riding and bicycling, including the 16-mile-long, paved Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail.” Trails range in distance from 1.3 to 16 miles, allowing visitors to choose the type of day they want to pursue. Longer trails are ideal for bicyclists and equestrians; however, trails may be limited to certain types of traffic, so check with the welcome center to verify before setting out. For a quick view of Paynes Prairie, make a stop at the observation dock off Highway 441. It’s the perfect stop on your way to dinner or a Gator game in Gainesville, and we promise, the vista is photo worthy, especially at sunset. Paynes Prairie State Preserve State Park // 100 Savannah Blvd., Micanopy // floridastateparks.org
