Florida Native Plant Hike in Micanopy

Join us this Mother's Day weekend for a hike through the mesic hammock and wetlands of the Micanopy Native American Heritage trail and Tuscawilla Preserve, where we will come across varieities of plants and fungi that are both beautiful and useful.

Florida native wild Blackberries will be in season, as well as Passionflower - and there will be breathtaking views of the Tuscawilla savanna to enjoy also!

Micanopy is the oldest inland settlement in Florida, settled in 1821, but the Native American history goes back much further to the Timucan people who thrived here for thousands of years!

The Micanopy Native American Heritage Preserve was made to protect the former Timucan village site, including a burial mound, which will be part of the plant hike.

(Taken from the Alachua Conservation Trust Website) Tuscawilla is the Seminole name of this area from the time of Chief Micanopy. Adjacent to the north of Tuscawilla Preserve is the Native American Heritage Preserve, purchased by the Town of Micanopy. William Bartram first visited the site in the spring of 1774 on his trek through North Florida.

Tuscawilla Preserve includes a prairie and adjacent uplands with small creeks and mesic forests. Lake Tuscawilla contains open water during periods of high to moderate water levels and can be almost completely dry during prolonged droughts. This hydrologic variation is the limiting factor for much of the vegetation and defines the extent of the forest rim. The hardwood hammocks that surround the prairie are dominated by live oak, southern magnolia, hickories, and cabbage palms.

The wetlands consist of many small pools which are a favorite spot for wading birds, such as herons, egrets, ibises, and storks. Sandhill cranes visit the site every fall and several reside there on a full time basis. Raptors also use the area, as they nest and perch in the surrounding forest and forage across the open savanna. Reptiles and amphibians are common, including breeding populations of alligators, snakes, turtles, and frogs. Mammals include the entire suite of North Florida creatures such as deer, bobcat, raccoons, and otters.

Parking is available at the Micanopy Native American Heritage Park directly north from Tuscawilla Preserve. The Thrasher Trail can be found by traveling approximately 0.8 miles East of downtown Micanopy on SE Tuscawilla Road/SE 165th Avenue.

Address: 585 SE Tuscawilla Rd Micanopy, FL, 32667

GPS coordinates: 29°30'08.4"N 82°16'11.2"W

• Trails are unpaved and in some places can be muddy, uneven, or wet.
• Please bring water, comfortable hiking shoes, bug spray, sunblock or hats
• If you would like to keep your foraged materials, bring a basket or bag for yourself

Let's enjoy some hiking with Mother Nature together in historic Micanopy this Mother's day weekend and learn about beautiful, useful plants!

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Micanopy.