Gopher Tortoise Day Hike at Split Oak Forest
Join the Save Split Oak team for a special Gopher Tortoise Day hike celebrating one of Florida’s most iconic and threatened species.
Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM
Meet-Up Location:
12175 Clapp Simms Duda Rd
Orlando, FL 32832
(Entrance to Split Oak Forest)
Please register:
SaveSplitOak.org
Hike Leader:
Bob Stein
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About the hike
Gopher Tortoise Day is an opportunity to learn about and appreciate a keystone species that supports more than 350 other animals in Florida’s ecosystems. This guided morning hike through Split Oak Forest will highlight the role gopher tortoises play in maintaining healthy habitats and why protecting intact conservation lands is essential to their survival.
Event highlights
Wildlife focus:
Learn how gopher tortoises shape Florida’s landscapes, recognize their burrows, and understand the challenges they face from development and habitat loss.
Explore Split Oak Forest:
Walk through one of Central Florida’s most important conservation areas and wildlife corridors, currently threatened by a proposed toll road.
History and conservation:
Hear how Split Oak Forest became protected land and what is at stake if those protections are weakened.
What to expect
Guided exploration:
Enjoy an informative hike led by experienced guides familiar with the land and its wildlife.
Community connection:
Meet fellow conservation supporters and spend the morning connecting with nature and community.
Stay involved:
Learn about upcoming hikes, public comment opportunities, and ways to take action to protect Split Oak Forest.
What to bring
Comfortable hiking shoes
Refillable water bottle
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Respect for wildlife and habitat
Important note
Split Oak Forest is a sensitive habitat. Please follow Leave No Trace principles and keep a respectful distance from wildlife, including gopher tortoise burrows.
We hope you’ll join us to celebrate Gopher Tortoise Day and help protect Split Oak Forest.
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