October is Florida Native Plant Month. The Alachua County Environmental Protection Department invites residents to participate in an ecologist-led, family-friendly hike at Barr Hammock Preserve. The hike is on Sunday, October 8, 2023, from 9 a.m. to noon. In case of inclement weather, it will be postponed until Sunday, October 22. Hikers will meet by the informational kiosk at the Barr Hammock Preserve South Trailhead (300 S.E. 175th Ave, Micanopy). The event is free, but participants must register by calling 352-264-6800 or email LandConservation@alachuacounty.us. Space is limited to 20 people.
Many of Florida’s native plants flower in Autumn, and visitors can expect to see a variety of colorful blooms. The terrain of this three-mile hike is flat, but there is very little shade. Participants should bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and drinking water.
The nearly 6,000-acre Barr Hammock Preserve is actively managed through the Alachua County Forever Program. Alachua County Forever is the voter-approved initiative to acquire, improve, and manage environmentally sensitive lands to protect water resources, wildlife habitat, and natural areas suitable for resource-based recreation. The referendum was first passed in November 2000. It was funded again by the voters in 2008, 2016, and 2022 with the Wild Spaces and Public Places Referendum.
