Alachua County invites the public to visit Black Lake Preserve, a newly opened 287-acre nature preserve at 6197 NE 225th St. in Melrose.
The preserve’s opening will be celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, with remarks from Alachua County Commission Chair Ken Cornell and county staff. Parking is limited.
Located south of Lake Santa Fe, Black Lake Preserve was acquired by the Alachua County Forever program in 2020 for just under $2.3 million, using funds from the voter-approved Wild Spaces Public Places surtax.
Approximately 32 acres of the preserve are within the Santa Fe River system’s Outstanding Florida Waters designation. The preserve also includes approximately 9,500 feet of shared wetland boundary associated with Lake Santa Fe and Black Lake.
“Black Lake Preserve has beautiful natural areas and abundant wildlife,” said Preserve Manager Jesse Natwick. “These areas will only improve and thrive with a focused management effort to protect the resources. I am excited to share this place with everyone and see people out here enjoying nature.”
Visitors can enjoy a 500-foot accessible sidewalk leading to a pond overlook, as well as more than 3 miles of hiking trails. A 1-mile loop trail on the west side of the parking area winds through mesic flatwoods. The remaining 2 miles of trails pass through a variety of plant communities, offering opportunities for recreation and wildlife viewing.
All marked trails are open to hikers and bicyclists.
Preserve hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in April through September, and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in October through March.
For more information, contact Jesse Natwick at 352-664-8353 or jnatwick@alachuacounty.gov.
