Marion County’s first conservation area opened with a whisper in May, 330 acres of upland recharge area just to the southwest of the famed Silver Springs. Located at 5415 N.E. 7th St just west of Baseline Road, the trailhead has interpretive maps to guide you along the triple-loop trail system.
From a Google Earth view, it’s hard to believe this conservation area exists, wedged in as it is between Wal-Mart, Baseline Road, and residential areas. But one side is firmly across from Silver River State Park, and the habitats here hearken to the ones you’ll find over at the Sandhill Trail, primarily sandhills and scrub.
This is Marion County’s first ever conservation area. May it be the beginning of a program that encompasses many more around my very large home county!
I’ll be sharing full details with subscribers this week for the Hike-A-Week. Meanwhile, learn more:
Read Lucy Tobias’ story in today’s Ocala Star-Banner
See my Flickr images of Silver Springs Conservation Area
Hi Sandy,
This is my 4th mos living in Bern, Switzerland and now working this inbound and outbound to the USA tour company.
http://www.baumelerreisen.ch Now working with them on outbound to FL hiking programs and plan to have Ocala and lots of other fun places we both know included.
Real too bad about the Gulf. In Switzerland It’s impacting people’s perception about not to travel to Florida this year; real bummer.
Cheers from this side of the pond,
Rene Welti
Any way you can id plants,trees, critters to the pictures you have posted…
Good idea! It takes a LOT of time, however. When I have the opportunity, I do.