From the St. Johns River Water Management District
As the summer’s stifling heat gives way to the cooler temperatures of a Florida fall, the St. Johns River Water Management District encourages the community to enjoy the weather by exploring our extensive network of properties.
Through strategic land acquisitions and management practices, the District not only protects water resources but also helps preserve critical habitat for plants and wildlife, all while offering spaces for public recreation and environmental education.
"While our primary focus is on water resource protection, the benefits of our land acquisitions extend to the broader community and the environment,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Mike Register. "We encourage everyone to take advantage of these properties and all they have to offer."
Spanning 778,000 acres throughout our 18-county service area, chances are there is a property near you. Entry is free and we offer a wide range of nature-based activities. From leisurely hikes to birdwatching, these outdoor spaces provide an array of opportunities for individuals and families alike.
Looking for some inspiration? Consider adding these must-visit properties to your list.
- Lake Apopka North Shore in Lake and Orange counties
- Activities: Hiking, biking, horseback riding, boating and wildlife viewing.
- Highlights: The crown jewel of this property is undoubtedly the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. Spanning 11 miles through the eastern expanse, this one-way drive offers a scenic journey with lots of opportunities to view active wildlife. The property is also a haven for bird enthusiasts and is renowned as one of Florida's premier birding destinations, boasting an impressive record of 372 distinct bird species observed on the property.
- Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area in Lake County
- Activities: Seasonal waterfowl hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, canoeing, horseback riding, boating and wildlife viewing.
- Highlights: This property offers a seasonal wildlife drive that opens in February annually. Additionally, a daylight-accessible boat launch and an observation platform provide panoramic views of the marsh and riverbanks, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.
- Silver Springs Forest Conservation Area in Marion County
- Activities: Hiking, biking, horseback riding, limited hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing and nature study.
- Highlights: This property has an extensive trail system, which happens to be a favorite for equestrian enthusiasts. Notably, you can encounter Florida black bear, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, raccoon and bobcat. Birdwatchers will find the bottomland forests especially rewarding during the fall and spring migration seasons.
- Crescent Lake Conservation Area in Flagler and Volusia counties
- Activities: Hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, biking, fishing and nature study.
- Highlights: This property offers over four miles of meandering trails! For a peaceful weekend experience, take a break at the covered picnic pavilion or consider booking the neighboring group campsite. Keep your eyes peeled during your visit – this property encompasses portions of a major black bear corridor within central Florida.
- Lake Monroe Conservation Area in Volusia County
- Activities: Fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping sites, wildlife viewing and boating (property is accessible by water, but there are no launches located on-site).
- Highlights: Beautiful views of open floodplain marsh can be found on both tracts on this property! The Brickyard Slough tract is shaded with numerous oak hammocks, making it a favored spot for primitive camping. Meanwhile, the northeastern section features high sandy scrublands, serving as the habitat for the Florida Scrub-Jays.
- Lake Jesup Conservation Area in Seminole County
- Activities: Hiking, horseback riding, biking, wildlife viewing and boating (property is accessible by water, but there are no launches located on-site).
- Highlights: Just south of Lake Monroe Conservation Area, this property serves as a haven for migratory birds. Birders flock here, particularly in May at the Marl Bed Flats tract, to view large flocks of shorebirds that stop over every year on their spring migration. It’s also a good place to see large flocks of American white pelicans, wintering ducks and sparrows. The East Lake Jesup tract offers a short shady hike to an observation tower overlooking the marsh at the edge of the lake.
For a comprehensive list of all our properties and available activities, visit www.sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/list.
Learn more about the District’s land management practices by visiting our website at www.sjrwmd.com.
About the St. Johns River Water Management District
St. Johns River Water Management District staff are committed to ensuring the sustainable use and protection of water resources for the benefit of the people of the District and the state of Florida. The St. Johns River Water Management District is one of five districts in Florida managing groundwater and surface water supplies in the state. The District encompasses all or part of 18 northeast and east-central Florida counties. District headquarters are in Palatka, and staff also are available to serve the public at service centers in Apopka, Jacksonville and Palm Bay. For more information about the District, please visit www.sjrwmd.com.
