Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve

Highlights :

Written by Robby Douglas

Thursday, 05 February 2009 20:24

Education Resource Center and museum at the Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve in Yankeetown

Yankeetown is host to the Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve (WGP), a 413-acre passive nature park at 1001 Old Rock Road, Yankeetown, Florida (6.5 miles west on Highway 40 from the traffic light at the intersection of Highway 40 and U.S. 19 and U.S. 98). Grand Opening for the preserve was on Feb. 7, 2009.

Observation Tower at the Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve

WGP offers several wilderness trails for nature walks, including a handicapped-accessible boardwalk with an impressive view of a natural salt pond.

Other highlights include a 30-foot observation tower overlooking tidal wetlands for wildlife viewing and a kayak/canoe launch site for offshore viewing of the preserve and access to the Waccasacca Bay. Other amenities include picnic tables and restroom facilities.

Purchased with a grant from Florida Community Trust, WGP is a unique coastal wetlands area containing streams, lakes and salt marshes and pine and hardwood forests.

The preserve must be experienced to fully appreciate the beauty of Florida’s Nature coast Wetlands. With streams, lakes, salt marshes, pine and hardwood forests, the Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve is an undisturbed piece of old Florida.

A major effort has been made to leave the Preserve in its natural state and yet provide an educational resource for the people and especially the children of the area..

The preserve is open from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, including holidays.

More information