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 29, 2023, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. 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 352-451-7818 or email
mneelands@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.
