Alachua County invites the public to celebrate the opening of a new wildlife observation platform and the dedication of the Blue Trail at Turkey Creek Preserve (6300 NW 93rd Ave., Gainesville) on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026. The ceremony begins at 9 a.m.
Visitors should arrive early and allow time to walk approximately a half mile from the main trailhead to the observation platform. County staff will provide transportation by vehicle for visitors who need assistance reaching the event location.
Located within the City of Alachua, the approximately 375-acre preserve protects a variety of habitats, including basin swamp, depression marsh, dome swamp, upland hardwood forest, blackwater streams and sinkholes. Acquired in December 2009 with funding from the Wild Spaces Public Places sales tax and a reimbursement from the Florida Communities Trust, the preserve is home to the state-endangered woodland poppy mallow and the state-threatened gopher tortoise. Visitors can explore approximately five miles of trails for hiking and wildlife viewing, with select trails open to off-road bicycling and equestrian use.
The Blue Trail will be dedicated to Bob Simons, a longtime local conservationist who helped protect natural areas throughout Alachua County and Florida, including Turkey Creek Preserve and San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park. Simons served on several local conservation boards, including the Alachua County Land Conservation Board and Alachua Conservation Trust, and served on the Alachua Audubon Society Board for more than 50 years.
The new observation platform will include a kiosk highlighting Simons’ conservation work, with additional information featured on signs along the trail.
Speakers will include Alachua County Commission Vice Chair Anna Prizzia, Alachua County Commissioner Mary Alford and Alachua Audubon Society President Debbie Segal. Following the ceremony, attendees can join the Alachua Audubon Society for a guided hike.
“For over 50 years, Bob Simons was Alachua Audubon's leading advocate for conservation initiatives,” said Debbie Segal, president of the Alachua Audubon Society. "His vast knowledge spanned many conservation-related initiatives, including land preservation, ecosystem management, prescribed burning, conservation of the Southeastern American Kestrel and more. One of Bob's most important accomplishments was his multi-year involvement in developing San Felasco as a state park.”
For more information, contact Alachua County Senior Environmental Specialist Matthew Barker at 352-264-6800 or mbarker@alachuacounty.gov.
