Welcome to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Paynes Prairie is biologically, geologically and historically unique. This park became Florida´s first state preserve in 1971 and is now designated as a National Natural Landmark. Noted artist and naturalist William Bartram called it the great Alachua Savannah when he wrote about his visit to the prairie in 1774.
Over 20 distinct biological communities provide a rich array of habitats for wildlife, including alligators, bison, wild horses and over 270 species of birds. Exhibits and an audio-visual program at the visitor center explain the area´s natural and cultural history. A 50-foot-high observation tower near the visitor center provides a panoramic view of the preserve.
There are more treasures in this welcome center, fossils and animal displays that are native to the area. One table caught my interest. Various fossils and other natural items were jumbled around on the table and there was a list - find this fossil or find that jawbone or find these eggs - it was there for the kids but I wanted to find all that stuff, too!
Here we are up in the observation tower. It was quite a climb for a couple of us (Carolyn and I) but we made it and it was quite a view. It's an old wooden tower with about three long flights of steps. There was a family having a picnic lunch at the top of the tower and it made me wish we had thought of that. It was a gorgeous day, warm and sunny.
We had lunch at Blue Highway for the first time today. I've got to get Brad down here to try this pizza - it's quite likely the best pizza I've ever had. Also, we had key lime pie that is just to die for. This was a great find!
No comments:
Post a Comment