Tuscawilla Preserve

Tuscawilla Preserve includes a prairie and adjacent uplands with small creeks and mesic forests.

The wetlands consist of many small pools which are a favorite spot for wading birds, such as herons, egrets, ibises, and storks. Sandhill cranes visit the site every fall and several reside there on a full time basis. Raptors also use the area, as they nest and perch in the surrounding forest and forage across the open savanna. Reptiles and amphibians are common, including breeding populations of alligators, snakes, turtles, and frogs. Mammals include the entire suite of North Florida creatures such as deer, bobcat, raccoons, and otters.

Parking is available at the Micanopy Native American Heritage Park directly north from Tuscawilla Preserve. The Thrasher Trail can be found by traveling approximately 0.8 miles East of downtown Micanopy on SE Tuscawilla Road/SE 165th Avenue.

Public trails (approximately 1.5 miles) and picnic facilities are available.

Preserve is open from sunrise to sunset.

Dogs are welcome as long as they remain on a leash.

Foraging or removing natural or other materials from ACT’s preserves without permission is prohibited.

Trails are unpaved and in some places can be muddy, uneven, or wet.

Drones are not permitted without permission from ACT.

Motorized vehicles are prohibited.