Trail Trek

Join a member of the Environmental Lands Management team on this seven mile guided hike on the "Quail Trail" through Lower Green Swamp Nature Preserve. Hiking through the preserve as the sun rises will give you the unique opportunity to experience how the woods "wakes up" with life as the birds start calling, while avoiding the heat of the day. This hike is an excellent event for someone wants to try a longer hike, but doesn't want to go alone, or anyone interested in learning more about the preserve and it's ecosystem.

This 12,800 acre nature preserve in the northeastern corner of Hillsborough County boasts almost 20 miles of open, sunny hiking and equestrian trails. Formerly known as Cone Ranch and Audubon Ranch, this land was managed by the County's Public Utilities Water Department from 1988 to 2010, when it was transferred as part of the County's Jan K. Platt Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program (ELAPP).

Since then, multiple on-going restoration projects have helped to improve the preserve's hydrology and assisted in the re-establishment of more natural habitat. The preserve's wetlands and pine flatwoods areas provide homes for many species of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, Southern fox squirrels, wood storks, and barred owls.

Things to know

• Registration: required
• Use the "Register" button above - will need to sign in to or register for your account
• Cost: $5 - pay when registering
• Hike length: 7 miles
• Where to meet: main parking lot
• Weather related cancellations: are possible and rainchecks will be provided
• Min. age: 10-years-old
• Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
• Max amount of participants: 25

Things to bring

• Closed-toe shoes (required)
• Water in refillable container (required)
• Binoculars
• Bug spray
• Camera
• Change of clothes
• Flashlight
• Hat
• Snacks
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen

Contact

For questions email the program leader, Rebecca Winch, or call (813) 210-7019.