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conchs and starfish are in abundance in this area. Crystal River, less than two hours drive from
Tampa, is the top place to see 10-foot manatees. Divers who want to glide through the water with sea turtles should head for West Palm Beach on the Atlantic coast.
For America’s only living coral
barrier reef, go to Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – the first undersea park created in America. The park has 600 species of fish and 55 varieties of coral and attracts more than a million visitors a year. And while in Florida, who wouldn’t want
to see some of the two million ‘gators that inhabit the lakes, rivers and swamps. These reptiles are gigantic, typically 500 pounds and up to three and a half metres long. Stay
safe and see these great creatures from
another sharp-toothed predator, the bobcat, and a gentler soul, the white-tail deer. In the lower Florida Keys, the 9,200-acre National Key Deer Refuge is a haven for the endangered species, animals which stand just two feet tall. Florida cares about
“And while in Florida, who wouldn’t want to see some of the two million ‘gators”
wildlife and there are a huge number of parks and sanctuaries ensuring that threatened animals |– whether they originate from the
State or elsewhere – are protected. Big Cat Rescue near Tampa is a non-profit
sanctuary with more than 100 exotic big cats, including tigers, lions, leopards and cougars. Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens has 1,500
“Nearly half of Florida is covered by forests – with 300 tree species”
an airboat in Lake Jesup in Seminole County, also known as the ‘alligator capital’ of Florida. Alligators and crocodiles also love the steamy wetlands of the Everglades, where you can find
rare and exotic animals, including the largest jaguar exhibit in North America and a herd of elephants, as well as 1,000 varieties of plants. One of the best ways to immerse yourself in nature is on foot. Nearly half of Florida is covered by forests – with 300 tree species – and there are thousands of miles of trails, prairies, greenways and woodlands to explore. The extraordinary
variety of birds, butterflies and small animals to be found along the way will captivate every nature lover. Florida’s butterflies, all colours of the rainbow, flutter before your eyes. There
www.naturallyhernando.org Hernando County
Naturally Fun!
Nature Coast
FLORIDA’S
Just 45 minutes from Tampa and an hour from Orlando
Fishing, Biking, Hiking, Birding and home of the world famous Mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.
BROOKSVILLE SPRING HILL WEEKI WACHEE Visitor Information Center
just east of I-75 at Exit 301 1-800-601-4580
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