Within 400-acre Sawgrass Lake Park, a mile-long boardwalk meanders through one of the largest maple swamps on the Gulf Coast of Florida. An additional 1/2 mile dirt trail wanders through upland habitat. There are a number of overlooks along the boardwalk with views over waterways which often host turtles,fish, alligators, and a variety of birdlife. At the mid way point is a two story observation tower with views across Sawgrass lake. Alligators are often seen from bridges and overlooks. In the winter months, it’s not uncommon to see a mama gator with a couple dozen striped baby gators. Bird life is abundant: egrets, herons, mottled ducks, roseate spoonbills, anhingas, purple gallinules, and hawks. The park is recognized by the Audubon Society and the Florida Great Birding Trail as a significant birding site. Turtles feed in the lake and waterways and gopher tortoise are found in an area not far from the parking lot. Raccoon forage in the maple swamp and armadillos rustle through the dryer uplands. There is a picnic shelter and grill, bathrooms, and a small interpretative center.
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From Alligators to Spoonbills, Sawgrass Lake is a Must See!
Within 400-acre Sawgrass Lake Park, a mile-long boardwalk meanders through one of the largest maple swamps on the Gulf Coast of Florida. An additional 1/2 mile dirt trail wanders through upland habitat. There are a number of overlooks along the boardwalk with views over waterways which often host turtles,fish, alligators, and a variety of birdlife. At the mid way point is a two story observation tower with views across Sawgrass lake. Alligators are often seen from bridges and overlooks. In the winter months, it’s not uncommon to see a mama gator with a couple dozen striped baby gators. Bird life is abundant: egrets, herons, mottled ducks, roseate spoonbills, anhingas, purple gallinules, and hawks. The park is recognized by the Audubon Society and the Florida Great Birding Trail as a significant birding site. Turtles feed in the lake and waterways and gopher tortoise are found in an area not far from the parking lot. Raccoon forage in the maple swamp and armadillos rustle through the dryer uplands. There is a picnic shelter and grill, bathrooms, and a small interpretative center.
