These majestic residents are protected and monitored by the park and the Florida Department of Natural Resources. So, it's not uncommon to see one of our two royal residents swoop down and capture his lunch out of our lakes. At The Great Outdoors, bridges and walkways were built over existing marshes and ponds. Spartina bakeri grasses were retained and added which encourages deer to come in to feed, then frolic through our huge, moss-covered Spanish oaks and clusters of Sabal palms and southern pines. We've planted tons of colorful flowers to complement the natural holly, wax myrtle and palmetto that blanket the grounds.
Most water is recycled and used to water the golf greens and common grounds.
We invite you to settle down in a wildlife blind on one of our sheltered nature trails and spy a bevy of wild turkeys amble by, their curious gobbling filling the woods around you. No hunting is allowed, but this resort has become a bird-watcher's paradise, of which some 300 different species have been identified. Alligators usually stay in the backcountry, but don't be surprised to see them peeking out of one of the water hazards along the golf course . Friendly folks volunteer their time and energy at our on-site Nature Center to help visitors find photo books and pamphlets about the birds, animals and fauna that are indigenous to the resort. The Great Outdoors Resort sports two miles of walking trails, and nature walks are conducted by request.