Now Florida residents have a great opportunity to visit and explore a nature sanctuary close to home. Tours will be offered for the public at The Nature Conservancy's Disney Wilderness Preserve beginning in February. Visitors can learn about the preserve's natural history, plant communities and the wild animals that are native to this region. The 60-minute walk will take visitors through pine flatwoods and cypress domes.
Visitors can also learn about the environmental value of prescribed fire.
The tour will be led by an interpretative guide. For self-guided tours, visitors can explore 4.5 miles of hiking trails providing opportunities to view birds, butterflies, wildflowers and other wildlife. Sandhill cranes, warblers, woodpeckers, bald eagles, hawks and migratory species, such as the kestrel, frequent the preserve. White-tailed deer, otters and Sherman fox squirrels are sometimes spotted as well. The preserve also offers exhibits of wildlife photography and colorfully illustrated educational panels.