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Gopher Tortoise Trek
Ages 13+
Join us for an interpretive walk to search for gopher tortoises & their burrows, and learn about their role as ecosystem engineers!
Join us for our celebration of Gopher Tortoise Day!
Take a guided tour to learn about the six species of North American tortoises, with a special focus on our native gopher tortoise! We will explore how gopher tortoises are a keystone species and “ecosystem engingeers” then walk the trails to look for tortoises and learn how to “read” a tortoise burrow.
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This is an easy interpretive walk (less than 1 mile) in the Preserve’s upland habitat. This tour is recommended for adults and youth ages 13+.
This tour will be led by guest educator George L. Heinrich. Mr. Heinrich is a field biologist and environmental educator specializing in Florida reptiles. His company, Heinrich Ecological Services is based in St. Petersburg, Florida and conducts wildlife surveys and research, natural history programming, and nature-based tours. George is currently the Executive Director of the Florida Turtle Conservation Trust.