A Naturalist Walk at the Santa Fe Preserve

Join us for a slow, guided walk through the hardwood forest of the Santa Fe Preserve along the upper Santa Fe River. We’ll explore the plants and fauna of this North Florida hardwood hammock while learning how the landscape, soils, and river shape the life that grows here. Along the way, we’ll encounter native species and discuss their ecological roles and cultural stories.

Early spring is one of the most beautiful times to visit the preserve, and we’ll likely encounter blooming Pinxter azaleas (Rhododendron periclymenoides), one of the region’s most striking native wildflowers. We’ll also be in the middle of spring bird migration, so bring binoculars for a chance to spot some seasonal feathered visitors.

We’ll pause briefly for a moment of quiet reflection to deepen our sensory awareness and experience the landscape not just as scenery, but as a living community.
This will be an easy, relaxed walk with plenty of stops for observation and conversation. All levels of curiosity are welcome.

The walk will be led by Tim Martin, a Florida Master Naturalist who spends much of his time studying native plants and tending a small North Florida homestead. He enjoys helping people slow down, notice the details of the natural world, and deepen their relationship with the living landscape.

Note: All participants must complete a Sierra Club liability waiver to join this walk. Please take a moment to sign it online through the Sierra Club's Campfire website before arriving—it helps us start the walk on time and saves paper. Thank you!