Those looking for a new twist on the old Florida should check out the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area - a little-known secret is that it offers as much to the eco-traveler as it does to the beach traveler. Here, Florida's original attraction, nature, is still among the most impressive and often the least expensive!
Nature lovers in both the public and private sector have been working together for years in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area to protect and preserve wildlife, sea life and the land. The results are obvious in the following programs.
Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary
A leisurely stroll down a beach in central Pinellas County will lead right to the back door of the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, home to about 600 injured birds. The busiest wild bird hospital in the United States rehabilitates and releases injured pelicans, herons, egrets, gulls, spoonbills and others. About 20 birds are treated on a daily basis. The Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, located in Indian Shores, is free to visitors, though donations are gratefully accepted. For more information, call 813/391-6211.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is devoted to the rescue and rehabilitation of marine mammals and sea turtles. Here, visitors can meet and learn about Moe, a 400-pound loggerhead turtle; Sunset Sam, a bottlenose dolphin whose paintings (yes, paintings!) have become collector's items and have been used as greeting cards; Sunset Sam's girlfriend, Sybil; and other animals that have been rescued by the center. Admission to the aquarium is $5.75 for adults and $3.75 for children. For more information, call 813/447-0980.
Weedon Island
Moonlight canoe/kayak trips are one of the most dramatic ways to experience Weedon Island, a 1,000-acre nature preserve thick with beds of seagrass and stands of mangroves. The sounds of nature come to life as visitors glide through the quiet waters. Bird lovers should be on the lookout for the rare mangrove cuckoo which has been sighted here. Weedon Island is a county preserve located in St. Petersburg. For more information, call 813/522-5133.
Sawgrass And Moccasin Lake Parks
Sawgrass Lake Park in St. Petersburg and Moccasin Lake Nature Park in Clearwater have interpretive centers and trails offering visitors a close-up of native species of snakes, alligators, turtles, song birds, birds of prey and small mammals like the armadillo and opossum. All of the area's county parks are free of charge. For more information, call Moccasin Lake Nature Park at 813/462-6024 or Sawgrass Lake Park at 813/527-3814.
Caladesi And Honeymoon Islands
In Dunedin, two undeveloped Gulf barrier islands offer a look at the area's saltwater habitats, Caladesi Island State Park and Honeymoon Island State Park. In addition to miles of deserted white sand beaches, the islands are home to many kinds of shorebirds, ospreys, eagles, herons, ibises and other migratory species. The interiors typically feature a ridge of virgin pine and oak hammocks. Caladesi Island, only accessible by ferry, is popular with shell admirers. Fighting conchs, olive shells, lightning whelks, banded tulips and cats paws are just a few. Call the Clearwater Ferry Service for more details at 813/442-7433.
Boyd Hill Nature Trail
Boyd Hill Nature Trail in St. Petersburg will introduce visitors to Florida's upland habitats and their inhabitants, including the Sherman fox squirrel, gopher tortoise and eastern indigo snake. Night hikes on the second Monday or bird walks on the first Saturday of every month are just two exciting ways to experience this area. Call 813/893-7326 for a schedule of monthly programs and events. Admission is only $1 for adults and 50 cents for children.
For more information on the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area, write to Dept. DCI, St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, 1 Stadium Dr., Ste. A, St. Petersburg FL 33705-1706.
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Those looking for a new twist on the old Florida should check out the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area - a little-known secret is that it offers as much to the eco-traveler as it does to the beach traveler. Here, Florida's original attraction, nature, is still among the most impressive and often the least expensive!