Hiking, Nature Study and Photography, and birding are currently available with many more recreational opportunites planned to come online in the next year.
Galt Preserve (GP) totals 265 acres and is made up of three separately purchased C20/20 acquisitions; two parcels were acquired in 2002, while a third parcel was acquired in early 2007. The Preserve is located approximately 7 miles south of Pine Island Center just north of York Road in St. James City. GP consists of twelve plant communities; the dominant ones include mangrove swamps and mesic flatwoods. Galt Preserve is home to variety of animal species including bobcat, white ibis, snowy egrets, little blue herons and American alligators. A pair of bald eagles has recently built a nest on the Preserve since monocultures of invasive exotic melaleuca trees have been removed.
Once major restoration projects are completed, amenities will be installed making it more user friendly for hiking, bird watching, photography and fishing. All amenities will be build with a grant from the Florida Communities Trust. Currently, there is a pedestrian walk through off of Stringfellow Road and the fence lines and fire lines are available for hiking. Please use caution, they are not regularly mowed and may be muddy or underwater.
Mission Statement: To acquire properties of environmental significance, restore those lands to their natural state and condition, manage them in an environmentally acceptable manner and provide public recreational opportunities that are compatible with protecting the natural resources.
