According to the Interpretive Trail Guide I picked up today, …
The Tibet-Butler Preserve was purchased in 1989 by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) through the Save Our Rivers Program, to protect the watershed along Lake Tibet-Butler on the Butler Chain of Lakes. In addition to views of the lake, the Preserve showcases approximately 440 acres of natural Florida, including wetlands, flatwoods, and scrub communities.
At present time, six trails meander through diverse plant communities at the Preserve and total approximately four miles. Learning stations dot these trails and correspond to the text in the brochure. In the future, we will continue to open new trails which will traverse deeper into the Preserve and explore more of Florida’s natural treasures.
It’s the type of place where you can take a quiet walk through the woods and relax on a bench overlooking the edges of one of Central Florida’s great lakes. You’re guaranteed to see a handful of turtles and there’s always the possibility of ospreys, bobcats, turkeys and owls while on the trails. The trails are well-maintained, with portions built as boardwalks that cross the wetland swamp and marsh areas.
The most peaceful place at the Preserve is the “Osprey Outlook”. Set on the edge of Lake Tibet Butler, this covered pavilion is an excellent spot to rest and enjoy the sounds of nature. Bring a pair of binoculars to spy on all of the wildlife in the area.
For hours and more information, visit their page on the Orange County Parks & Recreation site.
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3 Comments for “Tibet-Butler Preserve”
April 27th, 2008 at 9:27 am
Neat!
April 28th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
I forgot to mention that I added some additional pictures to the “Great Outdoors” photo gallery.
June 14th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
What on earth…that photo is of some species of tortoise with very bad pyramiding of its scutes (it has not been fed properly). That is not a native species, and clearly must be a pet. It is certainly NOT a ’snapping turtle’, contrary to the mouseover label.
I believe it is Geochelone sulcata, an African spurred tortoise. This is a grassland tortoise species which would avoid excessively wet areas, and cannot swim.
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