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Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park covers nearly 18,000 acres of ecologically important land, hugging a six-mile stretch of the St. Johns River and the lower four miles of the Wekiva River and Blackwater Creek.

In 1976, the state of Florida acquired 5,000 acres of the preserve to safeguard parts of the Lower Wekiva River while allowing recreational activities. Subsequent land purchases in 1994 and 1995 have created a wildlife pathway along the Wekiva and St. Johns rivers, linking to the Ocala National Forest.

The historical legacy of the timber industry has deep roots in this region of Florida. Unfortunately, much of the old cypress timber was harvested from the Wekiva River before the area gained protection from the Florida Park Service. Loggers used to float the timber downstream for processing at sawmills.

The designation of the Wekiva River as a National Wild and Scenic River by the National Park Service is a significant accolade. Only two rivers in Florida meet the criteria for this recognition. This status offers added safeguards to help preserve the Wekiva River for the benefit of generations to come.

Hunting was a favored pastime prior to the state of Florida’s acquisition of the land, which is now part of Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park. The area once boasted numerous cabins for hunters; today, only one cabin remains on the preserve. Introduced pigs, alongside native deer, turkey, and bear, were once abundant in the region. The non-native hogs, thriving in the park’s swamps, have proven to be detrimental to indigenous wildlife, particularly ground-nesting birds.

Presently, horseback riding is a popular pursuit within the preserve. A group of equestrians who frequent the park organized a charity event for the park’s citizen support organization. Through their efforts over the weekend, they successfully raised funds to build new horse corrals at the Fechtel Tract of Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park.

The fundraising event not only financed the construction of the corrals but also brought together a team of volunteers for a work weekend. This dedicated volunteer network plays a crucial role in enhancing the park’s facilities, and their contributions are invaluable in maintaining and improving amenities for all equestrian riders. The park deeply appreciates the dedication and hard work of its volunteers.

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