Paynes Prairie
| Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park | |
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IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
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 Looking north from the Prairie observation tower |
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| Location | Alachua County, Florida, USA |
| Nearest city | Gainesville, Florida |
| Coordinates | 29°34′59″N 82°19′59″W / 29.5830556°N 82.3330556°WCoordinates: 29°34′59″N 82°19′59″W / 29.5830556°N 82.3330556°W |
| Area | 21,000 acres (85 km2) |
| Established | 1971 |
| Governing body | Florida Department of Environmental Protection |
Paynes Prairie is a Florida State Park, encompassing a 21,000-acre (85 km2) savanna south of Gainesville, Florida, in Micanopy. It is also a U.S. National Natural Landmark. It is crossed by both I-75 and U.S. 441 (which has a scenic outlook ramp).
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[edit] History
The prairie became the stronghold of the Alachua band of the Seminole tribe under chief Ahaya the Cowkeeper in the 18th century.[1] It is named for the Cowkeeper's eldest surviving nephew, Payne.
There have been times when the prairie's drainage become so blocked that it flooded, causing the formation of a lake. The most recent such occurrence was in 1871, and lasted until 1886. During this period, steamboats were a frequent sight on what was called Alachua Lake.
[edit] Fauna
Over 270 species of birds can be seen in the park as well as American Alligators and small herds of Florida Cracker Horses and Florida Cracker cattle, first herded by the Seminole. The Plains Bison were reintroduced to the park from Oklahoma in the mid 1970s, as part of the park service goal of restoring Florida's natural resources to pre-European settler conditions; they roamed this area until the early 19th century. Sightings are rare, but they sometimes appear along the Cone's Dike trail.
[edit] Recreational activities
The park contains exhibits and an audio-visual program at the visitor center that explains the area's natural and cultural history. A 50-foot (15 m)-high observation tower near the visitor center provides a panoramic view of the preserve. Eight different trails provide opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling. Ranger-led activities are offered on weekends, November through April. Fishing on Lake Wauburg is allowed and a boat ramp provides access for canoes and boats with electric motors. Full-facility campsites are available for overnight visitors.
The park is a 'gateway site' for the Great Florida Birding Trail.
The space shuttle can be seen from Paynes Prairie about a minute into its flight.
[edit] Hours
Florida state parks are open between 8 a.m. and sundown every day of the year (including holidays). The park is located at 100 Savannah Blvd. Micanopy, FL 32667.
[edit] Gallery
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Just one of the many American Alligators.
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A Wood Stork at Paynes Prairie.
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The US 441 overlook, facing east.
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Panorama view from the observation tower.
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National Natural Landmark plaque.
[edit] See also
- Bivens Arm, a lake on the Paynes Prairie.
- Florida State Parks in Alachua County
[edit] References
- ^ Hawkins, Philip (2009). Creek Schism: Seminole Genesis Revisited. Tampa: M.A. thesis, Department of History, University of South Florida. http://digital.lib.usf.edu:8080/fedora/get/usfldc:E14-SFE0002851/DOCUMENT.
[edit] External Links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Paynes Prairie |
- Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park at Florida State Parks
- Ocklawaha River Watershed Protection - Florida DEP
- Alachua County Historic Structures at Alachua County Historic Resources
- University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries
- Friends of Paynes Prairie
