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| Location: Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is located 10 miles south of Gainesville, in Micanopy, on the east side of US 441. |
| Description: Paynes Prairie is biologically, geologically, and historically unique. This park became Florida´s first state preserve in 1971 and is now designated as a National Natural Landmark. Noted artist and naturalist William Bartram called it the great Alachua Savannah when he wrote about his visit to the prairie in 1774. Over 20 distinct biological communities provide a rich array of habitats for wildlife, including alligators, bison, wild horses, and over 270 species of birds. |
| Personal Notes: The park essentially consists of two separate parks. The main park has an observation tower and miles of trails with many opportunities for photography. The other section, La Chua consists of a trail along multiple sinkholes followed by a trail through true alligator territory. The La Chua area is my favorite in terms of the photographic opportunities available. |
| Paynes Prairie State Park |
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© 2001-2008 Matthew Paulson