Conservation Chair Nancy Kost submits this nominee for Florida's Special Places on behalf of Citrus County Audubon - Potts Preserve, located in Inverness. Have you visited this special place? If so, tell us about it or any other amazing natural place in Florida on our Facebook Page! Enjoy:
Potts Preserve is an 8500 acre protected land between the Withlacoochee River and the Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes in northeastern Citrus County. In the early 1990s, the land was acquired by Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) to protect the area’s groundwater dynamics, important surface water features, and wetland habitats. The preserve’s wetlands are important to the Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes and the Withlacoochee River systems, part of the Floridian aquifer’s recharge/discharge system.
The preserve provides habitat to a wide variety of birds, including a population of the threatened Florida Scrub-Jay. It is also home to many other species of wildlife, along with a great diversity of wildflowers and other native plants and trees. Recreational opportunities abound, including birding, boating, camping (by permit), fishing, horseback riding, paddling, hiking, and bicycling. Hunting is allowed by permit. A 2-mile birding trail along the Withlacoochee River is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail (Site 57, western section), where Citrus County Audubon regularly holds guided bird walks that are open to the public. Thirty miles of trails are open for hiking, with the Florida Trail Association maintaining trails of 3, 5, and 11 miles or a loop of 12.5 miles for backpackers, along with primitive campsites.
In an effort to help advocate for and protect the natural beauty of Potts Preserve, Citrus County Audubon has "adopted" Potts as our own Florida Special Place. Partnering with SWFWMD, Florida Trail Association and other related interests, we are planning the first ever bird survey of the entire preserve during Fall 2011. As informed stakeholders, our goal is to keep Potts Preserve a haven for birds and wildlife by increasing interest in and use of the preserve for birders and all who enjoy and appreciate its natural wonders.
The Potts Preserve Birding Trail is five miles north of Inverness on Turner Camp Road (Rt. 581). Bear left at Hooty Point Road to the Preserve entrance to park. The trail starts at the entrance and continues north. The designated birding trail is about two miles long, but one can travel along the river for four miles. Other access is: 2700 Dee River Road (Equestrian Camping). ADA access and facilities are available. Contact SWFWMD at 8-800-423-1476 for more information.
Photos 2-4 courtesy of Lorraine Margeson.
