Walt Disney thrilled children and adults alike with cartoons and amusement parks, but he knew that wonder could also be found right outside, in nature.
Species-rich longleaf pine forests once stretched across the South, nearly unbroken, from Virginia to Florida to Texas. Today only 3 percent remains of the 90-million acre original system, which included open pine savannas with a lush understory of native grasses and groundcover. Longleaf forests host a remarkably diverse plant and animal community that includes some 300 bird and 2,500 plant species. Many of them depend upon a forest structure that is maintained by a frequent fire cycle. Longleaf pine forests benefit humans as well as wildlife. They support our freshwater systems, provide natural resilience to catastrophic storms, and help sustain the regional economy.
Today, The Nature Conservancy’s 11,500-acre Disney Wilderness Preserve near Kissimmee stands as a testament not only to Disney’s words, but to the power of cooperation, perseverance and innovative thinking. Perhaps most significantly, the preserve has become a national model for sustainable development and state-of-the-art conservation management. This living laboratory within the Everglades ecosystem contains 3,500 acres of restored wetlands—known as “nature’s sponges” for their ability to capture rain, filter nutrients and replenish our ground water.
Preserve Guidelines:
- Please register at the Welcome Center prior to setting out.
- Hiking, birding, photography, nature study and other low-impact, non-motorized uses are welcome.
- All motorized vehicles, ATVs, trail bikes and bicycles are prohibited.
- Please respect the land; do not remove plants, animals, artifacts or rocks.
- Do not camp, light fires or leave litter.
- Please leave pets at home (except guide dogs).
- Trail access and conditions are occasionally limited due to inclement weather or restoration activities.
- For your safety and comfort, bring drinking water, hats, sun protection, bug repellent and use appropriate footwear.
- Visitors use the natural area at their own risk.
The Preserve is open Sunday thru Friday from 9 am to 5 pm and closed on major holidays. This cache is only accessible during the Preserve’s hours of operation.
To learn more about geocaching at The Nature Conservancy’s preserves in Florida, visit: http://nature.ly/1sgrONS