Crystal River Preserve State Park

Crystal River Preserve State Park
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
a concrete sidewalk rises above the Crystal River with a metal dock extending from the ledge. In the background you can see the deep blue river and tropical foliage lining the opposing banks. The sky is blue and mostly clear; only few clouds dot the sky with their white accents.
Main dock at the park
Crystal River Preserve is located in Florida
Crystal River Preserve
Crystal River Preserve
Location within Florida
Crystal River Preserve is located in the United States
Crystal River Preserve
Crystal River Preserve
Location within the United States
Interactive map of Crystal River Preserve State Park
LocationCitrus County, Florida, USA
Nearest cityCrystal River, Florida
Coordinates28°54′31″N 82°38′14″W / 28.908586739954306°N 82.63733343233056°W / 28.908586739954306; -82.63733343233056
Area11,100 ha (27,500 acres)
Governing bodyFlorida Department of Environmental Protection
Crystal River Preserve State Park near the visitors center, March 2019
Crystal River Preserve State Park, March 2019

Crystal River Preserve State Park is a Florida State Park, originally known as the Crystal River Buffer Preserve. The Preserve comprises 11,100 ha (27,500 acres) of salt marsh, tidal creeks, mangrove islands, hardwood forests, coastal scrub and pine flat woods.

The Crystal River Preserve is a remnant of the Florida coastline that has changed little since the Europeans arrived more than 500 years ago. It is located in a transitional area from a temperate and sub-tropical climate zone and contains plants and animals from both regions. The preserve follows 20 miles (32 kilometers) of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico from Crystal River though Ozello to Homosassa. The Crystal River Archaeological State Park is located within the park boundary and managed by the Crystal River Preserve State Park.

The primary recreational opportunities at the Preserve are hiking, biking (including a 7-mile trail),[1] birding, kayaking, fishing (freshwater, near shore, and saltwater)[2] and nature observation. Crystal River, which provides refuge to wintering manatees,[3] is located 3 miles southeast of the main park entrance.

References

  1. ↑ "A Guide to Biking in Crystal River Preserve State Park". Visit Florida. November 21, 2019. Retrieved March 21, 2020.
  2. ↑ "Crystal River Preserve State Park in Crystal River, FL". Visit Florida. Retrieved March 21, 2020.
  3. ↑ "Florida Manatee - Crystal River - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service". www.fws.gov. Retrieved March 21, 2020.


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