Savannas Preserve State Park Environmental Education Center — Attraction in Jensen Beach

The Savannah parks, which are scattered all over St. Lucie County, are impressive. The only flaw I could think to mention would be Mother Nature herself. She just didn't create a tingle down your spine, Yellowstone National Park, kind of vibe.

The rundown is this-you have, pine flats, dunes, and waterlogged or true shallow/deep water spots, which are scattered all throughout the park.

I do believe they accommodate horseback riding, but not horse rentals. A few family friendly nature trails, and a little visitors center. Just like most parks seem to be set up, Savannah's wetlands are no different in my opinion.

On the flip-side, there is a bonus to the mundane. It's not the trails, the visitors center, or anything of that type. The REAL treasure is in the fauna and botanical. HOLD ON! Rember, this IN NOT Yellowstone NP or anything of that variety. I'm talking Florida style. Ok, what the heck does that mean? Well, it means all the bursts of wonderment found in the reclusive plants and animals.

For instance, you might find some native, or semi-native, wild orchids growing in the trees or along a bog's perimeter. Wild lilies can be found, usually in fall only. There is always some flower in bloom, but most are just so mundane that you walk past them with content. Like I said before, it's a TREASURE hunt, this is what will make your visit all the better.

As far as the animals, or fauna. You're going to get your fair share of birds. That, I can guarantee. Florida is famous for citrus, mosquitos, hurricanes, and large water birds. With that said, I'd bring a camera. You'd be surprised at what all of a sudden takes off before your eyes.

Summary: great place for a winter trail blaze. However, early spring is the flora seasons, and summer, fall, and winter are your birding...

So today I came on a field trip with 11 kindergarteners to the Savannas Preserve State Park. I even had the pleasure of having my daughter assist as my chaperone. The day was well, the kids had a great time. We saw lots of nature, a tortoise and an oversized rat snake.

What sticks with me the most wasn’t the kids or the great activities they partook in. It was an older man assuring me I had nothing to be afraid of and insisting I retake my seat as I distanced myself from the snake. At some point this same man made his way behind me and attempted to whisper in my ear (letting me know the snake would not come any closer) scaring me enough to cause me to jump in my seat as he did!

This same man who worked for your facility did approach me at the end of our tour to ask me with my daughter standing next to me “ why is it that there is a higher percentage of African American women more afraid of snakes than Caucasian women?...I’m thinking it’s something in your culture.” I didn’t respond! My daughter told him she thought it was a stupid question. I would really like him to know he was completely...

This whole park is huge and multiple parking lot locations. This particular entrance is off Jensen Boulevard in Jensen Beach. The Parking lot open and well groomed. There's a shaded outside seating with picnic benches and a bathroom available. (No eval on bathrooms, I did not use) the trail is flat and uneventful. I use a cane so the walk flat and widely mowed. Unfortunately, after about one mile down the path I chose (behind the bathrooms) I decided to turn around because there was no water in site or benches. I'm sure if you're more able you can walk, bike or run and eventually see something interesting on this trail. I've read that this preserve is beautiful with multiple paths. For me, with my disability -I picked the wrong path. I will do more...