Palatlakaha Environmental and Agricultural Reserve (PEAR) Park Nature Center & Wildlife Conservation Area

PEAR Park - Nature Center & Conservation Area

General Information

4800 University Ave.
Leesburg, FL 34748

Open: 6:30 a.m. to dusk (hours vary by season)
Acres: 268

This “Passive” recreation area has several miles of trails to explore, a “Wildlife Watchpost” with a green roof overlooking an ephemeral wetland, both a xeric with pavilion and a butterfly demonstration garden, an observation pavilion, a nature center with a geology lab, Bluebird Box Trail, 50 acres of Scrub Jay restoration, and five acres of meadow restoration.

Bordered by the Palatlakaha River on the North and West this area holds a vast amount of wildlife and plants for the avid birder or naturalist to discover. Along the trails, more than 180 species of birds including Northern Bobwhite, Eastern Bluebird, and Eastern Meadowlark and 40 species of butterflies like Zebra Swallowtail, Red-spotted Purple, and Gulf Fritillary have been found, as well as snakes like Eastern Hognose, Rough Green, and Eastern Coachwhip (remember all snakes are protected in the park), Gopher Tortoises, Bobcat, Coyote, River Otters, American Alligator, and many dragonflies.

Visitors will notice land restoration and on occasion the use of “prescribed fire” to return the area to its historic condition. Kiosks and educational hikes will help visitors envision xeric scrub with the calls of Florida Scrub Jays, Long-leaf Pines towering above a sea of native wildflowers, and ephemeral ponds filled the songs of numerous frogs.

Dogs and horses are not permitted.

View PEAR Park Map