In 1774, naturalist William Bartram called it the Great Alachua Savanna. Today, we know it as Paynes Prairie, which is a vast wetland rich in history and wildlife. In this chapter of our Bartram’s Florida series, we’ll take a leisurely three-mile stroll into the landscape that captivated the young explorer. Along the way, Lars Andersen, author of Paynes Prairie: A History and Guide, will share the prairie’s fascinating story, from its early days to the present.

Details:

• Meeting Time: 9 a.m. at the park entrance
• Park Fee: $5, payable at entrance on the day of the trip
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours
• Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat terrain. Out-and-back route; participants may turn back at any time< br>
• Skill Level: Beginner-friendly