Natural Lands

Welcome to Seminole County Natural Lands

Please use the tabs to the left to learn more about each of the wilderness areas and other properties open for you to explore.

NOTICE: Some properties have been closed until further notice due to unsafe conditions caused by hurricane Idalia. Please check wilderness area website pages for updates.

The History of the Natural Lands Program

The Natural Lands Program was established in 1990 by a voter approved referendum. The money was used to purchase lands for the purposes of preservation, recreation and education. The Natural Lands now consist of over 6,600 acres of preserved land. The largest parcels are called wilderness areas.

Preservation

There are eight wilderness areas and one preserve that are open to the public. Integral to the goals and objectives for managing acquired lands in an acceptable manner are protection and restoration of the natural resources present.

An important element in protecting the resources is to prevent dumping, poaching, and other illegal activities. Appropriate land management activities, such as prescribed burning, forest management, resource monitoring, and removal of exotics, are implemented to protect the viability of the Natural Lands properties.

Recreation

The Natural Lands wilderness areas offer residents and visitors many opportunities for recreational activities. These natural areas are open dawn to dusk all year long (unless otherwise noted). All the wilderness areas allow guests to hike, view wildlife, enjoy natural scenery and take photographs. Many of these areas also have scenic boardwalks, picnic tables and allow equestrians and fishing. The Geneva Wilderness Area and Black Bear Wilderness Area have primitive campsites available to enjoy (by permit only). Call 407-665-2211 for more information or book a campsite online at recreation.seminolecountyfl.gov.

Education

The Natural Lands Program offers a variety of programs and activities for all ages including field trips for schools, Eco Camp, eco adventure programs, and guided hikes. Learn more by viewing our newsletter.