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Explore local preserves, spot winter birds, enjoy guided hikes and celebrate conservation all month long.
Calling event organizers in advance is recommended in case of unexpected schedule changes.
Guided Hike at Black Lake Preserve
Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, 9–11 a.m.
Black Lake Preserve, 6197 NE 225th St., Melrose, Florida
Free and family-friendly
Traverse mesic flatwoods and a basin swamp while learning about local plants, animals and the Alachua County Forever program. This 1-mile loop hike is on relatively level ground but may include muddy or sandy spots.
Weekly Bird Walks at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31
8:30–11 a.m.
Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Park entrance fee: $5 per vehicle
Guided bird walk with local Audubon leaders — excellent for winter birding.
Tuscawilla Preserve Weekly Walk & Talk
Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, 3–4 p.m.
Tuscawilla Preserve
Guided walk focusing on ecology, conservation and seasonal changes.
Alachua Audubon Society Holiday Social
Friday, Dec. 5, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Matheson History Museum, 513 E. University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
A festive celebration of birds, conservation and friendship.
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Monthly Guided Nature Walk
Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, 10 a.m.–noon
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Regular admission applies
Guided garden and nature tour along a 1.5-mile paved path through the 68-acre botanical garden.
Watermelon Pond Bird Walk with Alachua County
Saturday, Dec. 6, 7:30 a.m.
Watermelon Pond Metzger Tract
Sign-up required (alachuaaudubon.org); limited to 50 participants.
Bald Eagle Monument Unveiling at Orange Lake Overlook
Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m.–noon
Marjorie Hoy Orange Lake Overlook, 19865 S. U.S. 441, Micanopy, FL 32667
Join Alachua Conservation Trust and Alachua Audubon for the unveiling of a Bald Eagle monument created to honor the success of the species’ restoration program.
Accessible Trail Event
Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Prairie Creek Lodge, 7204 SE CR 234, Gainesville, FL 32641
Join Alachua Conservation Trust and the Florida Trail Association for a Trail Accessibility Event showcasing accessibility programs and disability organizations.
Birds & Brews Monthly Bird Walk
Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025 (first Sunday of the month)
Meet at First Magnitude Brewing; walk through Depot Park area
Beginner-friendly bird walk followed by optional socializing at the brewery.
Perspectives in the Park: Exploring Wild Florida With a Camera
Sunday, Dec. 7, 1–2 p.m.
Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Park
Hosted by the City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department. This one-hour session offers tips for photographing Florida’s natural beauty.
Alachua Audubon Society Presents: Bird Watching — What’s the Deal?
Tuesday, Dec. 9, 6–7:30 p.m.
Cypress & Grove Brewing
Learn what’s behind the rising interest in birdwatching, why it’s fun and how to get started.
Prairie Creek Preserve Weekly Walk & Talk
Friday, Dec. 12, 2025
Prairie Creek Preserve, 7204 SE CR 234, Gainesville, FL 32641
Guided walk focusing on ecology, conservation and seasonal changes in the preserve.
Christmas Bird Count
Sunday, Dec. 14 (all day) + Count-Up Dinner, 6–9 p.m.
To participate, contact Andy Kratter ([email protected]).
Count-Up Dinner: Freedom Center at Veterans Memorial Park, 7340 SW 41st Place
Once you’re full of turkey and stuffing, head out to one of the many easily accessible trails in Alachua County. Get a few steps under your belt to really earn that afternoon nap.
