Park Summary for Print - Savannas Preserve State Park

Welcome to Savannas Preserve State Park

Freshwater marshes or "savannas" once extended all along Florida's southeast coast. Stretching more than 10 miles from Ft. Pierce to Jensen Beach, this preserve is the largest and most intact remnant of Florida's east coast savannas. A good place for visitors to start is the Environmental Education Center where they can learn about the importance of this unique and endangered natural system. Picnic tables are available near the center. Canoeing, kayaking, and fishing in the wetlands are popular activities. Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers can enjoy the diversity of habitats this undisturbed area offers. Over eight miles of multi-use trails provide opportunities for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding. Guided walks and canoe trips are available by reservation. The Education Center is located in Port St. Lucie, two miles east of U.S. 1 on Walton Road.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Savannas Preserve State Park, please call 772-398-2779.

Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

The Environmental Education Center is located approximately 2 miles east of US 1 on Walton Road in Port St. Lucie.

Park Fees

Please call the Park for information at 772-398-2779.

Activities at Savannas Preserve State Park

	Bicycling Bike areas are provided
	Canoeing Canoe and kayak rentals are available every Saturday morning October through May. Our guided trip departs at 9AM and generally returns after about 2 hours of exploration. Reservations are required for the trip and space is limited. Canoe and kayak trips are available throughout the summer months and at other times during the week if requested. Please contact the Education Center Wednesdays through Sundays at (772) 398-2779 for additional information and reservations.
	Facilities Restroom facilities are ADA-accessible.
	Fishing Fishing is available at the Savannas and the St. Lucie River Preserve. The Savannas provides freshwater fishing. The St. Lucie River provides the same, although some saltwater species may be found in the river as well. Please keep in mind that you must have the necessary licenses to participate in this activity. For more information about the access points, please contact us at (772) 398-2779 (Wednesday through Sunday). Please note that the Canoe Launch boardwalk, at the Savannas, is ADA accessible with fishing available from that platform. Do you need a Fishing License?
	Horse Trails There are over 8.5 miles of multi-use trails available to park visitors and group tours. The trails are shared by hikers, bicyclists and horseback riders. The nature trails wind throughout the Savannas marsh system, so depending on the season and weather, the trails may be wet. Please plan accordingly! There is a designated equestrian area for those who trailer their horses to the trails. For additional information and equestrian gate combinations please contact the Education Center Wednesdays - Sundays at (772) 398-2779 or the Park Office at (772) 340-7530.
	Picnicking The Savannas offers picnic shelters at a number of places in the preserve. These pavilions are located at the Jensen Beach trailhead, the Education Center on Walton Road, and at the Canoe Launch area, located ¾ of a mile north of the Education Center. Each pavilion has picnic tables provided. These pavilions are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are taken for these facilities. ADA-accessible tables are available at the Education Center and Jensen Beach Pavilions. Please remember to use the trash receptacles that are provided.
	Visitors Center Come to our Education Center for information about the Savannas. The Education Center is ADA-accessible.
	Wildlife Viewing Both the Savannas and St. Lucie River Preserve provide excellent areas to observe nature. These areas are home to a variety of birds and wildlife. On your hike, you may encounter a Bobcat, Deer, Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, or even see an Alligator. You may also see a Bald Eagle (there is a nesting pair in the Savannas), a Red-tailed Hawk soaring overhead, a Great Blue Heron in the marsh, or even a Florida Scrub-jay. Come and enjoy a day in the woods and see what nature has to offer.

Special Events for Savannas Preserve State Park

There are no events listed at this time. Please call our park for more details on possible future events.

Savannas Preserve State Park Ranger Programs

GUIDED CANOE TRIP
Year-round, Call for dates and times
Reservations required. Come explore the best remaining segment of Florida's east coast savannas, an extensive marsh and wet prairie system that was once found all along the east coast. Please remember, these canoes have to be paddled! No pets. Your $10.00 donation to the Friends of Savannas Preserve State Park, Inc. helps support park programs and projects.
Call (772) 398-2779 for more details.
INTERPRETIVE TALKS
Jan. - March, Call for dates and times.
Join us for a series of informative talks covering a wide variety of natural and cultural subjects relating to the Savannas and the surrounding area. No pets.
Call (772) 398-2779 for more details.
SELF-GUIDED NATURE WALK
Year-round, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Take a self-guided walk through this truly unique ecosystem; the last remaining remnant of savannas to be found on the southeast coast of Florida. A trail guide is available.
Call (772) 398-2779 for more details.
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER
Year-round, Wed. - Sun., 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Enjoy the interactive environmental and historical exhibits relating to the Savannas Preserve State Park and the surrounding area. The park now offers live animal exhibits! Call the Education Center for more information. The Center is located about two miles east of U.S. 1 on Walton Road in Port St. Lucie. No pets.
Call (772) 398-2779 for more details.
SWAMP STOMP 'CLASSIC' - SUMMER DAY CAMP
June 9 - 13, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Swamp Stompers, ages 6 to 9, explore the Savannas on foot, by hayride and with nets, hunting for critters and learning all about this incredible park. Come learn about some of the Treasure Coast’s most interesting natural communities, play games outdoors, make great take-home treasures of your own, and more! Crafts, snacks, outdoor adventure and lots of fun-if you’re a nature kid, this is the camp for you!

The cost is $100.00/camper. Snacks, supplies and T-shirt included.
Call (772) 398-2779 for more details.
SWAMP STOMP 'MARSH FELLOWS' - SUMMER DAY CAMP
June 23 - 27, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
This second-annual advanced Swamp Stomp is for Swamp Stomp Alumni (ages 8 to 12) or those super nature-lovers out there. Campers will still spend lots of time outside, having tons of fun and using their creativity, while learning about orienteering and outdoor ethics, going paddling, and learning what is involved in being a park ranger.

The cost is $100.00/camper. Snacks, supplies and T-shirt included.
Call (772) 398-2779 for more details.
'SWAMP 'N SEA' - SUMMER DAY CAMP
July 14 - 18, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
This brand new camp is a collaboration between the Savannas and Ft. Pierce State Inlet State Parks. Campers (ages 8 to 12) will spend the first three days at the Savannas and the last two at Fort Pierce Inlet — including an optional campout and turtle walk Thursday night! Campers will compare the wonders of the freshwater marsh at Savannas with the ocean environment at Fort Pierce, studying food webs, tortoises and turtles, and forests — among many other things. Campers will go seining, orienteering, kayaking and more!

The cost is $100.00/camper. Snacks, supplies and T-shirt included.
Call (772) 398-2779 for more details.
RECORD THE RIBBIT! - MONTHLY FROGWATCH EVENT
July 5; August 2, 7:00 PM
This free monthly event is a great way to see the park at night, while helping us gain meaningful scientific data about our frog population. Families, and individuals of all ages, are welcome to join expert frogwatchers and amateurs for this night of fun, refreshments and frogs! Call the Education Center to sign up.
Call (772) 398-2779 for more details.
NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP - IRV FRIEDMAN
June 21; July 19; August 16, 6:00 PM
Join us on the third Saturday of the month (through the summer) as we present a series of nature photography workshops by award-winning photographer, Irv Friedman. The cost is $10.00 per participant. Please call the Education Center to reserve a spot.
Call (772) 398-2779 for more details.
GRASS IDENTIFICATION WORKSHOP
July 11, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Learn to recognize the most important wild grasses and become an instant grass expert! This joint workshop, between the Palm Beach Community College Horticulture Program and Savannas Preserve State Park, is a great way for anyone interested in learning more about grasses, native plants, wetlands and Savannas. Following an hour-long orientation to grass vocabulary and structure, participants will dissect a grass, and then explore multiple habitats in the park, learning to recognize the main species for each habitat. There is a suggested donation of $1.00 per person, payable at the door. Proceeds benefit the Friends of Savannas Preserve State Park, Inc. The workshop will take place rain or shine. Bring your own lunch and beverages. Limited to 20 spaces, so please call on or before July 1 to reserve a spot!
Call (772) 398-2779 for more details.
NATIONAL TRAILS DAY - MORNING HIKES
June 7, 9:00; 9:30; 10:00 AM
What better way to celebrate America's trails and parks then to spend a day enjoying them! Join us on June 7th as we celebrate National Trails Day by conducting three guided hikes in the Savannas. At 9:00 a.m., we will lead a 1-mile hike along Hawk's Bluff Trail, followed at 9:30 a.m. by a 3-mile hike along the marsh and a 1-mile hike at St. Lucie River Preserve at 10:00 a.m. All hikes will be leaving from the Education Center. Don't forget to wear comfortable hiking shoes and to bring water, a hat and a camera.
Call (772) 398-2779 for more details.