Park Summary for Print - Savannas Preserve State Park

Countless lily pads, some of them with white blossoms, stretch across the broad marsh to a horizon line of sand pine trees.

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

The Education Center is open Thursday through Monday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Driving Directions

The Environmental Education Center is located approximately 2 miles east of US 1 on Walton Road in Port St. Lucie. The address is: 2541 Walton Road, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952.

Park Fees

Admission Fee:

$3.00 per vehicle. Please use the honor box to pay fees. Correct change is required. Limit 8 people per vehicle.

Activities at Savannas Preserve State Park

	Bicycling Bike areas are provided.
	Canoeing Knowledgable volunteers lead canoe/kayak tours every Thursday morning at 9 a.m. and Saturday at 8 a.m. This is one of the most popular ways to explore the Savannas. Trips generally return after about 2 hours of exploration. Reservations are required for the trip and space is limited for this very popular program. Trips are available at other times during the week if requested. During the winter, moonlit paddles are offered monthly. Please contact the Education Center (Thursday through Monday) 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 (Thursday through Monday) 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 Please visit our Education Center for information about the Savannas. The center is open Thursday through Monday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and 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
Knowledgeable volunteers lead canoe/kayak tours every Thursday morning at 9 a.m. and Saturday at 8 a.m. This is one of the most popular ways to explore the Savannas. Trips generally return after about 2 hours of exploration. Reservations are required for the trip and space is limited for this very popular program. Trips are available at other times during the week if requested. During the winter, moonlit paddles are offered monthly. Please contact the Education Center (Thursday through Monday) at (772) 398-2779 for additional information and reservations. No pets. Your $10.00 donation to the Friends of Savannas Preserve State Park, Inc. helps support park programs and projects.

Participation Requirements

Call (772) 398-2779 for more details.
INTERPRETIVE TALKS
Year-round - 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, Thurs. - Mon., 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.
FROGWATCH - RECORD THE RIBBIT!
First Saturday of the Month, 7:30 PM
Join us on the first Saturday of each month to learn about the frog population here at the park. This 'Citizen Science Monitoring Program,' sponsored by FrogWatch USA, gives YOU the opportunity to help scientists conserve amphibians! Being a FrogWatch volunteer gives you the opportunity to gather information that will help increase awareness of nationwide amphibian declines that can ultimately lead to practical and workable ways to help conserve these important species – all while helping you learn more about the wetlands in your community and the calls of frogs and toads in your community! Have fun while doing something important for frogs and their habitat.

Participation Requirements

Call (772) 398-2779 for more details.