Tibet-Butler Preserve
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Tibet-Butler Preserve is a county park located on the shore of Lake Butler, southwest of Orlando, Florida. It is managed by the Orange County Parks and Recreation.
| Tibet-Butler Preserve | |
|---|---|
The boardwalk at Tibet-Butler Preserve | |
  | |
| Type | Regional park |
| Location | Orange County, Florida, United States |
| Nearest city | Orlando, Florida |
| Coordinates | 28°26′33″N 81°32′30″W |
| Area | 440 acres (1.8 km2) |
| Operated by | Orange County Parks and Recreation |
| Open | All year, 8:00am - 6:00pm |
| Website | orangecountyfl.net |
History
The land for Tibet-Butler Preserve was acquired in 1986 and 1987 using funds from the Land Acquisition Trust Fund and the Water Management Lands Trust Fund.[1]
Recreation
Tibet-Butler Preserve contains a nature center, 3.6 miles (5.8 km) of trails, a picnic area, a butterfly garden, and a wheelchair-accessible sandbox.[2] The nature center is called the Vera Carter Environmental Center, named after the Orange County Commissioner from 1980 to 1992.[3] It is home to a number of exhibits including live animals, taxidermy, and interactive displays.
Wildlife
The area consists of a variety of habitats, including bay swamps, marshes, cypress swamps, pine flatwoods, and scrub.[3] Wildlife includes gopher tortoises, North American river otters, nine-banded armadillos, american alligators, green and brown anoles, six-lined racerunners, and over 100 species of birds including bald eagles, osprey, and eastern screech owls.[4] Tibet-Butler Preserve is a site on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.[5]
Access and hours of operation
Tibet-Butler Preserve is located at 8777 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32836. It is open daily, from 8:00am - 6:00pm. Trails are occasionally closed due to flooding.[6]