Klueger W/O for his dear wife Ahlstromomy.
Written: Mar 04 '03 (Updated Mar 04 '03)
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Pros: Tranquil beauty at it's best.
Cons: Do not go on your own. No attendant.
The Bottom Line: You want to get back to nature, then this is the place for you. Please do not take a boom box, or be inconsiderate to others.
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| Susie-34668's Full Review: Key Vista Nature Park |
When my dear friend Dan, (Klueger) wrote and asked me if I would like to join in this write off, I jumped at the chance. I have found him to be one of the most caring people here. He notices things on people's profile page, and you get an e-mail saying he is praying for you, or your family member. Anyway, when I heard of his wife (Ahlstromomy) upcoming surgery, I thought of one of my favorite nature trails.
Key Vista Nature Park.
This is fairly new to our area, opened in January of 2,000. It is located at 2700 Baillies Bluff Road, Holiday, Fl 34691. Another beauty spot, Anclote Park is just up the road from it.
On entering the park, is the parking lot. Good planning. The free standing toilets are to the right of this area. No matter where you park there is a trail leading from it. 4 in total. The park area is 101 acres in total. There are picnic tables in the front area too.
The park runs from east to west and is shaped like a boot. On entering any of the trails you will be walking on mulch. Homemade by the park. The only problem with this is, that it is uneven, so most of the time you will be looking down, rather that ahead, or to the side.
The trails run into each other. You can either walk them all, or check for the ones that lead you back to the parking lot.
Now, if you are looking for something commercial, then this certainly isn't the place for you. There aren't any attendants, and not always park staff around. You are basically on your own. I would also suggest at least 2 people go together for safety reasons.
We go to walk, get fresh air, and for the tranquility. We go hand in hand and check out the trees, shrubs, and birds. There are always nests around. Len tends to take either his binoculars, or his video camera with a 600 zoom. It also takes still digital shots too.
We were there a couple of days ago, and it was just perfect. The first part of all the trails are wooded areas. The longest trail ends at the gulf of Mexico, where there is 1,600 feet frontage on the gulf. When the tide is in you may not be able to walk on the sand. I just love watching the tiny crabs hiding back in their holes, as you walk towards them. Turn your head and out they pop again. This is such a beautiful view.
At this part of the park is the observation deck. This has 2 stages where you can stop, take a break, or just sit and enjoy the view.
From here I love to walk back along the 2,200 foot long Rocky Creek and Sleepy Lagoon trail. Here you will see either a bald eagle or maybe the osprey pairs that are nesting there. Len took some great video of this area.
What the brochures says about the park:
This is the only park in Pasco County which is dedicated totally to the environment and the wildlife to be found there, not to mention the incredible view of the Gulf of Mexico.
Two freshwater marsh areas are bordered by basin swamp. Due to the limited fresh water sources in the area, wildlife is drawn to the park property.
Two prehistoric archeological sites contained lithic artifacts as old as 5,000 years.
Observed on the property are:
Pine Snake, Gopher Tortoise, Sherman's Fox Squirrel, Snowy Egret, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Sandhill Crane, Tricolor Heron, Little Blue Heron, and Brown Pelican.
Five major soil types.
Plants:
Sandhill, Mesic/Wet flatwoods, Scubby Flatwoods, Basin Swamp, Freshwater marsh, Salt marsh, and coastal Strand and Berm.
It also states that the Audubon Society indicated that Key Vista Nature Park is one of the premiere 'birding' sites in the Tampa Bay area. The park is expected to be added to the Florida Birding Trail.
This is free to get in. Anyone can use the park, but please observe the wildlife here. Dogs are allowed, but we do have a leash law here in Florida. There are plastic bags at the start of the trails, so no excuses for picking up after your dog.
There are boards with lots of information about the park. There are also the brochures, which include a map of the whole park. This is in the middle. On the back page is the history, and items of interest.
This is a park to enjoy for an hour or two. Please take water with you, especially in the summer months. This is so unspoiled that you are unable to purchase anything in the park area.
Sorry Ahlstromomy, no hummingbirds here, but what a wonderful place to allow our birds to be free. We have the pleasure of visiting with them, while they nest and hopefully produce babies for us.
Here are some more great writers who are taking park. Hope you have time to check them out.
Andymcf
Jo.com
Jetbluefan1
Granniemosie
Kamel622
Artbyjude
Amysmum
Popsrocks
Donnie013
2Buzy
Lorace
Jcrismon
LisaJ
Frostiepekkle
Diverpam
Ed_Grover
Brianandalsmom
Mom2daniel
Klueger (Our host)
Hope you enjoy reading this, as much as I enjoyed being there, and writing about it.
Susie.
Recommended:
Yes
Best time to go: Anytime
Recommended for: Anybody
Review Topic: Wildlife
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