Tibet-Butler Preserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tibet-Butler Preserve |
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The boardwalk at Tibet-Butler Preserve
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| Type | Regional park |
| Location | Orange County, Florida, United States |
| Nearest city | Orlando, Florida |
| Area | 440 acres (1.8 km2) |
| Operated by | Orange County Parks and Recreation |
| Open | All year, 8:00am - 6:00pm |
| Website | orangecountyfl.net |
The Tibet-Butler Preserve is a special county park located right by Lake Butler in Orlando, Florida. It's a fantastic place to explore nature and learn about Florida's amazing wildlife. The park is looked after by the Orange County Parks and Recreation team, who work hard to keep it beautiful for everyone.
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How the Park Began
The land that became Tibet-Butler Preserve was purchased in 1986 and 1987. Funds from special trusts were used to buy this important natural area. These trusts help protect land for future generations to enjoy.
Fun Things to Do at the Preserve
Tibet-Butler Preserve offers many exciting activities for visitors. You can explore a nature center, walk on long trails, enjoy a picnic, or visit a special butterfly garden. There's even a sandbox that's easy for wheelchairs to access.
The Vera Carter Environmental Center
The park's nature center is called the Vera Carter Environmental Center. It's named after Vera Carter, who was an important Orange County Commissioner from 1980 to 1992. Inside, you'll find cool exhibits. These include live animals, taxidermy displays (preserved animals), and interactive screens where you can learn more about nature.
Exploring the Trails
The preserve has 3.6 miles (5.8 km) of trails. These paths let you walk through different natural areas and see the local plants and animals up close. It's a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors.
Amazing Wildlife and Habitats
Tibet-Butler Preserve is home to many different types of natural areas, called habitats. These include wet bay swamps, open marshes, cypress swamps with tall trees, pine flatwoods, and dry scrub areas. Each habitat supports unique plants and animals.
Animals You Might See
You can find a wide variety of animals living here. Keep an eye out for gopher tortoises, playful North American river otters, and unique nine-banded armadillos. Large American alligators also live in the water. You might spot different kinds of lizards, like green and brown anoles, and speedy six-lined racerunners.
Birds of the Preserve
Over 100 different kinds of birds visit or live at Tibet-Butler Preserve. Look up to see majestic bald eagles soaring overhead. You might also spot osprey diving for fish or hear the calls of eastern screech owls. The preserve is even part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, a special route for birdwatchers.
Visiting the Preserve
Tibet-Butler Preserve is located at 8777 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32836. It is open every day from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Sometimes, the trails might be closed if there's too much water from rain, so it's a good idea to check before you go if it has been very wet.
