Boyd Hill Nature Preserve + Pioneer Settlement

Isn't it remarkable that the most densely populated county in the state put aside 275 acres for a nature preserve! Even as early as the 1920s people were trying to preserve these important natural lands. Luckily the smell of the lake muck when the water receded made it an undesirable place to inhabit.

Boyd Hill Who?

At Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, the name might lead you to expect a towering hill to explore along its trails and boardwalks. But here's the charming twist: there's no actual hill to conquer! Instead, the name pays homage to a beloved environmental advocate, Boyd Hill himself.

Boyd Hill was born in 1901 in Comer, Georgia, and grew up with a passion for nature. After marrying Minnie Buchanan in 1925, they settled in Florida, where he began work on the famous Bok Tower! Soon Boyd's green thumb caught the eye of the St. Petersburg's parks department. Known for his ability to understand and nurture plants, Boyd played a key role in shaping the city's green spaces. He saw Lake Maggiore's surrounding lands as a precious trust to protect, rallying support from fellow nature enthusiasts. Promoted to park superintendent in 1954, Boyd realized his dream of connecting urban communities with the beauty of raw nature, believing in their harmonious coexistence.

Pioneer Settlement

Want to see what life was like in the 1880's when the first modern day folks settled down here? Check out the Pioneer Settlement at Boyd Hill and learn all about what life was like here in that time.

S'More's Anyone?

Wanna camp out just down the street? The Preserve has tent sites, and cabins and they're building brand new bathing facilities that will make it a top notch camping experience. Camping Link

Lifelong Learning

Check out their robust programming of educational and fun nature classes throughout the year. Calendar