Boca Raton residents and visitors now have a new place to experience Florida’s native wildlife with the opening of Gopher Tortoise Preserve, an 11.27-acre natural area dedicated to protecting one of the state’s most important but threatened species.
The preserve at 10 W. Hidden Valley Boulevard features a quarter-mile winding walking path through restored native scrub habitat where visitors can spot gopher tortoises alongside native birds, butterflies, reptiles and other Florida wildlife. The city partnered with The Institute for Regional Conservation and local volunteers to restore the natural landscape that serves as critical habitat for the threatened tortoises.
Mayor Andy Thomson said the preserve represents Boca Raton’s growing commitment to conservation and environmental education…