A great place to photograph nature. Especially wintering and year-round birds. Recent eBird posts have all listed 40 or more species for visits as short as one hour.
Sweetwater Wetlands Park is not only a place to connect with nature, it’s a way to protect the environment. The park, which consists of more than 125 acres of wetlands and ponds, was created to improve the water quality of wetlands in Paynes Prairie and the Floridan Aquifer. Now a thriving habitat, Sweetwater Wetlands Park is filled with vast numbers of plants and animals, including birds, butterflies, alligators and Florida cracker horses. At the park, you can walk more than 3.5 miles of crushed gravel trails and boardwalks, experience the lush landscape from viewing platforms, and learn about the habitat through educational signs and tours.
When
Date Saturday January 25, 2025
Time 9:30 am
Admission: $5.00 per vehicle
Where
325 SW Williston Rd
Gainesville, FL 32641
Contact - Jim Angelo
860-916-7528
Parking Info - $5 parking on site in a small lot. Carpooling suggested
Entrance Info - Back of lot, in center. Trail maps available.
Transportation
Carpooling would be good.
Food
We will determine a lunch place at the time for any who are interested. Note that Hoggetown Faire is the same day.
Schedule of Events
We will meet in the parking lot at 325 SW Williston Rd, Gainesville, FL 32601 at 9:30 am. Williston is St Highway 331. Walking and shooting the entire wetlands could take a few hours. Reports from last week include one checklist with 68 species and 596 individuals birds. Lunch possibilities will be determined on site. Hoggetown Faire is this same weekend, so we may not want to eat in downtown Gainesville. FYI: last week gasoline in Waldo (just this side of Gainesville) was 25-30 cents cheaper that most in Jax.
Gear
Take the longest telephoto you are willing to carry for a mile, although there is ample shooting opportunity without walking that far. A 300 mm would be adequate for many shots, though of course some would benefit from all you can get. Tipod/monopod optional.
Other Tips
The area is flat and fully accessible. The trails are well-improved and easily walkable. Mobility devices are allowed.
Directions
On the south side of Gainesville. Take your favorite route to Gainesville, then go south on SE 11th St (hwy 301) which will lead you onto Williston. About 1.5 hours from the JCC meeting place at SOTW.