back to conservation lands outreach Hickory Bluff Preserve 598 Guise Rd. Osteen 32764 Printable brochure [PDF] Description Hickory Bluff Preserve is 150 acres acquired by Volusia County Government using Volusia Forever funds, with the assistance of a grant from the Florida Communities Trust. Hickory Bluff overlooks the St. Johns River and contains many natural communities including mesic and scrubby flatwoods, oak hammock, cypress domes, floodplain swamp, and wet prairie. While hiking the trails you may identify distinct natural communities by the presence of certain plants.

Scrubby flatwoods are characterized by an overstory of pines, a midstory of rusty lyonia and sand live oak, and an understory of palmetto that is common along the blue and red trails. Oak hammocks, which occur in the presence of longterm fire suppression, are characterized by an overstory of tall oaks and an understory lacking diversity and are common along the blue trail near the river bluff and around the pavilion. Cypress domes, along both trails, are characterized by a dome-like appearance of a cypress stand tree-line. The floodplain swamp along the blue trail by the river is characterized by bald cypress, hickory, ash and slow moving black water. Wet prairie are characterized by open areas of herbaceous vegetation such as grasses, sedges and wildflowers. Wildlife along the trail many include osprey, eagle, great blue heron, barred owl, gopher tortoise, alligator, river otter, bobcat, deer and turkey.

Rules Open from sunrise to sunset. Use trails at your own risk. Security is not provided. Access is allowed only at designated points. Motor vehicles are prohibited. Please respect other users of this property. Please dispose of trash in the provided receptacles. If no receptacles are provided please pack out trash. Pets must be leashed at all times. Firearms and similar equipment are prohibited. Vegetation, animals, cultural resources, and facilities are protected. Do not remove, destroy, deface, mutilate, or harass these resources. Fireworks are prohibited. Public access to this property, or portions thereof, may be restricted or prohibited. Only group camping is allowed with a permit. Please contact Land Acquisition and Management for more information. Fire is prohibited, except for fires within provided grills. Please ensure that any fire is extinguished prior to departing. Volusia County conservation lands are managed using a program of professionally accepted principles of resource and ecosystem management for the benefit of, and enjoyment by, present and future generations. Click images for larger view If you’d like to learn more about natural Florida group tours, educational programs, and group volunteer opportunities on this and other Volusia County conservation land, please contact Volusia County Land Acquisition and Management: (386) 740-5261 West Volusia (386) 248-8161 Daytona Beach (386) 424-6834 New Smyrna Beach schedule of events and opportunities back to conservation lands outreach   Comments or questions? E-mail the