back to conservation lands outreach Wiregrass Prairie Preserve 1751 Lopez Road Osteen, FL 32765 Printable brochure [PDF] Description Wiregrass Prairie Preserve consists of approximately 1,400 acres acquired in 2002 by the St. Johns River Water Management District and Volusia County Government by using Volusia Forever funds. Situated almost entirely in the St. Johns River valley, the preserve is a mosaic of upland and wetland natural communities including mesic and wet flatwoods, cypress domes, strand swamp and wet prairie.

While hiking the trails you may identify distinct natural communities by the presence of certain plants. Mesic and wet flatwoods are characterized by an overstory of slash and longleaf pine scattered across the landscape with an understory dominated by saw palmetto and wiregrass (seen on the blue trail). Cypress domes may be recognized from a distance by the dome-like appearance of their tree line, and can be observed on all three trails.

The strand swamp east of the blue and orange trails can be identified by the presence of pond cypress, pond pine and loblolly bay. Wet prairies on the orange trail are open areas dominated by St. Johns wort species and other wildflowers such as pipewort, batchelor’s button, and meadow beauty. Rules The preserve is pen 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. 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. Group camping only is allowed with a permit. Please contact Land Acquisition and Management for more information. Fire is prohibited, except fires within provided grills. Please make sure fires are  extinguished before leaving. 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 lands, please contact Volusia County Land Acquisition and Managemen at: 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