Gopher Tortoise Day in the Hollows

April 10th was officially adopted by the Gopher Tortoise Council as Gopher Tortoise Day! In Florida, gopher tortoises are found in parts of all 67 counties and are frequently encountered in neighborhoods, along roadways, and in many of Florida’s public parks and forests. The goal of Gopher Tortoise Day is to increase awareness and appreciation for these long-lived, gentle reptiles.

Gopher tortoises are considered a keystone species because they dig burrows that provide shelter for 360 other species of wildlife, called “commensals.” These commensal species include the gopher frog, Florida mouse, eastern indigo snake, and hundreds of invertebrates like beetles and crickets. Without the gopher tortoise, many of these species would not exist.

For more info on Gopher Tortoises at Hundred Acre Hollows visit the following link: https://www.hundredacrehollows.org/education/

• What We’ll Do – Come enjoy a nature walk along the berms and see how each of the 6 basins has different vegetation. You may see some gopher tortoises. Our 2 native plant gardens will give you ideas of what you can plant in your yard. We recommend wearing sneakers, long pants, sunscreen, a sunhat, and bring a water bottle. Most of the trails are grass, and some have pebbles and are uneven. Bring the children. No pets, please. There are no restrooms.

• What to Bring – Drinking water, sunscreen, bug spray, binoculars, cameras, hat and recommend wearing closed-toe shoes.

• Important to Know – There are no restroom facilities. The trails are primitive and may have holes, gopher tortoise burrows, and other obstacles, please be cautious. Pets are not allowed.

Please observe social distancing. We have lots of space for you to get out and enjoy a beautiful walk.