FIELD TRIP: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Date: Tuesday, 7 April 2026

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, 33104 NW 192 Ave., Okeechobee, FL.

Leader Name: Ricky Ray

Leader Contact Information: (928) 853-9654

Trip/area Description: Kissimmee Prairie is part of the Everglades headwaters and protects the largest remaining tract of Florida dry prairie, an ecosystem shaped by cycles of flooding and fire. There is no other place on earth to see the same combination of plants and animals. Many rare, threatened and endangered species inhabit this place, and the wide-open landscape means that birders and photographers have ample opportunity to catch sight of a grasshopper sparrow, crested caracara or burrowing owl. Guide Ricky Ray will lead a hike on the road to the cattle corral.

Duration of trip: ~ 5 hours

Walking distance: 2-3 hours

Degree of difficulty: Easy walking on established trail.

Where: IHOP parking lot at 8800 20th St. (SR 60) in Vero Beach. 1.5-hour drive from there.

Time of meeting: 7:00 a.m.

Number of participants: No limit.

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Host or Publisher Pelican Island Audubon Society