By visiting the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve, you can see how Florida looked before the days of Disney and Universal and have a unique experience that many visitors miss. Anyone who visits Orlando will find out that most attractions are not free, but in the case of the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve, you will learn the truth of that old saying, "The best things in life are free!"
Located near World [sic] Disney World and Sea World, the 440 acre preserve is where you can find Florida's original flora and fauna. Many environmental programs (a lot of them are geared toward children) are hosted at the Vera Carter Environmental Center which also houses current exhibits of local flora and fauna. This building is the hub of the preserve.
The watershed along Lake Tibet-Butler (part of Butler Chain of Lakes) was the object of a purchase made by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) in'89. This was part of the Save Our Rivers Program that was designed to protect the area. Foxes and bobcats are live on the preserve, but are shy so visitors do not see them often. A lot of bird watching and nature observation is done at the preserve, and four miles of well-maintained trails help visitors explore nature and learn about the terrain at various "learning stations."
At the preserve, a variety of hiking programs that emphasize ecosystems, animals, the plants of Central Florida and outside sports are offered as well as educational programs. Technology is used at the preserve to offer interactive computer-based learning programs. Although most of the preserve is geared for people of all ages, the art classes sponsored at the preserve are for adults only.
Held in conjunction with other Florida nature preserves, the hiking program allows visitors to become a "Preserve Trailblaszer" after hiking (at a self-paced rate) for 30 miles. Those who attain this status get an official T-shirt and are enriched by their discovery of native Florida. The Trailblazer program is free and more information about it is available at the preserve's office.
The contact information for the preserve is as follows: Tibet-Butler Preserve, 8777 State Road 535, Orlando 32836. Located near I-4 visitors should get off on Exit 68 (look for signs for Lake Buena Vista). Take C.R. 535 which is Winter Garden-Vineland Road north-bound for about five miles. The preserve's entrance will be on the right (east) side of the road.
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