The park preserves the largest remaining remnant of the once-vast Florida dry prairie ecosystem in the eastern part of the state.
The name 'savanna' refers to the unique landscape of grassy plains interspersed with occasional trees and shrubs.
It is a critical site for the protection of the Eastern indigo snake, a federally threatened species.
The park's water drainage system is vital for local flood control and water quality management in the St. Lucie River estuary.
The area is home to over 20 distinct plant communities ranging from freshwater marshes to pine flatwoods.
Prescribed fire is used as a management tool to prevent the encroachment of woody plants into the grassland areas.
Savannas Preserve State Park encompasses over 5,000 acres of freshwater marsh, making it one of the largest remaining basin marshes in Southeast Florida. The Environmental Education Center serves as the primary gateway, providing interactive displays on local ecosystems and the history of the Florida savannas. Visitors can explore more than 15 miles of trails used for hiking, biking, and horseback riding through scrub and flatwoods. The park protects a rare ecosystem that transitions from high-ground scrub to low-lying marshes. It serves as a sanctuary for various threatened species, including the Florida sandhill crane and the gopher tortoise. The site functions as a managed wilderness area where prescribed burns are regularly utilized to maintain native biodiversity. The Education Center offers a climate-controlled space to view wildlife, especially during peak heat hours. The preserve is situated within the complex watershed of St. Lucie County. Access is facilitated primarily through the Walton Road entrance.
The elevated boardwalk view at the end of the Education Center trail offers a panoramic perspective of the basin marsh.
Bring polarized sunglasses to reduce water glare when scanning the marshes for alligators and wading birds.
Apply high-potency insect repellent, as the freshwater marshes are home to significant mosquito populations.
Check in at the Education Center first to view the latest trail conditions, as seasonal flooding can restrict access to certain paths.
Do not attempt to hike the trails during the peak of midday in the summer months, as shade is extremely limited and heat index levels are high.
The Education Center is typically closed on certain holidays; check the official state park website before traveling for unexpected closures due to weather or prescribed burns.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive marsh vegetation; pack out all trash to keep the preserve pristine.
