Escape to SPC Seminole Campus Natural Habitat Park
In a small corner of Seminole, in the middle of Florida's most heavily developed county, a tract of nearly-forgotten land plays host to a wide variety of Florida plants and animals. Open to the public, SPC's 40-acre Natural Habitat Park on St. Petersburg College's Seminole Campus features:
- A 200-yard boardwalk with 12 viewing stations that meander through undeveloped land. The viewing stations offer a variety of native vegetation unique to our Florida ecosystems.
- A 50-seat teaching pavilion equipped with power, lights and networking capabilities that features a tile mural entitled Green by artist Feral Willcox.
- A floating dock used in water sampling by the faculty and students in their courses.
- A butterfly and sculpture garden featuring a sculpture by artist Ralph Komives entitled Kapu.
The park and pavilion enables students in St. Petersburg College's Environmental Science Technology and other programs to study nature firsthand.
What you could see
- Nearly 200 bird species
- 24 species of dragonflies
- 24 species of frogs, turtles, snakes, and alligators
- Seven species of butterflies
- Rabbits, otters, possums, raccoons, armadillos
- Slash pines, wax myrtle shrubs, sweetgum trees, sand live oaks, red bay trees, grape vines and leather ferns.
Protecting the fragile ecosystems
Developed on land SPC acquired in 1969, the Natural Habitat Park was constructed using an environmentally sensitive construction system designed to protect the fragile ecosystems. Developed in collaboration with the City of Seminole, phase one of the project was primarily funded with a Department of Housing and Urban Development Grant. Future projects include extended trails, an environmental classroom building and a possible spur to the Pinellas Trail.
Park hours
- Monday - Friday: dawn to dusk
- Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Sunday: Noon - 5 p.m.