Aquatic Preserve Guana River Marsh

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Aquatic Preserve Guana River Marsh is a protected area in the state of Florida that covers over 10,000 acres of salt marsh, mangrove swamps, and tidal creeks.


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Summary

The preserve is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including endangered species such as the North Atlantic right whale and the loggerhead sea turtle.

One of the main reasons to visit Aquatic Preserve Guana River Marsh is to explore the unique ecosystem and observe the wildlife. Visitors can hike or bike along the trails, go kayaking or canoeing in the creeks, or take a guided boat tour to see the various species of birds, fish, and marine mammals.

Some specific points of interest in the area include the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, the Guana River Wildlife Management Area, and the Guana River State Park. These areas offer a range of activities, including fishing, birdwatching, and educational programs about the local flora and fauna.

Interesting facts about the area include its role as a critical habitat for many species, including the endangered manatee and the threatened gopher tortoise. The marsh also serves as a natural filter for pollutants and helps to protect the surrounding areas from flooding and erosion.

The best time of year to visit Aquatic Preserve Guana River Marsh is during the fall and winter months when the weather is cooler and drier. This is also the time when many migratory birds and marine mammals are present in the area. However, visitors should be aware of hurricane season, which runs from June to November, and plan accordingly.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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