George E. Lestrange Natural Area

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The George E.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Lestrange Natural Area is a beautiful nature reserve located in the state of Florida. This 686-acre park offers visitors a wide range of activities and natural scenery to enjoy.

Some good reasons to visit this natural area include hiking, bird watching, and fishing. The park has several miles of hiking trails, which provide an excellent opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area. Birdwatchers will be delighted to find more than 100 species of birds in the park, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. The park's lakes and rivers offer excellent fishing opportunities, with anglers catching various species of fish like bass, catfish, and crappie.

Some of the specific points of interest to see in the George E. Lestrange Natural Area include the park's wetlands, which provide habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species. Visitors can also explore the park's uplands, which are home to several types of hardwood trees like oak, hickory, and magnolia. The park's trails offer a glimpse of the area's diverse wildlife, including deer, turkey, and even alligators.

Interesting facts about the George E. Lestrange Natural Area include its role in protecting the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. The park is also part of a larger conservation effort to protect Florida's natural resources and wildlife habitats.

The best time of the year to visit the George E. Lestrange Natural Area is during the fall and winter months when the weather is milder, and there are fewer mosquitoes and other pests. Spring is also a great time to visit when the wildflowers are in bloom and birds are nesting.

Overall, the George E. Lestrange Natural Area is an excellent destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its diverse ecosystems and natural beauty make it a must-visit location in Florida.

       

Weather Forecast

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.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks