Bell Creek Nature Preserve | |
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Location | Tampa, Florida |
Coordinates | 27°50′38″N 82°17′24″W / 27.844°N 82.290°W |
Operated by | Hillsborough County's Conservation and Environmental Lands Management Department |
Website | https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/locations/bell-creek-preserve |
Bell Creek Nature Preserve is a 477-acre (193 ha) nature preserve located at 10940 McMullen Road in Riverview, Florida, United States.[1] The preserve property was purchased using funds from the Jan K. Platt Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program and the Florida Communities Trust and is managed by Hillsborough County's Conservation and Environmental Lands Management Department.[2] Bell Creek Nature Preserve comprises many habitat types including sand pine scrub, pine flatwoods, freshwater marsh, oak hammock, and restored pasture. The preserve is home to the endangered Florida golden aster (Chrysopsis floridana), Eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi), and wood stork (Mycteria americana) along with other threatened and endangered plants and animals.
Bell Creek Nature Preserve features five miles of marked hiking trails, a pond for fishing and wildlife viewing, and an administrative office (open weekdays) where visitors may purchase a Hillsborough County Annual Conservation Park or Boat Ramp Pass.[3]