Volunteers give new Bayard Conservation Area trailhead a native plant makeover

The First Coast chapter of the Back Country Horsemen recently completed its first community service project by planting native plants at the Bayard Conservation Area’s new parking lot and trailhead.

Bigger and better parking lot and new picnic area anticipated to open mid-spring

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 28, 2020 — With land clearing underway for the First Coast Expressway along State Road (SR) 16 in Clay County, the St. Johns River Water Management District will be relocating the SR 16 entrance and trailhead at its Bayard Conservation Area. On Feb. 20, volunteers with the First Coast chapter of the Back Country Horsemen and the Lake Asbury Riding Association spent the day planting native plants at the new picnic area/trailhead, which is anticipated to open mid-spring. They used a design plan created and donated by Mulberry Hill Studios landscape architects.

“We appreciate the effort of these outstanding volunteers at our future parking area and trailhead, as well as the donated design and use of native plants,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “In addition to its water resource protection purpose, Bayard Conservation Area is one of our premier properties in the northern region for recreation, including horseback riding. We look forward to celebrating a new and improved trailhead and picnic area with the community soon.”

In addition, Clay County Eagle Scout candidate Dane McGraw will be completing his Eagle Scout project by placing hitching posts, picnic tables and benches in the picnic area.

The new parking area will be located adjacent to the existing eastern parking lot. At nearly two acres, the new lot will offer enough room to park regular cars separate from trucks with horse trailers.

The Florida Department of Transportation has taken ownership of the road frontage at Bayard Conservation Area due to the extension of the First Coast Expressway.  Currently, the public can still access the conservation area from the SR 16 lots as well as parking areas on County Road 226, off U.S. 17.

Bayard Conservation Area consists of more than 10,000 acres located along the western bank of the St. Johns River, south of SR 16 in Clay County. The property features diverse natural systems that provide habitat and feeding areas for a variety of species, including gopher tortoise, bald eagle, little blue heron, deer and woodland birds.

Back Country Horsemen chapters work closely with trail partners and local land management agencies to maintain trails on public lands across the U.S. with the goal of protecting trails for all users.

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