Coming Events

 The Florigrande Blackberry Festival
Saturday May 8 (9:00am - 4:00 pm) and Sunday May 9, 2010 (10:00am to 3:00pm). 
Saturday May 15 (9:00am - 4:00 pm) and Sunday May 16, 2010 (10:00am to 3:00pm). 
Come and taste the best blackberries in Florida.  These giant blackberries have been around for thousands of years but were a well kept secret for the last 50 years.  We will have native plants and berries for sale, walking tours ($5 each, kids free with adult), handy sandwich lunch,  snacks made with our own berries, and a good time. Details and Directions

The Ramblers are coming to Shady Grove Preserve for their Annual Meeting April 17, 2010.  There will be a guided nature walk in the morning through the old growth woodlands, a barbeque buffet lunch with meeting.  In the afternoon guests can enjoy a second guided walk (Animals and Their Habitats) and Kayaking (bring your own kayak).  Click here for Details

News from Shady Grove Preserve On Thursday March 11, 2010 Mother Nature poured a deluge of rain of the preserve and restored some 25 acres of Lake Hutcheson. On March 14, 2010,  A group of friends and supporters participated in afternoon Tea and Canoeing on Lake Hutcheson.

 The Florida Federation of Garden Clubs presented A Citizens Education Program of Nature Discovery Field Trips at Shady Grove Preserve on  Wednesday, March 10, 2010.  The weather was most cooperative and the guests were quite enchanted.  Details of the event and photographs can be viewed by clicking here. 

About Us

Shady Grove Preserve is a unique blend of native Florida habitats and modern conservation facility.  Dedicated to preserving and enriching our native habitats, and peoples’ understanding and enjoyment of them.   Shady Grove Preserve gives visitors first hand insights into how its many ecosystems work together -- in harmony -- to support abundant life. 

The old growth forest at Shady Grove Preserve is grand and impressive but contrary to popular belief, trees don’t live forever.  Drought, flood, hurricanes, and even old age all take their toll. 

The wood mill at Shady Grove Preserve is an example of how the circle of life can be sustained to the benefit of all.  When trees die at Shady Grove Preserve, we harvest them and cut them into lumber. 

Our barns are built from our own beetle-kill and drought-kill Pine.  Our hard woods are used by skilled craftsmen and craftswomen to build musical instruments and fine furniture.