When to Visit

The Chinsegut Nature Center offers many educational programs and hikes throughout the year. The Nature Center is only open to the public on Friday and Saturday from 8 am – 2 pm, during regularly scheduled programs or by appointment. The hiking trails on the Big Pine Tract are open daily to the general public. Hunting is prohibited on both the Nature Center Tract and the Big Pine Tract. Both wildflowers and butterflies are abundant in the fall on Big Pine Tract. April is an excellent time for viewing resident as well as migrating songbirds.

Each year Chinsegut hosts four major events:

The Chinsegut Run and Fun Walk (February)

A five-kilometer cross country race over the trails of Chinsegut Nature Center and a one-mile fun walk identifying 15 plants. The top competitors in both events come away with unique nature-oriented awards.

Welcome Back Songbirds (April)

See a bird in hand, hike in the woods, build a bird box, enter a bird-calling contest.

Reptile/Amphibian Expo Day (October)

Live displays of Florida reptiles and amphibians. Learn about venomous and nonvenomous snakes. Tour a gopher tortoise burrow through an infrared camera.

Pioneer Day (November)

Celebrate the days when the Bishop family lived on the property. Learn about pioneer medicine, watch how turpentine was extracted from pine trees, enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides.

All photos courtesy to Kristin Wood.

Additional information is available on Chinsegut's Activity Schedule.