Stokes Landing Conservation Area

This conservation area was the first district acquisition within the coastal basin of the Tolomato River, purchased to protect water resources, wetlands and wildlife habitat. The area is regionally important due to its location adjacent to the Guana-Tolomato-Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM-NERR), which was established by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to provide long-term research of the estuarine systems within the reserve. In conjunction with several other public lands nearby, this property protects water quality, indigenous plants and animals, as well as cultural resources.

One of the special highlights of this property is an observation platform for viewing wildlife and the marsh that overlooks the GTM-NERR. It was rebuilt by St. Johns County students, who also developed interpretive trails.

Wildlife viewing:
Please respect Florida’s wildlife and use caution while visiting district lands. These are wild animals. For your safety, do not approach or feed any wild animal. The conservation area is home to wood storks, red-tailed hawks, wading birds and otters.

Recreational activities:
Hiking, bicycling, wildlife viewing, nature study and fishing.
Boating and canoeing opportunities are available on the Tolomato River, and the property is accessible by water; however, there are no launches located on the property.