Ekker Nature Preserve
Bird Watching
Hiking Trail
A majority of preserves and some parks are now open. Visit the Closures & Reopenings page for more info.
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Location and Hours
Location
11002 Ekker Rd.
Gibsonton, FL 33534
Hours
Sunrise to Sunset
Contact
(813) 672-7876
About
This 85-acre nature preserve was purchased by Hillsborough County’s Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program (ELAPP) and the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) between 2001 and 2003. The preserve’s southeastern section with berms along Ekker Rd. and Symmes Rd. was a 24-acre fish farm overgrown with invasive plants prior to restoration by SWFWMD, which created freshwater ponds, marsh, and forested wetlands. The 1-mile hiking trail winds through former pine plantations that are being restored to more diverse native flatwoods and upland forest.
Ekker Preserve Trail Map
Amenities
- Bird Watching
- Hiking Trail