In 1995, The Schultz Preserve was purchased with funding from the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) and Hillsborough County through its Jan K. Platt Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program (ELAPP). This 134-acre tract is currently managed by the Hillsborough County Conservation and Environmental Lands Management Department. Formerly used to deposit dredge material, the Schultz Preserve was restored to mangrove forest, coastal & freshwater marsh, coastal dunes and uplands. It provides important habitat for fisheries, shorebirds, mangrove specialists and upland wildlife, including bobcats, and migrating neotropical songbirds.
Parking: Access to the parking lot is via Adamsville Road. Turn west onto Adamsville from US41 and follow it to where it dead-ends, then turn slight north (right) to enter parking lot (which is off of the abandoned terminus of Kracker Avenue). Visitors must stay on trails since ground may be unstable in areas.
Hiking safety guidelines
Always be prepared when hiking on nature preserves:
- Bring plenty of water
- Download the map
- Tell someone your plan
- Wear proper shoes and sun protection
- Stay on marked trails
- During the rainy season, many trails will have standing water.
- If you think you are lost, call us at (813) 672-7876
- In case of an emergency, call 911