Input Sought On Management Plan Of Golden Aster Scrub Nature Preserve

GIBSONTON, FL — Hillsborough County residents are invited to review updates to the management plan for Golden Aster Scrub Nature Preserve, an almost 1,181-acre conservation area at 12181 East Bay Road in Gibsonton that is home to rare plants and animals such as the Florida scrub jay and the Florida goldenaster.

The county is offering an online public engagement opportunity through May 10 as an option for residents who cannot attend an in-person meeting on Wednesday, May 10, at 6 p.m. at Bell Creek Nature Preserve, 10940 McMullen Road, Riverview.

The management plan for the preserve has several sections, each addressing strategies to keep the preserve thriving and healthy for decades to come. The plan is updated every 10 years, and the public is invited to review and comment on the proposed changes.

The Golden Aster Scrub Nature Preserve contains environmentally sensitive scrub habitats surrounded by pine flatwoods, pockets of wet prairie, hardwood swamp and freshwater marsh.

In addition to the Florida scrub jay, imperiled animal species found on the preserve include the gopher tortoise, eastern indigo snake, Southeastern American kestrel, Florida sandhill crane and several species of wading birds.

The preserve, which is managed by Hillsborough County, features a 3-mile marked hiking trail, much of it sandy and sunny. In addition, the preserve offers bird-watching opportunities and picnic shelters. Pets are permitted in the preserve.

The Golden Aster Scrub Nature Preserve was purchased by Hillsborough County through the Jan K. Platt Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program in 1995.

The county will conduct virtual engagement using the Hillsborough Engagement & Education Hub to collect feedback from the public on the management plan for the preserve.