True, authentic Florida has always been known for its vast, rugged and unforgiving terrain, rich Native American influences and history, wildlife that demands respect and a wide berth and gorgeous waters, flora and fauna. It's been the envy of states for years and the topic of many books and explorations. One such explorer was William Bartram, an American naturalist (1729-1823). Bartram took a four year expedition to chart the beauty of many southern states. His journey in Florida took him from Amelia Island to the Gainesville area where he studied what is now Payne’s Prairie. Eventually, his adventures brought him south along the St. John’s River to Astor and then Blue Springs in Orange City.
Along that St. John’s River route, he floated along the outskirts of DeLand in 1777 and that’s where the excitement begins for present-day western Volusia County. Stetson University and the Institute for Water and Environmental Resilience partnered to create the Bartram Gardens and Trails along Lake Beresford. Located adjacent to the Sandra Stetson Aquatic Center, the pristine forested shoreline leads to observation points on the lake.
Bartram Scholar and Stetson Professor of Environmental Science, Tony Abbott, wanted to contribute to the effort to interpret and document Bartram’s visit in the area. The result is the Bartram Gardens and Trails. Visitors will enjoy wandering through the wooded hammock along bark-covered paths, taking in the beauty of the pollinator garden or soon, gazing into the former stormwater pond, currently being renovated into a native aquatic plant pond. There are canoe and kayak launch, as well as a large pavilion to step out of the Florida sun. Bartram scholars as well as the Bartram Committee in Putnam County were careful to design the area to reflect the rugged beauty and allow visitors to appreciate the native flora and fauna. Many of Bartram’s sketches and maps appear on the informational marquees throughout the park. The site is part of the River of Lakes Heritage Corridor in Volusia County.
The park is open daily from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. Leashed pets are welcome, but water entry is prohibited (for pets and humans!) since the lake is a habitat for cottonmouths and alligators. Fishing, canoeing and kayaking are also welcome. Restroom facilities are available. The gardens and trails are located at 2636 Alhambra Ave, DeLand.
Bartram Scholar and Stetson Professor of Environmental Science, Tony Abbott, wanted to contribute to the effort to interpret and document Bartram’s visit in the area. The result is the Bartram Gardens and Trails. Visitors will enjoy wandering through the wooded hammock along bark-covered paths, taking in the beauty of the pollinator garden or soon, gazing into the former stormwater pond, currently being renovated into a native aquatic plant pond. There are canoe and kayak launch, as well as a large pavilion to step out of the Florida sun. Bartram scholars as well as the Bartram Committee in Putnam County were careful to design the area to reflect the rugged beauty and allow visitors to appreciate the native flora and fauna. Many of Bartram’s sketches and maps appear on the informational marquees throughout the park. The site is part of the River of Lakes Heritage Corridor in Volusia County.
The park is open daily from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. Leashed pets are welcome, but water entry is prohibited (for pets and humans!) since the lake is a habitat for cottonmouths and alligators. Fishing, canoeing and kayaking are also welcome. Restroom facilities are available. The gardens and trails are located at 2636 Alhambra Ave, DeLand.