January 8 hike features a visit to an active bald eagle nest
Flagler County Land Management is launching its fourth year of the “A Walk in the Park” guided tour series, with the next hike scheduled for January 8 at Princess Place Preserve along the Legacy Trail.
The tour will begin promptly at 9 a.m. at Princess Place Preserve, located at 2500 Princess Place Road in Palm Coast. The walk is limited to 12 participants, who are asked to arrive early for a safety briefing and additional details about the hike.
Forestry Supervisor Ralph Risch will lead the walk, which is described as easy and covers flat, level terrain on wide, well-maintained trails. The hike will take approximately two hours to complete and covers between one and a half to two miles round-trip, depending on any side trips of interest along the way.
“We will be visiting one of two active American Bald Eagle nests known to be on Flagler County property,” Risch said. “Along the way, we’ll experience several plants, birds, insects, and other cool flora and fauna found on the Princess place property.”
Participants must register online and create an account. Two waivers are required before the hike, including a liability waiver and a photo and video release form.
Those planning to attend should prepare for a hike lasting more than two hours. Participants are advised to bring a water bottle, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and apply sunscreen and insect repellent as preferred. Binoculars are recommended for viewing the eagle nest and any other birds encountered during the walk. Attendees should also dress appropriately for the weather, which could range from cold and rainy to warm and sunny.
To reach the preserve, visitors should take U.S. 1 to Old Kings Road and turn there, or drive north on Old Kings Road until reaching the Princess Place Preserve entrance. At the preserve sign, visitors should turn east and drive approximately 2.1 miles through the gate and over the covered bridge. The designated parking area will be on the left, consisting of a long row of spaces along a wooden fence in an open field. Participants should park close to the south end of the row, where Risch will meet them.
