Blue Cypress Conservation Area

Blue Cypress Conservation Area spans 61,574 acres in the Upper St. Johns River Basin. It features impounded marshes that attract migratory and resident ducks, wading birds, and raptors. Birdwatchers may spot limpkins, bitterns, purple gallinules, and snail kites. Bald eagles, ospreys, and wood storks are also present.

Visitors can hike several trails from the parking area off CR 512. Westbound dikes offer more remote birding but have narrow, uneven paths. The north-south dike provides a wider, smoother trail but with fewer bird sightings. Fall through spring offers the best conditions, while summer brings high temperatures and mosquitoes. Airboats operate in the canals, so canoeing requires caution.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has also designated two islands and surrounding waters at the northern end of Stick Marsh as a critical wildlife area to protect nesting birds from human disturbance. Hunting occurs nearby but not on the levees. Handicapped access is available at the CR 512 entrance.