Aripeka Sandhills Preserve

Aripeka Sandhills Preserve is a protected area of 209 acres (85 ha) west of US 19 near Aripeka and Hudson, Florida. It is managed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and was purchased on November 8, 2007 as part of the 7,136-acre (2,888 ha) Weeki Wachee Preserve (now more than 11,200 acres (4,500 ha)). It is part of a group of conservation lands extending north to the Crystal River Buffer Preserve (now a Florida State Park), helping preserve the southernmost coastal hardwood hammock in western Florida. The preserve includes dense hardwood swamps and piney sandhills. It is located at 18000 Aripeka Road.