MICANOPY – Visitors to Barr Hammock Preserve will encounter temporary closures this week as Alachua County crews perform maintenance aimed at improving public safety.
Beginning Sunday, June 28, the Levy Loop Trail and its parking lot at Barr Hammock Preserve, 14920 S.E. 11th Drive in Micanopy, closed for maintenance. County officials expect the closure to last about one week.
The maintenance project includes removing overgrown vegetation and hazardous trees along the trail. County officials said temporarily closing the area is the safest way to allow crews to complete the work while protecting visitors.
Although the Levy Loop Trail is closed, recreational access to the preserve remains available through the southern entrance. All trails accessible from the southern parking lot, located at 300 S.E. 175th Ave. in Micanopy, will remain open throughout the maintenance period.
Officials are asking visitors to obey all posted closure signs and avoid entering restricted areas while work is underway. The signs will be removed once maintenance is complete, and the county will announce when the Levy Loop Trail has reopened.
Barr Hammock Preserve is managed through the Alachua County Forever Program, which is funded by the voter-approved Wild Spaces and Public Places surtax. The program acquires, restores and manages environmentally sensitive lands throughout Alachua County to protect water resources, preserve wildlife habitat and provide opportunities for nature-based recreation.
The preserve is a popular destination for hiking, birdwatching and wildlife viewing, with trails winding through wetlands, prairies and upland habitats.
Residents seeking additional information about the closure may contact Barr Hammock Preserve Manager Tessa Ricker with the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department at 352-756-6941 or by email at tricker@alachuacounty.gov.
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