Various counties are working on bringing back what they call the “Old Florida” feel. They are bringing back nature from the way that it used to be for the locals and tourists to experience and enjoy. St. Johns County is working on making the area they have look like they way it did to the Native Americans and the explorers who came through. Public access will be allowed through out the place. They expect that people will be able to walk, jog, bike and even go horse back riding. While areas around it will be eventually developed for homes, community center and with the trails going through the area, there will be a one and half mile wide area that will not be touch and left undeveloped.  The money to help develop and preserve this area comes from the tree bank fund from which developers have to pay into if they do not replace the required number of trees on the property that they have cut down for development. This fund goes towards conservation and natural preserve areas, so using it to create this piece of wildlife haven for both the wildlife to be protected and for people to enjoy, works.

         In Stuart, Florida, at the Halpatiokee Regional Park, land was purchase in 1989 with county and state funds after residents voted for a half cent tax towards conservation. Now, that land is getting ready to be made available to the public to enjoy. This is a 357 acre refuge that was purchase through this conservation effort. Two man made lakes have been created for recreational fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. It contains freshwater grass, pickerelweed and spike rush to create a marsh. There will be access to the St. Lucie River. Throughout the park, there are going to be hiking and biking paths as well as various camp grounds for all to enjoy. The conservationists here are also trying to do the same as St. John; bring back the old feel of Florida, while preserving the land for the wildlife and letting the public enjoy it all the same.  Both counties are stepping up in efforts to preserve the land around them and help the wildlife by building corridors around the land to keep them safe. Their conservation efforts are going to be well received and the nature recreation availability in the area will increase.

http://www.jacksonville.com/community/shorelines/2009-06-20/story/trail_will_bring_old_florida_to_nocatee-area_travelers

http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2009/jun/23/southern-addition-to-halpatiokee-to-give-old/