Established in 1941, Archbold Biological Station has conducted decades of onsite research regarding Florida’s natural communities.
Located among some of the most ancient dune ridges in the state, the property is home to many endemic species of plants and animals.
Lake Wales Ridge scrubThe station was a pioneer in the study of the Florida scrub-jay, with research of this rare bird dating back more than fifty years.
Although most of the property is not open to the public, the learning center provides details about the history and ongoing activities.
Two loop trails next to the center explore portions of the surrounding habitats.
Follow the marked pathwaysResources
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Overview
Location: Venus
Length: 1.2 miles
Trailhead: 27.182944, -81.352194
Address: 123 Main Dr, Venus
Fees: Free. Suggested donation $8
Restrooms: At the learning center
Land manager: Archbold Biological Station
Phone: 863-465-2571
Open Thu-Sun 8 AM – 5 PM. No pets, please. Guests must register at the learning center before visiting the trails.
Directions
From the intersection of SR 70 and US 27 south of Lake Placid, head west on SR 70 for one mile before turning left onto Old State Route 8. In 1.9 miles, turn right at the entrance sign and follow the road for 0.4 mile to the learning center parking area.
Hike
Starting at the learning center, head northward along a winding walkway leading through patches of wiregrass, saw palmettos and broomsedge.
The trail crosses a small canal to the Love Pavilion, a shelter with benches and a map of the Discovery Loop.
Learning CenterTurning to the left, the grassy pathway quickly transitions to a corridor of stark white sand leading into a scrub forest.
Tightly clustered shrubby oaks and staggerbush border the trail as it curves to the south and ascends slightly to a noticeably drier habitat.
Scrub habitatA close look at the fine sand underfoot reveals an abundance of wildlife living in this desert-like environment.
Lizard tracks cross paths with ant lion doodles, sand skink tunnels, and the tiny footprints of countless insects.
Sandy pathwayReaching the bottom of the loop at a quarter mile, stay to the left, crossing the paved entrance road to a covered kiosk for the Explorer’s Loop.
A narrow trail cuts across low lying scrub vegetation as sporadic slash pines give way to sand pine.
Explorer’s Loop trailheadWith a shortage of tall trees for predators to perch on, this is a preferred habitat of the Florida scrub-jay, and one of the best sections along the trail to spot them.
Near the half mile mark, a pair of benches offer a place to rest within this immersive scrub community.
Wooden benchesAs the trail turns to the west, sand pines increase in number, casting patches of dappled shade onto the path.
Footing can be tricky in a few wet spots while rounding the final corner of the triangle shaped loop at 0.8 mile.
Seasonally wet sectionStructures of the research complex come into view through the trees on the left side of the trail, including a distinctive water tower with a spiral staircase leading to the top.
Crossing the main road again at 1.1 mile, turn left to rejoin the Discovery Loop for a short walk back to the learning center.
Water towerTrail Map
Explore More!
Learn more about the Lake Wales Ridge
Lake Wales Ridge South of Lake Apopka, the Lake Wales Ridge is a significant landform down the middle of the Florida peninsula, with its highest hills and oldest biological communities.Video
A walk through Archbold Biological Station
Nearby Adventures
Lake Placid Scrub Home to Florida scrub-jays, this 3.5 mile loop in the Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife & Environmental Area provides views of the lake and a walk through ancient scrub.
Fisheating Creek Beloved of paddlers and largely protected by Fisheating Creek WMA, South Florida's wildest waterway rises south of Lake Placid and flows towards Lake Okeechobee.
Lake June-in-Winter Scrub Preserve State Park Atop 845 acres of the Lake Wales Ridge in Lake Placid, Lake June-in-Winter Scrub Preserve has one of the highest concentrations of rare plants in North America.
Highlands Hammock State Park One of Florida's oldest state parks, Highlands Hammock protects an old-growth forest while enabling you to explore it on a network of fascinating interpretive nature trails. 
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