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Recreation home

District lands

• Alphabetical listing
• Map
• Activities matrix
• Trail guides
• Hunting regulations and maps
• Using District lands

Camping reservations

• Campsites and shelters in the Upper St. Johns River Marsh Wildlife Management Area

Partnership properties

Who to contact

District property closures or activities that may affect recreation

Geocache site application form and search tool

Sunnyhill Restoration Area

Recreation at Sunnyhill Restoration Area

• Property map
• Google Maps location
• Trail guide

Size:

4,191 acres.

Location:

North of County Road (CR) 42, stretching along nine miles of the Ocklawaha River in Marion County, east of Lake Weir and the town of Weirsdale.

Description:

This land was purchased to restore wetland functions on more than 2,800 acres of the historic Ocklawaha River floodplain. In 2008, the St. Johns River Water Management District completed several water control structures and levee improvements to allow better long-term management of water levels on the property. This will improve wildlife habitat and water quality and provide limited flood storage. An old farmhouse, known as the Blue House, was constructed in the 1930s and is still found on the property.

Wildlife viewing:

All kinds of wading birds feed in the marshes, including glossy and white ibis, little blue and tri-colored herons, and great and snowy egrets. Thousands of sandhill cranes spend the winter in the Ocklawaha River Basin. Red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks, osprey and three owl species live here year-round. Other animal species, including black bear, river otter and bobcat, are returning to the area as restoration proceeds.

Recreational activities:

1. Hiking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, bicycling, picnicking and primitive camping. more info
2. Bank fishing is available at the canal at the western edge of the property.

Restrictions: more info

1. Motorized vehicles are not permitted.

Access:

The entrance for the Blue House and for tours is on the north side of CR 42, 5.9 miles east of Weirsdale. Two parking areas are along the west side of Southeast 182nd Avenue Road. Boat ramps at Moss Bluff and CR 42 provide access along the western river boundary.

For more information:

Call the District’s Bureau of Land Management at (386) 329-4404.