title: Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
text: # Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
  
  Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is a 245-acre (99 ha) protected area in St. Petersburg, Florida, Pinellas County, Florida. The preserve is located on the shores of Lake Maggiore (Florida) in south St. Petersburg. It is operated by St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation and includes the Boyd Hill Environmental Center, a bird-of-prey aviary, and more than three miles of trails through a variety of ecosystems. Facilities include a playground and picnic areas. The preserve is used for school field trips and hosts environmental education programs. It is located at 1101 Country Club Way South.
  
  There are many metal statues built by the late Paul Eppling. A long time resident of St. Petersburg, Paul used recycled metal and scrap metal for his sculptures.
  
  ## Ecosystem
  
  * Lake Maggiore
  * Swamp - Connected to Lake Maggiore.
  * Pine Flatwoods
  * Sand Scrub - Sand Scrub has about 2% of its original habitat remaining. In Florida, it is known as one of the most endangered habitats. Rare, sensitive plants grow here.
  * Hammock
  