Roy Gold returns to Sandy Ridge Sanctuary to host monthly free educational tour on June 13
Coral Springs, Florida – A quiet stretch of protected land in Coral Springs will once again open its trails to residents this weekend as former Mayor Roy Gold leads a guided nature tour through Sandy Ridge Sanctuary on Saturday, June 13. The monthly walk offers a closer look at one of the city’s most significant environmental preservation efforts, blending local history with Florida’s natural landscape.
The tour begins at 9 a.m. and brings participants through the 38-acre sanctuary, where Gold will guide visitors along winding paths and share stories tied to the land’s protection. The event is open to residents and guests, and it continues a long-running tradition of monthly guided walks supported by the City of Coral Springs Parks and Recreation Department.
The sanctuary itself, located at Sandy Ridge Sanctuary, is more than just a park. It is a carefully preserved habitat that reflects decades of environmental planning and community effort. The trail system passes through a city-created bog and also circles a man-made lake stocked with fish, offering visitors a mix of wildlife viewing and quiet scenery.
A key feature of the sanctuary is its role as a protected home for native species. It is recognized as a state-registered gopher tortoise preserve, meaning it follows strict rules and maintenance standards to protect sensitive wildlife. Over time, several tortoises have been relocated to the site after losing their natural habitats due to development in surrounding areas.
Read also: Coral Springs moves forward with plans for a landmark $100 million Sportsplex expansion project
The sanctuary is also home to a variety of Florida plant life, including slash pines, oaks, and bald cypress trees. Together, these elements create a living ecosystem that continues to evolve under city stewardship.
The origins of Sandy Ridge Sanctuary trace back to the early 1990s, when rapid development in Coral Springs raised concerns about disappearing green space. Former Mayor Roy Gold played a central role in bringing forward a citizen-driven proposal that would eventually reshape how the city approached land conservation.
In 1994, residents supported a $7.5 million environmentally sensitive land bond issue designed to purchase remaining forested parcels within city limits. That effort was strengthened by an additional $2.5 million in state grant funding, bringing the total conservation investment to $10 million. The combined funding allowed the city to acquire four major natural areas, including Red Lichen Sanctuary, Pine Flats Preserve, Cypress Gateway, and Sandy Ridge Sanctuary.
Before the bond was approved, the land now known as Sandy Ridge had been slated for development into 195 zero-lot homes. The property was owned by Charlie Bosco, an orchid producer known for inventing the idea of wearing orchids as wrist corsages. The shift from planned housing development to protected sanctuary marked a major turning point in the city’s environmental planning history.
Read also: Coral Springs museum of art launches inclusive art spectrum program
Today, the sanctuary stands as a reminder of what was preserved through public action and civic engagement. Gold’s monthly tours continue to highlight that history while encouraging residents to experience the land firsthand.
Guided visits typically last between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours, depending on group size and interest level. Each walk offers a flexible pace, allowing participants to ask questions and explore the surroundings in a relaxed setting.
The tours are held on the first Saturday of every month at 9:00 a.m., making them a regular opportunity for residents to reconnect with Coral Springs’ natural spaces. Those interested in attending or volunteering can contact Louis Goldstein at 954-345-2112 for more information.
