Step inside Sandy Ridge Sanctuary in Coral Springs during a free guided nature walk led by former Mayor Roy Gold
Coral Springs, Florida – Residents of Coral Springs will have the opportunity to discover one of the city’s hidden natural treasures during a free guided walk through Sandy Ridge Sanctuary, a 38-acre nature preserve located in the heart of the community.
The upcoming tour will take place on Saturday, July 11, and will be led by former Coral Springs Mayor Roy Gold. The event will give participants a chance to step away from the noise of everyday life and experience the native Florida landscape that exists just beyond the surrounding neighborhoods.
Once visitors enter the sanctuary, the sounds of traffic are replaced by the calls of birds, the movement of leaves in the trees, and the quiet surroundings of the preserve. Those attending the walk may even catch a glimpse of local wildlife, including the gopher tortoise, one of the species that makes the sanctuary its home.
The guided walk will begin at 9 a.m., with participants leaving from the main entrance at 9:10 a.m. Depending on the group’s pace and interests, the walk typically lasts between 30 minutes and 90 minutes.
Gold, who has lived in Coral Springs for decades, will share stories about the history of the preserve and the efforts that helped protect the land from future development. During the tour, he will also highlight native trees, plants, and wildlife that visitors might otherwise miss while walking through the trails on their own.
Along the winding paths of Sandy Ridge Sanctuary, participants may see a variety of animals, including gopher tortoises, woodpeckers, cardinals, and other native species. The preserve provides a rare opportunity for residents to experience Florida’s natural environment without leaving the city.
The story behind the sanctuary is also tied to the growth and development of Coral Springs. The land was once planned for a residential project that could have included nearly 200 homes.
However, in 1996, the city purchased the property to protect one of the remaining areas of native Florida landscape in the community.
Since then, Sandy Ridge Sanctuary has served as a place where residents can learn about local ecosystems and enjoy outdoor recreation. The preserve represents an effort to balance development with the protection of natural spaces that are important to the region’s environment.
The monthly guided walks have become a way for residents to connect with the area’s history while learning more about the plants and wildlife found throughout the sanctuary. The tours are held on the first Saturday of each month, giving visitors several opportunities throughout the year to participate.
Following the July 11 walk, additional guided tours are scheduled for Aug. 1, Sept. 5, Oct. 3, and Nov. 7.
Residents planning to attend are encouraged to arrive a few minutes early, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring water for the outdoor experience. Organizers say the free event is open to those interested in exploring nature, learning about Coral Springs’ history, or simply enjoying a peaceful walk through one of the city’s most unique locations.
The guided tour offers a chance to see a different side of Coral Springs, where native wildlife, preserved landscapes, and local history come together in a quiet natural setting.
