Deep Creek Conservation Area

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About this property

The conservation area is made up of two tracts — both adjacent to Deep Creek or one of its tributaries. These tracts are Yarborough (1,103 acres) and Deep Creek North (4,529 acres). The majority of these tracts are floodplain swamp associated with Deep Creek and the St. Johns River. The northern tract (Deep Creek North) the largest portion of the conservation area – includes frontage along the St. Johns River and the portion of Deep Creek that flows into the river. The uplands are dominated by pine flatwoods.

Yarborough Tract is located off of George Miller Road just north of Hastings, FL.  Yarborough consists of several old farming fields that are currently being restored and a large man-made wetland that provides nutrient removal for the surrounding waterbodies while providing habitat for a variety of wildlife species such as wading birds, opossums, bobcats and white-tailed deer.

While there are no boat launches on the property, visitors may access the water for boating and paddling opportunities at the State Road 207 bridge over Deep Creek, just west of the State Road 206 intersection. The creek can also be accessed from the St. Johns River.

Wildlife viewing

Please respect Florida’s wildlife and use caution while visiting district lands. These are wild animals. For your safety, do not approach or feed any wild animal. At the Edgefield tract and the Yarborough tract (the wetland created by the district) visitors are likely to see a wide variety of wading and marsh birds. Common species include great blue heron, double-breasted cormorant, anhinga, common egret, tri-colored heron, boat-tailed grackle, and red-winged blackbird. Deer and turkey can be seen in the flatwoods near County Road 13.

Recreational activities
  1. Hiking, biking, photography and wildlife viewing.
  2. Fishing, boating and paddling opportunities are available on Deep Creek; however, there are no launches located on the property.
Access

East of the Hastings community. For details and to get driving directions from your location, see the Google Maps links on this page.