To preserve, protect and enhance natural features of the Preserve.

To foster research and education endeavors at the Preserve.

To secure volunteers to assist the County at Barefoot Beach Preserve.

To distribute literature relating to the Preserve.

Saylor Nature Trail ~ A mile long trail winding through the trees to Wiggins Pass provides the chance to view over 30 species of native vegetation all tagged and identified by the Friends.  Friends members regularly groom the trail, clearing out exotic plants and replacing them with natural species. They've also erected directional signs, provided benches to sit, relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the trail as well as the Gulf, and  identified vegetation and provided a descriptive booklet, with detailed trail maps. manual.

Education ~ The Saturday morning lecture series features guest speakers who are experts on subjects ranging from shells to dolphins, eagles to tortoises, and early Florida Indian culture.  For years, these popular lectures have played to overflow crowds.  Other educational offerings include nature walks, canoe trips, guided cart tours for the physically challenged and elderly along the Saylor trail, all of which help to provide recreation and education on diversified subjects, primarily related to environmental topics for the benefit of thousands of local residents and visitors of all ages.

Learning Center ~ Located in the heart of the Preserve, this structure is full of displays and literature, including an extensive shell collection.  Built and maintained through private contributions, this structure has been built, staffed, and maintained by the Friends of Barefoot Beach, without the use of County, State, or Federal tax dollars.

Displays ~  Individual members have developed posters and displays which are exhibited on wall-mounted cases and in free standing cabinets all year round. Unique shell collections are on permanent display.  Plant specimens from the trail and marine species from the beach are displayed.

Library ~ Maintained for the use of visitors who wish to identify specimens and explore books of interest for adults and children on elements of this natural habitat.

Tortoise Sanctuary ~ We are continuing an ongoing study of population, distribution and habitat of the gopher tortoise, a threatened species which is protected from the inroads of civilization in the Preserve.

Osprey Platforms ~ Three poles and platforms for Ospreys have been constructed and installed.  In addition, ospreys have established a nest on the trail in a dead tree.  Ospreys have taken possession and reared families in all the nests.  You can see and hear them, as the call to one another, fish for food, and feed and raise their fledglings.

Aquatic Butterfly Garden ~ Dedicated to founders, Naida and Leon Eisenbud, with ponds and waterfall, a beautiful butterfly garden that was constructed, planted,  and is maintained with mostly native plant materials that attract butterflies of many species.  Each spring, following a lecture on butterflies, additional specimens are released in a spectacular display.  Thanks to a few dedicated volunteers, the garden is flourishing.  More helping hands, however, are always welcome.

Xeriscape Cactus Garden ~ Just to the South of the Nature Center, in vivid contrast to the Butterfly Garden, the friends also maintain a xeriscape (dry or cactus) garden, 

A Purple Martin Colony Apartment ~ Has been installed, however, we are still awaiting permanent "residents."  Currently, these useful birds are only visitors to our bird houses, probably because of the close proximity of the ospreys.

learn more

join the Friends

volunteer

contribute to Friends Foundation