Edward Ball Nature Trail at the University of West Florida in Pensacola has beautiful white cedars and splash pine. It creates a jungle-like canopy over the half-mile boardwalk available to nature lovers. The juxtaposition to Thompson’s Bayou offers a piece of Florida to onlookers that very few people get to see. But, the proximity to the Bayou has recently forced the usually busy trail to fall silent due historic rainfall and subsequent flooding.
The Nature Trail is closed the public for now while the University tries to figure out what to do about the $30,000 worth of repairs. UWF Spokeswoman, Brittany Swinford, said there is no currently no schedule set for repairs at this time.
Those who regularly visit the serene and natural Nature Trail have lost some treasured spots that have been disturbed by the aftermath of the unforgiving storms.
"We had some minor flooding. None of the boardwalks were damaged and you can tell everybody we're open and ready for the public to enjoy," said Big Lagoon State Park manager Geoff Davidson. The popular western Escambia County park on the northern shore of its namesake lagoon features camping, hiking, wildlife viewing and swimming.
Wild Florida is passionate about the preservation of natural Florida, as well as the safety of Florida Wildlife. Visit our website to learn more about Orlando airboats and Florida wildlife.
