Gopher Tortoise Walk and Talk
Walking
Nature
Educational
Overview
Join a guided tour to learn about the six species of North American tortoises, with a focus on our native gopher tortoise. We will explore this keystone species and environmental engineer, and learn how to “read” a tortoise burrow. This is an easy interpretive walk (less than 1 mile) in the Preserve’s upland habitat. This tour will be led by George L. Heinrich. Mr. Heinrich is a field biologist and environmental educator specializing in Florida reptiles. His company, Heinrich Ecological Services is based in St. Petersburg, Florida and conducts wildlife surveys and research, natural history programming, and nature-based tours. George is currently the Executive Director of the Florida Turtle Conservation Trust.