Become a Citizen Scientist at Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens
Every time you visit our 20-acre botanical garden, you have the opportunity to make a real impact on local conservation. By participating in citizen science, our guests can directly help environmental researchers track, monitor, and protect Florida’s native bird, plant, and wildlife populations.
Set inside a historic limestone quarry in Williston, Florida, our unique microclimate and the adjacent 64 acres of protected woodlands create a thriving habitat for biodiversity. All you need is your smartphone, a sense of discovery, and a walk along our scenic trails to contribute to global conservation efforts!
Bird Conservation: eBird & Merlin Bird ID
The varied canopy and cascading waterfalls of Cedar Lakes make it a premier destination for local birding. In fact, thanks to the keen eyes of our visitors, over 80 unique bird species have already been documented on the property! Whether you are looking for songbirds, birds of prey, or wading birds, you can help us grow that number:
eBird
The varied canopy and cascading waterfalls make our garden a premier destination for birding. Thanks to the keen eyes of our visitors, over 80 unique bird species have already been documented on the property! Whether you are looking for songbirds, birds of prey, or wading birds, you can help us grow that number.
Merlin Bird ID
If you are new to birding or need help identifying a specific call echoing through the quarry, the Merlin Bird ID app (created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology) is the perfect companion. It can instantly identify birds by their song or a quick photo.
Plant & Wildlife Identification
With hundreds of plant and animal species thriving along our concrete walkways and rock walls, there is always something new to learn about and discover.
Seek by iNaturalist
Take your nature knowledge up a notch with the Seek by iNaturalist app! We highly recommend downloading it before your walk to use the power of image recognition technology to identify the plants and animals all around you. Get outside and point the Seek camera at living things along the trails to instantly identify wildlife, plants, and fungi. As you learn about the unique organisms that call the quarry home, you can earn badges for observing different types of species, like birds, amphibians, and flowers, and even participate in fun monthly observation challenges!
How to Get Started
Ready to turn your garden stroll into a scientific expedition?
1) Download the Apps: Search your app store for eBird, Merlin Bird ID, and Seek by iNaturalist before you arrive.
2) Explore the Gardens: Take your time walking our bridges, pavilions, and observation decks. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open!
3) Log Your Findings: Snap photos, record bird calls, and submit your data to learn more about and help protect the environment we all love.