By Dr. Robert Norman, Clinical Professor, Dermatology, Nova Southeastern University
One Saturday after leaving synagogue services at the Jewish Community Center of West Pasco, I saw a sign that I had passed many times before on Highway 19 North for the Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park.
When I turned into the park, I was amazed by how close the park was to the busy and noisy traffic of Highway 19, and soon the sounds of the road faded, replaced by birds chirping and the rush of water bubbling up from deep underground springs.
I got out and read the signs and interpretive displays about the park. A kayak rental company was posted along the water. You could paddle through the tangled mangroves, tidal creeks and expansive salt marshes or take to the open waterways to explore the Gulf of Mexico.
I chose to hike and explore and take photos of the wonderful and various ecosystems. One of the trails I took led me right along the water—the Springs Trail.
A group camping area is available for groups to rent. It is within walking distance of restrooms.
World War II aircraft flying to bases in Florida can be found throughout the park, expended 50 caliber cartridge casings, as these planes tested their armaments before final transport to Europe to support the war effort. Many of the small ponds throughout the park are remnants of bomb craters created by these intrepid pilots.
Currently the park is being restored to its original state while efforts are being made to educate the public to its unique history through the use of static displays and educational kiosks. Trails are being added or extended constantly, as well as a new boardwalk and observation platform at the new restroom.
All efforts are made to protect and preserve the natural habitat while ensuring that all visitors have access to explore this beautiful slice of the Real Florida.
Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park
8737 U.S. Highway 19 North
Port Richey FL 34668 • 727-816-1890
Take advantage of this oasis on the gulf and the only state park in Pasco County.
Where can you find this wonder of nature?
Get out into The Great Florida Outdoors!
Dr. Norman’s focus is on ecology, conservation, nature writing and photography, and natural history. He is a graduate of the Advanced Master Naturalist program from the University of Florida and has written the book Ocala National Forest (Arcadia Publishing). In December of 2015 he helped with the founding of the Silver Springs Forest. Dr. Norman has created films about the Hillsborough River and other nature subjects that are used in outdoors education and schools and a new film that is a companion to his book Reading the Florida Landscape.
Dr. Norman is an advanced master naturalist graduate of the FMNP program from UF and a board-certified dermatologist based in Tampa and Riverview. He can be reached at 813-880-7546.
70 books (series editor of 39) ● 300+ articles ● 150 Lectures and Blogs
45 videos and films ● 18 photo calendars and exhibits ● 4 music CDs
Tampa Bay Medical Hero Award (2008)
● Hadassah Humanitarian Award (2012)
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Read more of Dr. Norman’s articles here. https://dunndealpublications.com/dr-robert-normans-articles/