Fred and Idah Schultz Nature Preserve

Whenever I've gotten here for sunrise (when it's suppose to open), the gate is still closed. The giant pile of uncovered, and slightly radioactive, phosphate next door has got to be good for you, too. There are many invasive plants and hogs throughout the property.

I visited Fred and Idah Schultz Nature Preserve today with an open heart and deep appreciation for what this land represents — a place in active transition, with real restoration work and long-term potential. Knowing the history makes the effort here meaningful. This preserve was once a dredge disposal site and has been steadily restored into mangrove, marsh, and coastal habitat. That kind of work matters deeply, and it’s clear the long vision is to create a thriving nature space along the Alafia watershed. At the moment, though, the experience is still evolving. The red trail was closed, so the only option was the blue trail, which runs close to an adjacent industrial area. Today the air was very dusty, with strong chemical smells coming from nearby operations, and large mounds of dirt and sand blowing in the wind. The noise from the factory made it hard to hear the natural soundscape, and I ended up turning back before reaching the water. Even so, the internal trail shows promise, and the restoration story gives hope. Places like this don’t transform overnight — they grow, heal, and stabilize over time. With continued stewardship and buffering from surrounding industry, this could absolutely become a five-star preserve. The intention behind this land is important. Coastal habitats, mangroves, and wildlife corridors along Tampa Bay are priceless. This preserve feels like a space in progress — not yet at its full potential, but on a path that truly matters.

Like others mentioned, the first mile follows a fence line abutting an industrial mill and is not terribly scenic. But it does get better. And if you like wildlife, we encountered a bold corn snake. Flat FLmbush hiking with some lakes and sporadic views of the Tampa Bay. The current (Oct 2025) Google Maps directions are accurate.

Great hiking along 2 trails. Longer one takes you out to the Bay. Very scenic & unexpected near the Apollo Beach dock/teco. Great for dog walks too.

The only distraction from this pretty park are the industrial mill or whatever it is. It is noisy. Besides that, the trails were pretty. A lot of up and down hills. Not big hills. It gets quieter when you get into the blue trail which leads to the beach area. The entrance is off of a residential road. Kraker Avenue will not lead you to the entrance. It is a dead end. Use the other road, Adamsville road to get to the entrance of the park.