Gourd Island, St Johns

About Gourd Island

Gourd Island Conservation Area spans 513 acres of protected wetlands and uplands in St. Johns County, offering visitors hiking, bicycling, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The property features distinct natural communities including floodplain swamp, basin swamp, dome swamp, depression marsh, wet flatwoods, mesic flatwoods, sandhill, and xeric hammock. The centerpiece is a fantastic swamp that bisects the property in a gourd shape, which inspired the area's name. Rising above the swamp, the central island portion underwent sandhill restoration beginning in 2012 and provides upland habitats. Wildlife viewing may include gopher tortoise, deer, otter, multiple bird species, and American alligator. Visitors should bring binoculars for bird watching and use caution around wild animals. The conservation area is accessed from Russell Sampson Road near St. Johns, Florida, with trails beginning at a parking area and trailhead.