Families regularly head for any of the 40 nature parks within 50 miles of Gainesville to picnic, swim, hike, camp, or enjoy some boating or fishing. The Gainesville Recreation and Parks Department maintains 30 municipal parks and plans a year-round schedule of recreational activities and competitive sports for Gainesville residents of all ages. Visit the Nature Operations Division website (http://www.natureoperations.org/) for detailed information on City Parks and park events. City Parks Bivens Arm Nature Park 3650 S. Main Street, Gainesville Information: (352) 334-2056 A 1,200-foot boardwalk leads visitors through this peaceful oak hammock and marsh preserve. Wildflowers, wildlife and quotes by poets, authors and naturalists add to the beauty and interest of the park. Morningside Nature Center 3540 E. University Ave., Gainesville Information: (352) 334-2170 Run by the City of Gainesville's Nature Operations Division, the Morningside Nature Center features an 1840's cabin and barnyard animals in its Living History Farm. Seven miles of trails and boardwalks wind through the 278 acres of forests that serve as the home for dozens of species of birds, reptiles and mammals. Palm Point Park 7401 Lakeshore Drive, Gainesville Information: (352) 334-2170 Stately cypress trees draped in Spanish moss and the Sabal palm, Florida's State Tree, share the view at this point on Newnan's Lake. This small park provides a lovely lakeside access. Wildlife watching includes wading birds and nesting bald eagles and osprey. Native trees, shrubs and wildflowers are of interest, or visitors may fish along the lake edge. Gum Root Park and Swamp Conservation Area Gum Root Park and Gum Root Swamp Conservation Area, which were recently opened in April of 1994, represent 741 acres of conservation area, protecting a vital floodplain which in turn cleanses the waters draining from it into Newnans Lake. Bivens Arm Nature Park also serves to protect a marsh whose waters drain into Paynes Prairie. All of these nature parks also provide a sanctuary for wildlife and plants, which are strictly protected. Gainesville-Hawthorne State Rail Trail Boulware Springs Park, off S.E. 15th Street, Gainesville Information: (352) 334-2170 Seventeen miles of abandoned railways that stretch from Gainesville to Hawthorne have been converted to public trails ideal for walking, jogging, bicycling and horseback riding. The trail begins at Boulware Springs Park wildlife sanctuary and passes through Paynes Prairie. Alfred A. Ring Park N.W. 22nd St., off N.W. 16th Ave., Gainesville Information: (352) 334-2170 Located in the midst of one of Gainesville's residential neighborhoods, the Alfred A. Ring Park features a mile-long trail that follows the Hogtown Creek. At the north end of the trail visitors find a picnic area, playground and the Emily Ring Wildflower Garden that features a pond and waterfall. Gainesville Area Parks Devil's Millhopper 4732 N.W. 53rd Ave., Gainesville Information: (352) 955-2008 Visitors walk down 232 wooden steps to the floor of this large, bowl shaped sinkhole known as the Devil's Millhopper. Filled with lush flora and plant species, the sinkhole echoes the persistent trickle of dozens of tiny waterfalls. A visitors center exhibits fossilized teeth, bone and marine shells from eras long ago. A nature trail winds its way around the sinkhole. Gold Head Branch State Park State Road 21 (6 miles northeast of Keystone Heights) Information: (352) 473-4701 This 1,500-acre state park is a popular spot for many water sports, including swimming, canoeing and fishing. The park also features camping, picnic tables and pavilion, bath houses, nature trails and a softball field. Kanapaha Botanical Gardens 4625 S.W. 63rd Blvd., Gainesville  Information: (352) 372-4981 The 62 acres of the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens can best be discovered from its mile-long walking trail that guides visitors through a variety of plant life including herb gardens, lily ponds, desert cactus and bamboo forests. Plenty of gazebos and benches grace the park for visitors to stop and enjoy the flowers. Lake Alice Off Museum Road, University of Florida, Gainesville One look at Lake Alice on the Florida campus will tell you why the University of Florida athletic teams go by the name of the Gators. Numerous alligators reside in this large lake and wildlife sanctuary. Lovely botanical gardens grace its east side. O'Leno State Park Off U.S. 441 (10 miles north of High Springs) Information: (352) 454-1853 The natural bridge and sinkholes of the Santa Fe River highlight the deep hardwood forest of historic O'Leno State Park. There are scenic spots available for picnicking and two nature trails run through the woods and across the swamps. Paynes Prairie State Preserve U.S. 441 (10 miles south of Gainesville) Information: (352) 466-3397 Bison, wild horses, alligators and nearly 300 other kinds of animals and birds inhabit this vast 19,000-acre preserve. Bicycling and hiking are popular along Paynes Prairie's many roadways and trails. Boating is available at Lake Wauburg and camping and picnic facilities are nearby. A panoramic view of the prairie can be seen from the observation tower at the Visitor Center and museum. San Felasco Hammock Millhopper Road (3 1/2 miles west of Devil's Millhopper) Information: (352) 462-7905 Nine miles of nature trails weave through a dense hardwood forest on this 6,034-acre state preserve. Indian mounds are located in the park and deer, bobcats, foxes, turkeys and other wildlife are often sighted.