If you want to watch wading birds and alligators without leaving Fernandina Beach, the Ron Sapp Egans Creek Greenway runs north to south through the middle of the island's north end. It's more than 300 acres of protected land along Ron Sapp Egans Creek, opened in 2000 as an undeveloped park and managed by the city's Parks and Recreation Department. The trails are old grass-covered roads, flat and easy on foot or on a bike.
The greenway changes halfway down. Between Atlantic Avenue and Jasmine Street it's salt marsh and maritime forest, with herons, egrets, wood storks and, in season, roseate spoonbills. A wildlife viewing platform looks over the marsh near Atlantic Avenue, and two bridges cross the creek at the Hickory and Beech Street extensions. South of Jasmine toward Sadler Road, the land turns to forested freshwater wetland cut by water-filled ditches, ending at a raised boardwalk at the Sadler Road trailhead.
Where to get on:
- Behind the Atlantic Recreation Center at 2500 Atlantic Avenue, with parking and a restroom at the Nature Pavilion.
- Two entrances on Jasmine Street between Citrona Drive and Fletcher Avenue, with parking along the street.
- Citrona Drive, at the Beech and Hickory Street extensions.
- Sadler Road behind the Residence Inn at 2301 Sadler Road, with parking.
The greenway is open sunrise to sunset, and motor vehicles, fires, alcohol and fireworks are banned. Bikes are capped at 10 mph. Leashed dogs are welcome if you pick up after them, and you can fish from the bridges with a license as long as you stay with your line. Stay on the trails and give the alligators and snakes room. The city also leads guided nature walks on the second and fourth Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to noon, from the Atlantic Recreation Center; register a week ahead at 904-310-3350, ext. 1.
The Jasmine Street entrances are close to the Fletcher Avenue oceanfront, and Fort Clinch State Park is just up Atlantic Avenue. If you're away and the dog isn't, pet care includes dog walks.