Nocatee recognized during ‘Trails Month’ for leadership in development of County trailsBack to News

At its Feb. 7 meeting, the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners formally recognized Nocatee for its leading role in developing the county's trail system. The Board also issued a proclamation declaring February as "Trails Month" in St. Johns County.

Earlier, Governor Rick Scott proclaimed February as Florida Hiking Trails Month. "With the focus on trails in February, we wanted to acknowledge and thank the organizations that have made significant contributions to St. Johns County's trails," said Wil Smith, Interim Director, St. Johns County Recreation and Parks. "Public-private partnerships are critical to the success of any trail system, and Nocatee has led the way in St. Johns County."

In 2006, Nocatee's master developer, the PARC Group, donated 2,400 acres of protected wildlife corridors and wetland preserves to the county, the largest transfer of private Intracoastal land in the county's history. Known as the Nocatee Preserve, it is now the county's largest trail network on public land, with nine miles of hiking and nature trails, nine miles of equestrian trails, and 14 miles of single track and off-road biking trails.

"The Nocatee Preserve is a significant piece of land. But it is just one part of Nocatee's contribution to trails in Northeast Florida," said Cyndi Stevenson, St. Johns County Commissioner. "The Nocatee Greenway allows Nocatee residents and others to enjoy trails throughout the community. This kind of nature-smart planning benefits Florida, not only environmentally, but economically as well. We hope other developers follow Nocatee's lead."

The Nocatee Greenway has more than 5,000 acres of protected wildlife corridors and wetlands preserves. The Greenway Trails, which are within easy reach of Nocatee's neighborhoods, include miles of multi-use 16-foot-wide pathways and 1,200 feet of bridges. In all, 60 percent of Nocatee land is permanently set aside for preservation, including the Nocatee Preserve and the Nocatee Greenway.

"Trails simply make communities better places to live," said Rick Ray, Managing Partner of the PARC Group. "They not only preserve natural resources, but they contribute to healthy lifestyles, provide areas for activities like biking and horse-back riding, and ensure that everyone has access to Florida's unique natural environment."

Numerous studies have shown that trails build strong, economically vital communities. They are the number-one most desirable amenity for homebuyers, according to a National Association of Homebuilders study.

About Nocatee

Nocatee is a master-planned community with a balanced approach to development to provide a wide variety of residential lifestyles, employment opportunities, shopping, schools, civic uses and recreation. To learn more about the Nocatee lifestyle, call 1-800-Nocatee or visit www.Nocatee.com.