ENGLEWOOD, Florida — Cedar Point Environmental Park has opened a new self-guided storybook walk, with a ceremony highlighted by remarks from longtime volunteer and educator Greg Brezicki.
Brezicki talked about Gopher Tortoise Day and the importance of protecting the keystone species. “The tortoise cannot speak for itself, which makes public awareness essential,” he said. He emphasized that habitat loss from urban development, agriculture, mining, and fires has endangered the species and fragmented its living spaces. Conservation efforts include protecting existing habitats, restoring damaged areas, and creating new safe sites. Relocation programs from high-risk areas have also shown progress.
The new self-guided story trail aims to build an understanding of the tortoise and why protection is necessary. “When we save the gopher tortoise, we also save all the other animals and plants in the ecosystem,” he said.
The Rotary Club of Englewood provided most of the financial support for the endeavor, along with contributions from Home Depot and Gulf Coast Hardware.
The Englewood Chamber of Commerce conducted the ribbon-cutting before the trail officially opened to the public.
Residents are now invited to walk the path, read the signs, and learn about the gopher tortoise. Visit is at Cedar Point Environmental Park, 2300 Placida Rd, Englewood, 941-475-0769. They are open every day, dawn to dusk. The visitor center is open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
