Respecting Our Natural Environment

Amelia Island Plantation prides itself as “A community in harmony with nature.” We encourage you to get out and enjoy the diverse ecosystems within our community while respecting the well-being of our incredible natural environment.

Stay on trails, paths and boardwalks or within the boundaries of parks and recreational areas
Amelia Island Plantation’s designated recreational spaces are surrounded by both private property as well as marshes, dunes and wildlife corridors that are managed as natural systems. For your own safety as well as the health of our natural areas, please respect the boundaries of recreational areas.

Respect vegetation
Amelia Island Plantation's native plant species help provide critical food and habitat for many animal and insect species. Please do not remove vegetation, pick flowers or remove leaves from trees.

Do not go in or on the dunes
Florida law protects the state’s sand dunes and sea oats. Only use crossovers to reach the beach. Do not climb on the dunes or remove vegetation.

Leave no trace on the beach
Please leave the beach just as you found it. Remove all belongings, fill in holes and smooth out sandcastles. All of these can be dangerous obstacles to sea turtles and other visitors. Articles left unattended after sunset may be removed and destroyed.

Harness and pick-up after pets
Pets must be leashed or harnessed in all common areas, including roads, trails, parks and beaches. Pet guardians must clean up and dispose of all animal waste. Pets should not be allowed to climb on dunes or disturb nesting turtles and shorebirds on the beach.

Do not approach or touch any wildlife you may encounter
All animals should be observed from a distance, staying quiet and still. Never feed wild animals, and please use the waste receptacles provided throughout the community to dispose of food and other trash. Supervise pets and children so they don’t approach wildlife. And be alert to signage around the property that warns of areas where you may see potentially dangerous wildlife.

Sea turtles (aquatic)
Stay back and give sea turtles space if you see one on the beach at night. Don’t touch a nesting turtle because it may leave the beach without nesting if disturbed. Sea turtles get lost in the light on the beach at night, so don’t take flash photos or use bright cellphones or flashlights. Keep your distance from nests and hatchlings. Do not handle hatchlings crawling toward the water. Any interference or disturbance by people, such as getting too close or taking flash photos, increases the chances the hatchlings will get confused, go in the wrong direction and not reach the ocean quickly. That makes them vulnerable to dehydration, exhaustion and predators. Remember, it is illegal to harm or disturb nesting sea turtles, their nests, eggs or hatchlings. Contact Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch at (904) 583-1913 with any information about sick or injured sea turtles.

Gopher tortoises (land-based)
Gopher tortoises do not belong in the water. They do, however, visit the water from time to time. They know what they are doing, so unless the animal is injured or posing a threat, simply leave them alone.

Other turtles
Turtles like to cross roadways, so please slow down when traveling on property and A1A/First Coast Highway. If you choose to assist a turtle crossing the road, always move them the way they are going, not where they came from. Snapping turtles can cause serious injuries. If the turtle has a sharp beak, do not approach it.

Alligators
Never feed an alligator and keep your distance if you see one. Keep pets on a leash and away from the water's edge. If you are concerned about an alligator, call AIP Security at (904) 277-5914. Be sure to note and describe the location of the alligator.

Raccoons
Racoons are often seen during the daytime in Amelia Island Plantation and this does not mean they have rabies. Nonetheless, as with all other wildlife, do not approach or feed. If you notice unusual behavior (dizziness, trouble walking, heavy breathing, foaming at the mouth), please contact Security at (904) 277-5914. Be sure to note and describe the location of where you encountered the racoon.

Birds
Injured or sick birds around property should be reported to the Nature Center (stay with the bird if you can). Do not approach the bird. Fledglings or baby birds often fall out of their nests. We do caution picking them up immediately as sometimes the mother will return them to their nests. If the fledgling is in the same area for two hours or more, please contact the Nature Center at (904) 321-5082.