Florida Trailblazer: Hike to Old Farm Silo and More in H‏álpata Tastanaki Preserve

Trailhead

On this adventure I hiked out to an old silo deep in Hálpata Tastanaki Preserve. Initially that was the plan but on the way there I came across an old fish hatchery. It has clearly been abandoned for sometime and I found some paperwork from 1991 laying on the floor indicating that they raised Triploid Grass Carp here. That particular carp was genetically altered so it could not reproduce. It is an asian exotic imported because it eats aquatic plants. They are released to control aquatic plants in lakes and rivers.

Abandoned Fish Hatchery

After exploring around at the hatchery I continued on towards the silo. I remember seeing it towering above the trees on the side of the forest road I was walking down to get to it. I had to find a way back there it appeared to be very old. Most of the surrounding area is overgrown so I had to bushwhack my way back to it.

As I approached the silo I passed by an old cattle feeder, this area was part of a farm or ranch at one time I think. The silo had panels missing at the bottom so I was able to go inside and check it out. That was a really neat experience I've never been inside a farm silo much less find an abandoned one in the woods. You could still see the shaft with a ladder inside but I did not attempt to climb it as it isn't very safe to do so. I spent a good amount of time out here imagining what it must have been like all those years ago. I can't say for sure but I think the silo could be dated somewhere between 1930's-1950's but as I said I really don't know. I am hoping to learn more about this area that is for sure.

Old Farm Silo

I decided to head back towards the trailhead but found another interesting area that appeared to be an old cattle processing site. I could see fence posts piled up and even some bricks and concrete blocks. I also saw a cattle ramp and a piece of farm old farm equipment.

As I returned to the trailhead I thought how nice it was to discover these things while enjoying this scenic wilderness. If you look hard enough you can discover these things and so much more at Hálpata Tastanaki Preserve.

My Videos
Abandoned Fish Hatchery
Old Farm Silo
Cattle Processing Site
Old Farm Equipment
Resources
Preserve Website