Aripeka Sandhills Preserve is a 210-acre protected area on Florida’s Gulf Coast near Aripeka and Hudson, managed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District. It preserves a combination of hardwood swamp and pine sandhill habitat and was acquired on November 8, 2007, through a joint effort with Pasco County using Penny for Pasco funding. The preserve includes 1.6 miles of trails, allows off-road biking and fishing, and is especially notable for its birdlife, with more than 200 species recorded there. Its mix of habitats makes it an important place for recreation and wildlife observation.