ORANGE PARK – Clay County’s Crosby Sanctuary in Orange Park, owned by the Duval Audubon Society, is an undeveloped, 510-acre area of swampland and trails. It is easily accessible from Orange Park but is only open to the public on one Saturday a month. During that time, it offers a peaceful and quiet escape for those wanting to experience nature during what has become a difficult time for many.

Many have turned to more outdoor pursuits to try and decompress to escape the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’ve had to work from home, and I’ve tried to spend as little time as possible outside,” said Dylan McManus of Fleming Island. “You know, first the shutdown and quarantine along with the work from home order. At first, I was ok, but then I felt like I was starting to go stir-crazy. Now I found this, and it’s pretty cool.”

By ‘this,’ McManus means the Crosby Sanctuary, where he can get out for hours at a time – when it’s open – and just enjoy being outdoors with relative safety.

Not many people are out and those that are, are well beyond socially distant. They don’t have to worry about masks and can just enjoy their time with nature.

While no hunting is allowed, there are many species of wildlife which make the sanctuary their home, including fox, beaver, deer, raccoon, and more.

“It’s nice to be out here,” said Stacy Leonis. “I get to see a lot of birds. I try to bird watch when I have time. Also, if you’re lucky, you might see something bigger cross your path, but not usually.”

In the early part of the century, there was a plan by the Florida Department of Transportation to pave a road and build an elevated bridge through the area, however the Crosby sanctuary’s presence stopped it from happening.

Currently, the Crosby Sanctuary continues to offer limited access to a nature preserve filled with birds, mammals, native plants, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. It provides nature therapy for those in need. It gives birdwatchers somewhere to relax and study their avian subjects.

The sanctuary is located at 427 Aquarius Concourse and is open from 8 a.m. to noon on the fourth Saturday of every month, but the Saturday openings may vary. For a complete schedule or to schedule an appointment, visit duvalaudubon.org.

“Social distancing, no masks, some peace, and a chance to just escape,” said Leonis. “Nowadays, you can’t ask for much more than that.”