Former Mayor Roy Gold will lead a guided tour of Sandy Ridge Sanctuary for residents and guests on November 1
Coral Springs, Florida – Former Coral Springs Mayor Roy Gold will host his monthly guided nature tour at Sandy Ridge Sanctuary on Saturday, November 1, inviting residents and guests to explore one of the city’s most cherished natural areas. The tour begins at 9 a.m. and offers a unique opportunity to see the 38-acre park up close, including its diverse wildlife and scenic features.
Gold, who played a pivotal role in preserving Sandy Ridge Sanctuary in the 1990s, will guide participants along the sanctuary’s winding trail. Tourgoers will have the chance to observe a large bog, a man-made lake stocked with fish, and the variety of native plant life that has thrived since the city acquired the land. Depending on group interest and pace, tours typically last anywhere from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours.
The sanctuary, located at 8501 NW 40th Street, is a registered gopher tortoise preserve and provides critical habitat for Florida’s native species. Over the years, Coral Springs has relocated several tortoises to Sandy Ridge when their natural habitats were destroyed by urban development. The sanctuary is also home to Florida Slash Pines, Oaks, and Bald Cypress, making it a living classroom for visitors interested in the region’s natural history.
“Seeing how fast the city was being developed gave Gold an idea he brought to the public around 1994. Following a citizen-driven initiative, the city created a $7.5 million environmentally sensitive land bond issue to purchase some of the remaining forested lands within the city limits,” officials said. The initiative was further supported by a $2.5 million state grant, bringing the total funds available for land acquisition to $10 million.
This funding allowed Coral Springs to purchase four key parks, including Red Lichen Sanctuary, Pine Flats Preserve, Cypress Gateway, and Sandy Ridge Sanctuary. Before the bond issue was passed, Sandy Ridge was slated for development into 195 zero-lot homes. The property’s previous owner, Charlie Bosco, was an orchid producer and inventor who popularized wearing orchids as wrist corsages.
The monthly tours, coordinated by Gold and the City of Coral Springs Parks and Recreation Department, provide residents with a chance to connect with nature while learning about the city’s history and the importance of preserving green spaces. The tours are open to the public, and those interested in volunteering or booking a tour can contact Louis Goldstein at 954-345-2112.
Sandy Ridge Sanctuary stands as a testament to Coral Springs’ commitment to protecting its natural environment. Its combination of wetlands, forested areas, and carefully managed habitats makes it a sanctuary not only for wildlife but also for community members seeking an escape from urban life. The guided tours emphasize education, stewardship, and the value of conserving the city’s remaining natural spaces.
Gold’s involvement remains a vital link between Coral Springs’ past and present conservation efforts. His advocacy in the 1990s helped prevent the rapid development of key parcels and ensured that residents could enjoy natural areas for generations to come. Visitors to the November 1 tour will not only experience the sanctuary’s beauty but also hear firsthand accounts of the community effort that saved this unique Florida landscape from being lost to development.
With every tour, Sandy Ridge Sanctuary continues to educate the public, foster environmental awareness, and provide a safe haven for gopher tortoises and other native species. Gold’s leadership and vision have helped make it a centerpiece of Coral Springs’ green space initiatives and a beloved destination for nature enthusiasts.
