Taylor County Ecotourism

Taylor County offers a wealth of opportunities for the visitor and the entrepreneur that are interested in experiencing the 'Natural Florida.' This includes canoeing, biking, hiking, nature watching, fishing and much more. Nature-based travel is nothing new, but the term "ecotourism" is a relative newcomer to popular culture. Once referred to as "green travel", ecotourism is defined as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of local people".

Ecotourism encompasses both nature-based and recreational tourism, and aims to manage the adverse impacts of tourism while providing the tourist with an enriching and educational experience. It strives to arrive at a symbiosis between the interests of the visitors, the environment, and the local people. Ecotourism is ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation.

For more information on ecotourism activities contact Clay Olson, County Extension Director at the Taylor County Extension Office at (850) 838-3508.

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