Gold Zone Gameday Parking

Gopher tortoises love UCF as much as you do! With over 800 acres of natural habitat on campus, many gopher tortoises call UCF their home – this includes areas near the Bounce House stadium! Be mindful of your fellow Knights by avoiding parking/walking near burrows, containing your trash, and leaving critters be. Tailgate like a tortoise, go slow and enjoy the view!

• The gopher tortoise, Gopherus polyphemus, is a species of tortoise native to the southeastern United States.
• Gopher tortoises are protected by state and federal law, so it is important to remember to share the space and to not get too close to the wildlife on campus!
• They are also keystone species in many Florida habitats, meaning the services they provide are vital to their ecosystems!
• Over 360 species, including burrowing owls, rabbits, mice, and indigo snakes all rely on the gopher tortoise’s burrows to live and thrive in their habitat.

UCF’s Arboretum & Sustainability Initiatives has a large team of student leaders and staff devoted to cultivating, celebrating, and communicating the value of plants, ecosystems, and biodiversity to human well-being. This includes management of over 800 acres of conservation area here on campus, providing habitat for threatened species as well as unique learning and recreational opportunities for students and the community.
 
 
Looking to get involved? Volunteer shifts are open to students and available for signup on Knight Connect! We gratefully welcome donations to our Endowment Fund as well. Go Knights, Charge On!