Stroll Through The Gorgeous Natural Surroundings of Horto Florestal

One of Sao Paulo’s most luscious state parks is that of Horto Florestal, also known as the State Park Albert Loefgren. The park was conceptualized over 100 years ago and commissioned on February 10th, 1896, based on the work and drive of the Swedish botanist Albert Loefgren. Loefgren held a position in Sao Paulo that was defined as the Geological and Geographical Commissioner of the State, and thus due to his contribution to the management of Brazilian natural resources, the park was eventually associated with his name.

Horto Florestal is one of the largest parks in Sao Paulo, and is certainly one of the most visited by tourists and locals alike. It covers approximately 174 hectares of space, and occupies a perimeter of nearly 48,000 meters! Even better, it is located right next to a section of the Atlantic forest, and there are plenty of trails for visitors to stroll through as they enjoy the scents and sights of nature.

Of course, Horto Florestal isn’t limited to walking trails! Locals enjoy coming to the park on weekends, since there are numerous playgrounds for children, bicycle rental shops, picnic eating areas, and lakes situated on the grounds. While there are not lifeguards on duty, people have been known to take a dip in the lake on a hot day. If the weather happens to turn a little bit darker, there are still plenty of things to do here at the Parque Alberto Loefgren – there is a separate botanical garden area with some enclosed displays, as well as an arboretum to admire!

No state park would be complete without several museums and research stations, as well! Horto Florestal has one of the largest display collections of wood in all of Latin America, housed in the Forestry Museum Otavio Vecchi – not only that, but you can learn what each type of wood can be used for, as well as its place within the Brazilian ecosystem! The museum is associated with the Forest Institute of Sao Paulo, which coordinates all the conservation efforts within Sao Paulo state. The Institute is a place where researchers and students can come to learn and conduct studies concerning biological sciences, especially focusing on medicinal plants and the health of fruit trees in Northeastern Brazil.

Even better, there are graduate programs offered here for the benefit of those interested in studying plant physiology, plant genetics, and economic botany – and visitors to the park have the added pleasure of visiting some of the research nurseries where seedlings are grown for these projects. Most of the scientists there would be more than happy to explain their work, since it is very important to the health of future plant life!

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