The newest nature preserve in Flagler County is open to the public and it’s found in an unlikely area, surrounded by development.

The Long Creek Nature Preserve, located at 1050 Palm Harbor Parkway, is on one of the busier streets in Palm Coast.

It’s taken a while to get it developed, but the first phase is open now and Palm Coast is planning a ribbon cutting next week.

A fishing pier and a launch for canoes and kayaks have been popular additions to the area.

The plan is to eventually construct an environmental education center on site for use by local school kids.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3.