Lakeside dock system including a recreational area and boat launch, Camp Twin Lakes, Rutledge, GA Photo credit: Ryan Ketterman Photography Many waterfront property owners see their dock as more than just a simple structure. It connects people to the water and can be a launching point for adventures or even a place for gathering, relaxing, and making memories. Dock designers can create systems that offer function, style, and even a sense of community togetherness. These structures enhance the appeal of lakefront homes and recreational areas while withstanding the challenges of a constantly changing environment. Whether you’re planning a new favorite […]
Nature Bridges Blog
Longevity and Bridges: A Look at Lafayette Heritage Trail
A comparison of Lafayette Heritage Trail’s covered bridge and approach in 2014 and 2025, Lafayette Heritage Trail Park, Tallahassee, FL 2014 Photo credit: Lou Kellenberger 2025 Photo credit: Ryan Ketterman Photography Nature Bridges has been designing and constructing beautiful outdoor structures in sensitive environments since 1997, and we’ve always been proud of our durable, eco-friendly structures and our talent for connecting people with delicate natural habitats. Recently, we had the opportunity to look back at a project we completed in 2014. We build every project for durability, but we’re still always amazed at how stunning our construction looks and feels […]
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Integrating Art and Architecture in Bridge Designs
Timber bridge at WaterColor Inn, Santa Rosa Beach, FL Bridges are more than a way to get from Point A to Point B – they’re an opportunity to blend utility and creativity. Whether your bridge is nestled in a park, nature preserve, or residential landscape, it can be designed with elements that turn a standard structure into a visual masterpiece. When you incorporate architectural art into bridge construction, designers create spaces that invite movement and admiration. Railings That Tell a Story Railing at Cranes Roost, Altamonte Springs, FL One of the most visible areas for artistic expression on a bridge […]
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Understanding Zoning Laws for Natural Construction Projects
Pier Park, Panama City Beach, FL When you start planning for an outdoor structure like a boardwalk, bridge, or pavilion, it’s easy to focus on the style and benefits to visitors. You likely know that you need to comply with local building codes. However, it’s also important to understand and comply with local zoning laws. In fact, this is one of the most critical components of any structure. Zoning regulations determine what you can build, where you can build it, and what conditions you need to consider. If you ignore zoning laws, it can create delays, redesigns, and possibly even […]
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Bird-Friendly Structures: Enhancing Biodiversity and Education
Great blue heron flying over Neabsco Creek Boardwalk Neabsco Creek Boardwalk, Woodbridge, VA Photo credit: Keith Eugene Peterson Outdoor structures are functional for the people who visit parks, trails, and nature preserves, but they can be so much more – they can also be essential tools for protecting wildlife and educating the public about nature. When designed with birds and biodiversity in mind, structures like boardwalks, observation decks, and educational signage can be powerful assets for conservation and learning. When we integrate these and other bird-friendly elements into outdoor construction, we support the environment as well as the communities that […]
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Building Community and Nature Appreciation at Bonnet Springs Park
Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland, Florida exemplifies how thoughtful design and construction of outdoor structures can foster community engagement and nature appreciation. This sprawling urban park, transformed from a once abandoned rail yard, is now a green oasis in the heart of the city, thanks in part to the contributions of Nature Bridges. We are proud to have played a role in making this park USA Today’s Best City Park of 2025 through construction of custom boardwalks and other wooden structures. Nature Bridges’ Role at Bonnet Springs Rodda Construction brought Nature Bridges into the project in 2018 to collaborate on […]
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Earth Day: Renewable Energy
This year’s Earth Day theme is “Our Power, Our Planet.” This theme focuses on the expansion of renewable energy, and it reminds us how important it is to consider sustainability. We can integrate these practices into everyday structures like bridges and boardwalks. One way we can do that is with solar lighting, which supports this vision and enhances the safety and security of our outdoor spaces. Solar Lighting: Sustainability, Safety, and Security Solar lighting is a key player as we work towards renewable energy in outdoor construction. It offers reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly lighting solutions for outdoor structures such […]
Innovative Pavilion Designs for Parks
When you’re responsible for a park, creating an innovative and incredible experience for visitors can be complicated. One potential answer is to add pavilions. These versatile structures enhance both public and private parks and provide a sheltered space for outdoor events, picnics, and even community gatherings. When designing a pavilion, functionality and aesthetic appeal are both important, and innovative approaches can help balance community needs with the visual appeal of communal recreation spaces. Blending Functionality and Style The best pavilion designs harmonize with their surroundings, whether they’re nestled in a natural park or an urban public area. Architects can push […]
Custom Bridge Designs for Residences
With a custom bridge, you can easily transform your ordinary residential landscape into a stunning visual masterpiece. Custom bridges are tailored to fit your own unique aesthetic and functional needs. With the right bridge design, a simple way to walk across obstacles like streams and ravines can become a focal point that enhances the beauty and value of your home. The Art of Customization Nature Bridges customizes every bridge design to match the architectural and natural beauty of a property. With a residence, the only thing that changes is the functional aspect of the bridge. With designers who look at […]
Preparing Trails for Spring Visitors
Winter is quickly turning into Spring, and that means more nature walks! Nature trails and boardwalks become bustling pathways for hikers and nature enthusiasts to enjoy the blossoming landscape. To ensure that your walkways are safe, appealing, and ready to handle the influx of spring visitors, it’s important to prepare and take care of any trail maintenance. Trail Inspection and Assessment As usual, start with a thorough inspection of your trail or boardwalk. Whether your winter is mild or harsh, the cold weather can leave behind damage that needs to be assessed. Check for and repair any physical damage like […]
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Monticello, FL 32345
Phone: (850) 997-8585
Fax: (850) 385-3493
estimating@naturebridges.com