nature

Oak Hammock Trail at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Oak Hammock Trail is located in Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Parking is just over a mile east of the refuge at the Visitor Center for Oak Hammock Trail and is shared with the Palm Hammock Trail. Both start at the same trailhead; they immediately split in different directions and are no longer connected. Starting to the right of the kiosk, the Oak Hammock Trail takes the path of a figure 8 that winds through seasonally flooded forests.

Much of the trail does have boardwalks; however, it should be noted that it is not wheelchair accessible because of the need to cross the railroad track to the boardwalk and the sandy/native surfaces beforehand.

Start your walk beneath the tall oaks and be surrounded by a dense crowd of sword ferns along the trail. Enjoy a shaded saunter in this distinctly Florida coastal/hydric hammock. Native plants include wild coffee, laurel and live oaks, cabbage palm, and Simpson’s stopper. Make sure to look up in the canopy for many air plants and orchids.

As you are walking around the Oak Hammock Trail, you find yourself surrounded by a marsh. Unless it is winter, the dry season, you will probably find more mud than water. If you are sensitive to mosquitoes, you should bring bug spray.

A cool thing about this saunter is the potential for wild oranges! Yes, you can eat them if you dare. But beware, these are not your modern sweet grocery store oranges. These are wild oranges, remnants from Old Spanish travelers and early homesteaders. This site was from a Daneburg family homestead between 1947 and 1964, where they grew gladiolas and oranges until the Space Center came along and the government obtained the property. Before the Daneburgs, Captain Douglas Dummitt established the first citrus grove in America just a little north of here in 1807.

In the early 1800s, Douglas Dummitt pioneered grafting sour orange trees (the original Florida orange) to sweet orange trees. Leading to the oranges we now eat, with a bit of help from a series of back-to-back freezes, these on the Oak Hammock Trail must be the sour orange trees.

HOURS: Open dawn to dusk. Expect mosquitoes: use bug spray.

Address: 4050 N. Dixie Hwy., Pompano Beach, FL 33064

28.644268, -80.716569

Length: 0.7-mile loop

Amenities:

Information Kiosk

Interpretive Signage

Nature Trail, sand, and boardwalk

Picnic Area

Seating Area

Restroom: None here, but the Visitor Center is nearby

Phone: 321-861-0669

Author and Photo Credit: Bobby Putnam

Bear Pond Trailhead

Lower Wekiva Loop Trail via Bear Pond Trailhead In Seminole State

The Lower Wekiva Loop Trail in Seminole State Forest can be accessed at the Bear Pond Trailhead, located north of State Road 46, approximately 5 miles west of Interstate 4. It is a popular hiking and biking trail located in the Seminole State Forest, Florida.

Seminole State Forest is situated in central Florida, in Lake County, near Eustis. This beautiful forest area offers a variety of recreational opportunities and is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Lower Wekiva Trail, also known as the “Wekiva Wilderness Preserve Trail,” takes you on a scenic journey through some of Florida’s natural beauty. The trail is well-maintained and offers hikers and bikers a chance to explore the area’s diverse ecosystems, including pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks, and wetlands.

Here are some key features and highlights of the Lower Wekiva Trail:

Length and Difficulty: The trail stretches for 10.4 miles, making it suitable for beginner and intermediate hikers and bikers. It’s a relatively flat and easy trail, making it accessible to a wide range of fitness levels.

Scenic Beauty: As you venture along the Lower Wekiva Trail, you’ll be surrounded by lush vegetation and a variety of plant and animal species. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including birds, deer, and other critters commonly found in Florida’s forests.

River Views: The trail takes you close to the banks of the Wekiva River, providing opportunities to enjoy the serene beauty of the water and possibly spot some aquatic wildlife.

Wildlife Viewing: The forest is home to various bird species, such as woodpeckers, hawks, and warblers. There’s also a chance to see other wildlife, including turtles, alligators, and even the occasional black bear.

Recreational Activities: The Lower Wekiva Trail is popular among hikers, bikers, nature enthusiasts, photographers, and birdwatchers. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in the peacefulness of nature.

Trailhead and Facilities: The trail has designated trailheads with parking areas, restrooms, and informational kiosks. These facilities make it convenient for visitors to access and enjoy the trail.

As with any outdoor activity, preparing before embarking on the Lower Wekiva Trail is essential. Bring plenty of water, wear comfortable hiking or biking shoes, and protect yourself from the Florida sun with sunscreen and a hat. Additionally, be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles, respecting the environment and wildlife as you enjoy this beautiful trail in the Seminole State Forest.

For more information: https://www.fdacs.gov/…/State…/Seminole-State-Forest

Photo Credit: Andy Waldo

Northern Crested Caracara

Caracaras are in the falcon family and are excellent hunters although they behave a lot like vultures. They are often seen eating carrion or scavaging around campsites. They tend to hunt small vulnerable animals that are injured but will also eat fruit.

These birds are commonly found in central and south America but have found a home at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park. This populate is known as a relict population that was previously found in the vast oak savannas throughout Florida. As those areas were altered through human disturbance, Caracaras found a home at Florida’s largest true prairie.

Sailfin Molly

Sailfin Mollies are super cool little subtropical fish. Males have such a dramatic display with the sail-like fins. They can be found in both fresh and saltwater. Look for them in slow-moving or still freshwater in springs, swamps, creeks, ponds, in the Gulf of Mexico, and in the intercostal. They are charismatic little fish. Sailfin Mollies dine primarily on algae, and snack on crustaceans and aquatic insects.

Big Tree Park

Big Tree Park is a part of the Spring Hammock Preserve and is located in Longwood. It is best known for “The Senator,” a 3500-year-old Bald Cypress tree that was named for Senator Moses O. Overstreet who donated the land. Unfortunately, “The Senator,” which stood 118 feet tall, burned down in 2012. It was the largest Bald Cypress Tree in the United States.

Pass under the big trees as you saunter along the boardwalk over the hydric hammock swamp. The boardwalk is less than 1/2 mile long out and back. Interpretive signs will awe you with information about “The Senator”. Learn about “The Phoenix,” a clone of “The Senator.” Admire the grandeur of “Lady Liberty,” a 2000-year-old Bald Cypress that stands 89 feet tall. Look for alligators, Florida box turtles, five-lined skinks, raccoons, squirrels, and bobcats. Listen for frogs, woodpeckers, and songbirds.

As a trailhead, Big Tree Park offers the opportunity for a longer stroll or bike ride on the Cross Seminole Trail through the forested wetlands of Spring Hammock Preserve. The Cross Seminole Trail is a part of the Florida National Scenic Trail.

Big Tree Park is open from 8 am until dusk. Spend some time at the playground with your kids. Restrooms are nearby. Bring your lunch or a snack to enjoy at one of the picnic tables.

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Cinnamon Teal

Cinnamon Teal Spatula cyanoptera (septentrionalium) –

This beautiful male Cinnamon Teal decided to visit Florida in February. As you can see in the map pictured below, these migratory ducks are native to the western US and Mexico. According to The Cornell Lab, “In western North America, loss of wetlands to agriculture, grazing, and especially the development of human settlements has meant the massive loss of habitat for Cinnamon Teal.”

We are sure this striking bird found plenty to eat in the wetlands at Merrit Island National Wildlife Refuge. There is certainly a wide variety of insects and vegetation year-round in Florida. While it is a rare occurrence, Cinnamon Teals do occasionally make a winter stop in Florida.

Photo Credit: Andy Waldo

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

This State Park is located near Palm Coast along A1A, between the Atlantic Ocean and Matanzas River. Washington Oaks Gardens is known for its formal gardens, a unique shoreline with rare coquina rock outcroppings, beautiful oak trees, and nature trails. You can hike, bike, and picnic in the park. The grounds feature brick pathways to saunter along and benches to rest upon as you immerse yourself in northeast Florida’s original native habitats. On the 425 acres, you will find a beach, coastal scrub, coastal hammock, and tidal marshes.

Over 144 species of birds can be found in Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. Look for peregrine falcons, spotted sandpipers, scarlet tangler, indigo bunting, and the endangered scrub jay. Take one of the hiking trails and perhaps run into bobcats, a gopher tortoise, raccoons, or whitetail deer. The waters surrounding the park are home to sea turtles, manatees, and dolphins.

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park was part of the Spanish land grants and is in an area steeped in history. The formal gardens are a showcase of the park. They were devised by the former owners Louise and Owen Young and feature rose gardens, birds of paradise, and orange groves, as well as the towering oak trees which the Youngs named the property after.

The park was donated to the state in 1964 with the stipulation that the gardens were kept and maintained as they were originally laid out. Spending the day at Washington Oaks State Park is worth the trip whether you go for hiking, a picnic, bird watching, fishing, or just to spend a serene day enjoying nature.

For more information: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/washington-oaks-gardens-state-park

Photo credit. Lourdes Brown and Andy Waldo