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Blue Hole in Big Pine Key

The Blue Hole in the National Key Deer Refuge

Located on Big Pine Key, the Blue Hole offers a short trail and observation deck where you can immerse yourself in nature.

The Blue Hole is a large sinkhole. The sinkhole became a quarry and the limestone was used to construct roads in The Keys as well as Henry Flagler’s Oversea Railroad. After being included in the National Key Deer Refuge, the Blue Hole was replanted with native vegetation and returned to nature.

The water in the blue hole is a freshwater lens. This means that freshwater from rainwater floats on top of the saltwater that lies underneath. The Blue Hole provides a unique ecosystem for the wild plants and wildlife that thrive there.

The Blue Hole is included in the Florida Keys Birding and Wildlife Trail. Look for Key Deer, fish, alligators, turtles, iguanas, and a variety of birds (including wading birds), and snakes.

Sea level rise is an immediate threat to the Blue Hole. Lying only 3 to 6 feet above sea level, freshwater in wetlands in the Keys will become brackish or saltwater habitats if the sea level continues to rise. Mud turtles, marsh rabbits, and endangered Key Deer will be impacted by the loss of freshwater. When we make choices that protect our planet from climate change, we ultimately are protecting Florida and all of its inhabitants.

Photo credit: Dan Kon, Christian Kon

Trimble Park

Trimble Park —

Nestled between Lake Beauclair and Lake Carlton on the Harris Chain of Lakes lies an outdoor paradise. Trimble Park, operated by Orange County, is located near Mt. Dora in Tangerine.

Saunter along the 1.2-mile loop trail surrounded by ancient oaks. The trail runs along the perimeter of the 71-acre park. Wind through forests of pine, oak, and cypress trees. Walk on a boardwalk through the wetlands. Pause near the lakes to enjoy the view and the wildlife who make their homes there. There are plenty of benches to rest on for your wildlife viewing pleasure. Much of the trail is shaded. Bring your lunch and enjoy it at one of the many picnic tables, some of which are under a shaded structure.

Camping sites are available for your tent or RV. Launch your boat, canoe, or kayak from the boat dock. There are playgrounds for your kids. Your dogs on a 6-ft leash are welcome too!

For more information: http://orangecountyfl.net/CultureParks/Parks.aspx…
Park map and more: https://www.ocfl.net/…/Camping%20at%20Orange%20County%20Par…

Tiger Creek Preserve

Tiger Creek Preserve at Lake Wales Ridge

Tiger Creek Preserve is located on the eastern side of Lake Wales Ridge about five miles north of Frostproof in Babson. It boasts approximately 10 miles of trails within its 4869 acres and is protected almost entirely by the Nature Conservancy in partnership with USFWS and the State of Florida.

Lake Wales Ridge was once a beach and sand dune where animals and plants developed to thrive in the island’s sandy soil. Only about 15% of this 2.3 million-year-old scrub ecosystem exists today. Here you will find one of the highest concentrations of endangered and threatened animals and plants in the US.

Tiger Creek Preserve contains sandhill habitat as well as scrubby flatwood, pine flatwood, longleaf pine, hammock, and hardwood swamp habitats. Two Blackwater streams wind through the preserve. The streams collect water on higher ground and become black as tannins from leaf litter and other vegetation leaches into the water. The Nature Conservancy protects the habit with prescribed burns and the removal of invasive species.

Hike, bike, canoe, or kayak at Tiger Creek Preserve. Look for gopher tortoises, bald eagles, hawks, and the curious Florida Scrub-Jay. Experience the thrill of exploring Florida’s ancient and imperiled scrub and sandhill habitats while discovering some of the 40 endemic invertebrates, more than 40 endemic plants, and 4 threatened wildlife species.

For more information:
https://www.nature.org/…/places-we-pr…/tiger-creek-preserve/

Photo Credit: Andy Waldo