One of the best ways to see mangroves is from the water! Many state parks offer the chance to paddle along shorelines to explore mangrove islands. This can help prevent harmful algal blooms and other impacts caused by excess nutrients. They can absorb nutrient pollution before it enters a waterbody. Birds such as blue herons, egrets and brown pelicans roost among mangroves. Mangroves can be home to hundreds of species and act as a nursery for many commercial fish and shellfish. Mangroves are so important to Florida they are legally protected and restoration projects are common in areas where mangrove degradation has occurred. ![]() ![]() Sebastian River Preserve, Colt Creek, Dade Battlefield, Rocky Bayou, Dunns Creek and Favery-Dykes.įlorida is home to three species of mangrove, the red mangrove ( Rhizophora mangle), black mangrove ( Avicennia germinans) and the white mangrove ( Laguncularia racemose). While longleaf pines are common throughout many of Florida's state parks, these parks offer visitors the chance to visit old-growth pines: St. The park is also home to a longleaf pine forest more than 50 years old. The park's museum focuses on the logging industry and displays over 5,000 products manufactured from longleaf pines. Forest Capital Museum State Park celebrates the importance of forestry in Florida’s history. Protecting Florida’s longleaf pine forests is also important for preserving our cultural heritage. Florida State Parks such as Torreya, Wakulla Springs and Lake Talquin are implementing restoration efforts to restore longleaf pine habitat. Conservation efforts such as the Florida Forever program aim at protecting habitat including longleaf pine. Longleaf pine ( Pinus palustris) once covered most of central and north Florida but today only about 20% of the original habitat remains. Inspired to add a live oak to your landscape? Be sure to plan ahead! These trees can live to be hundreds of years old and spread between 60 and 120 feet wide and up to 80 feet tall! Visit Florida-Friendly Landscaping to learn more. Lake Griffin State Park may not boast having the oldest tree but is also home to several interesting oaks. Live oak trees stand as centerpieces for many formal gardens such as those at Eden Gardens State Park and Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. ![]() The Fairchild Oak at Bulow Creek State Park is estimated to be 500 years old and is one of the oldest trees in the south. Some of the state’s most interesting live oak trees can be found within Florida’s state park. While an image of a picturesque live oak among rolling hills may be the first thought that comes to mind, but live oaks make their home throughout urban and suburban landscapes across Florida. They are a classic backdrop to an outdoor wedding and a symbol of the southern countryside. The majestic live oak ( Quercus virginiana) can be found from the panhandle down to Miami-Dade County. Like Oak at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park Photo Credit: Angela Harlow Join us as we celebrate some of Florida’s most iconic trees! ![]() DEP’s regulatory side provides guidance for mangrove trimming and oversees permitting for cutting and trimming mangroves and other coastal species such as sea grapes. Through Florida Forever, Florida’s premier conservation and recreation lands acquisition program, DEP buys lands that conserve natural resources, including the state’s iconic trees. DEP also partners with others to restore habitat such as longleaf pine and mangrove forests. Native trees are protected on these lands that represent Florida’s natural and cultural heritage. Florida’s trees do more than just provide shade - they protect air and water quality, enhance shoreline resilience to storm impacts, and provide food and shelter for species important to Florida’s economy. DEP plays several roles in protecting the trees that characterize our state and provide environmental benefits.ĭEP manages thousands of acres in state parks, aquatic preserves and national estuarine research reserves.
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