Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park

Considered on of the most important and biologically diverse areas in the Florida; and possibly the entire continent of North America, the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park is home to 44 native orchids and 14 native bromeliad species. It's also the only place in the world where the bald cypress and the royal palm share the same forest canopies. This incredible linear swamp forest is only 20 miles long and a mere 5 miles wide, yet it contains some of Florida's richest collection of plants and animals.

Located in the Florida Everglades, Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park is directly on Jane's Memorial Scenic Drive, just west of Copeland, Florida on SR 29 in the southern part of the state.

The eleven mile drive down Jane's Scenic Memorial Drive is truly a scenic drive as it exposes the inner beauty of this diverse community of plants and animals. Buttonbush and glades morning glories can be seen after heavy rains in full bloom. Butterflies flock to this area and zebra long wings, ruddy dagger wings and white peacocks have been spotted all along the scenic drive.

Wildlife sittings have increased exponentially over the years as many conservation efforts have been in place to retain and repair the damages caused by deforestation, swamp drainage and encroaching development. The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) is expected to significantly restore the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park to its natural state in the coming decades as canals are filled in that once drained this glorious habitat.

Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park is a unique area. Water has played an important role in its development of the strand as freshwater slowly moves through the swamp. This shallow river or slough keeps the ambient temperatures of the swamp cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The surrounding buffer of deep lakes shield the forest interior, allowing rare and endangered tropical plants to flourish.

The 2,000 foot long boardwalk at Big Cypress Bend offers a glimpse into the strand. Here a mix of bald cypress and royal palm can be seen and no where else in the world. A wide variety of plants and animals can be seen from the boardwalk in this unusual and diverse ecosystem.

For more information on this fantastic Florida gem, visit the website here.