Walking the Ridge
The Ridge Forest Preserve was designated by Broward County in the 1977 land use plan as a “Unique Natural Area.” It was selected for its unique geology, its natural tree canopy, its importance as a wildlife area, and its archeological richness.
This high hammock, oak-filled wilderness preserve covers about 25 acres and at an elevation of 29 feet above sea level, is the highest natural land formation in Broward County. The Ridge can be accessed from the north at the playground. The trail is 1.25 miles long, but there are six cross trails where you can shorten your hike without going back over the same ground. Or you may choose to walk the 5 mile loop to Tree Tops Park and back.
Some people have said that when they walk the Ridge, they feel the spirits of the Indians who honored this special region. Archaeological surveys have confirmed sites within Pine Island Ridge as the locations of hunting camps of the ancient Tequesta Indians. More recently, in the 1800s the Pine Island complex was probably one of the first permanent habitation sites occupied by the Seminole in southeastern Florida. During the Second Seminole War [1835-1842], Pine Island became known as the legendary refuge for the Seminole. The Island was in the uncharted Everglades where the military had never set foot, and appeared to be secure.
Sam Jones, the Miccosukee war chief also known as Abiaka, was closely linked to the series of islands including Pine Island Ridge and nearby Long Key. One of his main residences was on Long Key, and Pine Island Ridge is where he was repeatedly besieged by U.S. government forces that wanted to corner and capture him. Sam Jones is commemorated with a statue in Tree Tops Park, adjacent to Pine Island Ridge.
You may see the wildlife still that depend on this forest: raccoons, opossums, armadillos, gopher tortoises, foxes, snakes (non-venomous), spiders, butterflies, and over 60 species of birds.
On the ridge there is an abundance of live oak, slash pine, hackberry, marlberry, wild coffee, orange trees, beautyberry, swamp fern, giant sword fern and cacti. About 200 yards from the playground stands a 125 year-old oak tree. Winding up through its branches is a marvelous 100 year-old, greenbriar vine about six inches in diameter.
A walk through the Ridge helps us re-capture a time when people were connected to the land. They depended on it and respected it. Our Ridge is a treasure to enjoy and preserve.
CONGRATULATIONS TO TRACYMEGAN ON THE FTF. YOU GO GIRL!