Paleo Hammock Preserve
Paleo Hammock Preserve is a 194 acre public preserve owned by St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners and managed by St. Lucie County Environmental Resources Department (SLC ERD). Paleo Hammock was purchased with funds from the St. Lucie County’s Environmentally Significant Lands Bond Program, a local voter approved bond, and Florida Communities' Trust—Florida Forever Program, a State funding program to preserve and provide passive public access to Florida’s remaining natural treasures. Several interpretative trails lead visitors through a variety of habitats including hydric hammock, wet prairie, prairie hammock, basin swamp, and depression marsh.
Paleo is home to many varieties of plants and wildlife. Commonly seen wildlife include: ospreys, barred owls, wood storks, sandhill cranes, ibis, great egrets, blue heron, coyotes, wild hogs, and many species of snake. Unique plants include; bachelor buttons, sky-blue lupine, loblolly bay, st. peter’s cross, st. johns wort, and many more. Pack cameras and field guides and bring home only memories!
St. Lucie County does an excellent job keeping these well manicured trails in good shape. You can easily walk, bike,or horesback your way to the Geocaches placed in this preserve. Stop by the information kiosk in the parking area and pick up a brochure which includes a handy trail map.
While placing these caches in the very early morning I saw deer, otters, Red Shoudered Hawks, and a large gator. The large 10' gator suprised me as I was riding my bike on the trail. I was within 5' of him before we saw each other. Quite a dramatic experience. I noted his location on my trail track. 27 18.383 / 080 32.780
About the Cache:
The cache location is along the new Red trail. Minor bushwacking, 125' from the trail will reveal a camoed Bison. If you look closely within this hammock you will see some citrus trees. While most are sour, the tangerines are quite good.
Paleo Hammock Brochure
The following image is my track from placing these geocaches.
