Sand Pine
Sand Pine is a pine endemic to the Southeastern United States. Its common names include sand pine, Florida spruce pine, Alabama pine, and scrub pine. The tree is found in two separate locations, one across central peninsular Florida, and the other in the western Florida panhandle in the Alabama coast. It is largely confined to very infertile, excessively well-drained, sandy habitats where competition from larger-growing species is minimized by the harsh growing conditions of hot sun, fast draining white sands, and frequent severe seasonal droughts.
It is often the only canopy tree in the Florida scrub ecosystem. it is fire-adapted to stand-replacing wildfires, with the cones remaining closed for many years until a natural forest fire kills the mature trees and opens the cones. These then reseed the burnt ground.
Just off of the red-blaze trail. No bikes allowed on this trail. Not much shade on some of the trails. Be sure to bring plenty of water. You may get wet feet and bug spray is recommended depending on the season.
Myakka River State Park is one of Florida's oldest and largest state parks. The scenic Myakka River flows through 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies and woodlands. The park is popular for hiking, boating, kayaking, fishing, camping, and wildlife observation.
As of January 2019, the Park Entrance Fees are as follows:
- $6.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle
- $4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.
- $2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
- $60.00 Bus Tour Fee (30+ people).
- $2.00 per person, Bus Tour Fee (less than 30 people).
Placed with permission of Park Manager Steve Giguere