Longleaf Pine Preserve
This pristine old growth, open pine forest offers an extraordinary glimpse of natural Florida as Native Americans and early settlers knew it. Longleaf Pine Preserve overlooks Crooked Lake and contains one of the most endangered habitats in the western hemisphere; the sandhill longleaf pine community.
The preserve is Polk County's best remaining example of a longleaf / wiregrass natural community. The rich understory supports 12 rare plant species, 3 rare animal species and a profusion of native wildflowers.
Three of the rare plant species are in the highest category of endangerment established by the Florida Natural Areas Inventory: Carter's Mustard, Riparium Autumngrass, and Lewton's Polygala, found only in eastern Polk and Highlands Counties and nowhere else in the world. In fact, of the 12 rare plant species found there, five are endemic to the Lake Wales Ridge.
The preserve is home to a diverse wildlife population. The old growth pines attract many birds, including bald eagles, ospreys and several species of hawks and owls. Animal sightings include bobcat, fox, scrub lizard and sand skink. Several hundred species of wildlife are known to be associated with gopher tortoise burrows, which are abundant on the property.
A maintained nature trail affords passive recreational opportunities including hiking, bird watching, nature study, and photography. The site offers scenic views of Crooked Lake, the only lake in Polk County designated by the State as an Outstanding Florida Water. The high rolling terrain that provides these views also would have made the property very attractive for residential development.
Ken Morrison, local naturalist and Green Horizon board member, convinced his and the Wirt families to purchase the property to prevent its future development. A 12 year conservation easement was placed on the land through Polk County; the county's first such easement. Over the years, the Morrisons have managed the land to preserve its natural characteristics. The thought of losing this site to development caused them to ask Green Horizon to sponsor its purchase by Polk County.
Located between Lake Wales and Frostproof, south of Babson Park on Hollister Road, the property is managed Polk County Environmental Lands Program, which plans to open the site to the public for environmental education and low impact recreation.
